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Psychotherapy and Counseling

Talking to a trained professional is one of the most effective ways to improve mental health. This is an overview of psychotherapy, often called talk therapy or counseling: what it is, the main types, what it treats, and how to begin.

Michael Callans, M.S. Psychology, content reviewer at Psychology.com

Medically reviewed by Michael Callans, M.S. Psychology

Published June 25, 2026 · Last updated June 25, 2026

Illustration of a client and therapist in conversation during a psychotherapy and counseling session.

Key facts

  • Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a collaborative treatment with a trained mental health professional.
  • There are several evidence-based approaches, including CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy.
  • Therapy is effective for many conditions, including anxiety and depression, and for personal growth.
  • The relationship with your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of how well therapy works.

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment in which you work with a trained professional to understand and change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are causing distress. People also call it talk therapy or counseling. It is delivered by licensed clinicians such as psychologists, licensed counselors, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and psychiatrists.

The American Psychological Association describes psychotherapy as a way to help people of all ages live happier, healthier, and more productive lives by addressing emotional difficulties and mental health conditions. It is not just for crisis. People use therapy to recover from a specific problem, to cope with a hard period, to understand long-standing patterns, or simply to grow.

A common question is the difference between psychotherapy and counseling. The terms overlap heavily and are often used interchangeably. Counseling sometimes refers to shorter, focused work on a particular issue, while psychotherapy can imply deeper or longer-term work, but in practice the line is blurry and the right fit depends on your goals, not the label.

The main types of therapy

There is no single kind of therapy. Different approaches suit different problems and people, and many therapists blend them. The major families include:

Several specialized approaches build on these foundations, including EMDR for trauma and acceptance and commitment therapy. The best approach depends on your situation, and a skilled therapist will recommend and adapt as you go.

Infographic showing the main types of psychotherapy including CBT, psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, and interpersonal therapy.
Different talk-therapy approaches and what they focus on

What therapy treats

Psychotherapy helps with a wide range of mental health conditions and life difficulties. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is used to treat conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and substance use problems, often alongside medication.

Therapy is not only for diagnosed conditions. People also use it to work through grief, relationship struggles, stress, low self-worth, major transitions, and a general sense of being stuck. The common thread is that talking things through with a trained, objective professional helps you understand what is happening and build healthier ways of responding.

What to expect

Therapy usually starts with an assessment, where the therapist asks about your history, your current concerns, and what you hope to achieve. Together you set goals and agree on a direction. Sessions typically run around 45 to 60 minutes, often weekly at first, in person or by video.

In sessions you talk openly, and the therapist listens, asks questions, offers perspective, and may teach specific skills. Everything you share is confidential, within the legal limits a therapist will explain at the start, such as situations involving risk of harm. Progress is rarely a straight line, and it is normal for some sessions to feel harder than others. Most importantly, the bond between you and your therapist, sometimes called the therapeutic alliance, is one of the strongest predictors of success, so it is worth finding someone you trust.

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How to start

Starting therapy is simpler than it can feel. A few steps help:

If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, do not wait for an appointment. Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, US) for free, confidential help any time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between psychotherapy and counseling?

The terms overlap and are often used interchangeably. Counseling sometimes refers to shorter, focused work on a specific issue, while psychotherapy can mean deeper or longer-term work. Both are forms of talk therapy delivered by trained professionals, and the right fit depends on your needs.

How do I know which type of therapy is right for me?

You do not need to choose alone. A good therapist assesses your situation and recommends an approach, and many combine methods. CBT has strong evidence for anxiety and depression, while other approaches suit relationship patterns, trauma, or personal growth. Fit with the therapist matters as much as the method.

Does therapy actually work?

Yes. Decades of research show that psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, and many people benefit meaningfully. For some conditions it works as well as medication, and the skills learned often keep helping after therapy ends.

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References

Medical disclaimer. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition.