What is mental health therapy?
Mental health therapy (or psychotherapy) is one type of treatment used for mental health, usually in combination with other treatments. Mental health therapy is also sometimes called “talk therapy.” This type of treatment is when you talk to a professional confidentially and they help you understand your experiences, feelings, and thoughts, and help you learn strategies to cope. They can also assess and diagnose mental health conditions.
Therapy can help you learn more about yourself and your feelings, and ways to handle stressors. Therapy is not a “quick fix”. It can take time to see or feel the benefits of therapy in your day-to-day life, and the benefits are different for everyone. People often use therapy alongside other tools, like medication, to help take care of their mental health.
Learn more about different types of psychotherapies and other mental health treatments.
What type of provider can I see for therapy?
There are different titles for mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy. Their title depends on their training and what licenses they have. Some of these names include:
- Psychologists: providers who have a Ph.D. or Psy.D and are licensed by state boards
- Therapists or counselors: such as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Clinical social workers: including Licensed Independent Social Workers (LICSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Psychiatrists: medical doctors (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication for mental health treatment. In some cases, they can also provide therapy.
- Peer support specialists: Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) who are trained and certified in a specialty area like addiction
It can take time to find a therapist or mental health specialist that you feel comfortable with. You may need to meet with a few different providers until you find the right fit for you.
What are mental health medications?
Medication can help people treat mental health challenges and/or conditions. It’s common for people to use medication combined with psychotherapy to address their mental health condition.
A psychiatrist or another health care provider that is licensed to prescribe medication can work with you to develop the right treatment plan for you. There’s a variety of medication types for mental health conditions. Learn more at National Institute of Mental Health.
Where can I find a therapist or other providers?
If you have a primary care provider, you can start by talking to them about what you’ve been experiencing. Ask for a referral to a mental health provider.
You can also visit MassMen's resource find mental health treatment or support to explore options available in Massachusetts.
Will mental health therapy or other treatment be covered by my insurance?
- If you have private health insurance, contact your insurance provider (the number on the back of your health insurance card is best) to see what services might be available to you.
- If you have MassHealth (Medicaid in MA), contact the member services number on your MassHealth card, or consult with your primary care doctor/provider.
- If you have Medicare, contact the primary care physician’s office or Medicare for a referral to services. 1-(800)-MEDICARE (or 1-800-633-4227).
- If you don’t have health insurance, you can get coverage through the MA Health Connector.
Find mental health treatment or support
Connect to trusted resources for men seeking therapy, crisis support, or other mental health services.
Learn more about mental health
Learn about common mental health challenges. Take a screener to find recommendations and resources that might be right for you.