LifeStance Insights
Our team of expert clinicians give their perspectives across a range of subjects, touching on current topics, family and loved one issues, mental health struggles and the comprehensive services that can help you live a better life.
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3 Steps to Understanding and Maximizing Your Mental Health Insurance Coverage (Updated for 2025)
May 14, 2025
By: LifeStance Health
Read Time: 3 Minutes
This content has been updated from previous article on November 1, 2023.
Since 2022, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have mandated that mental health and substance use disorder services be covered by insurance plans at the same level as other medical and surgical services. This means that insurance plans are generally required to provide coverage for mental health treatment, therapy, counseling, and sometimes related prescription medications.
Getting mental health coverage through insurance has become easier thanks to recent federal regulations, including the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), updated significantly in 2024. Follow these three straightforward steps to confirm your mental health coverage:
1. Obtain and Review Your Health Insurance Policy
Start by securing a copy of your insurance policy from your employer’s HR department or directly from your insurer’s website. Review the Summary of...
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Disorders
Living with Borderline Personality Disorder: the Truth, the Stigma, and the Path to Healing
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized mental health conditions. Despite how often it’s referenced in popular media and online conversations, accurate information—and true compassion—are often missing. As both a clinical psychologist and someone who has personally experienced BPD, I want to shed light on the realities of this diagnosis and offer hope and clarity to those navigating it.
What BPD Really Is
Borderline Personality Disorder isn’t just a checklist of symptoms—it’s a nuanced condition shaped by both genetics and environment. From a biological standpoint, we know that people with BPD often have increased sensitivity from a young age. That sensitivity isn’t imaginary—it’s observable even in the brain.
Research shows structural and functional differences in key brain areas for individuals with BPD. The amygdala, our brain’s emotion processing center, may be more reactive. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus—essential for...
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Living with Borderline Personality Disorder: the Truth, the Stigma, and the Path to Healing
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized mental health conditions. Despite how often it’s referenced in popular media and online conversations, accurate information—and true compassion—are often missing. As both a clinical psychologist and someone who has personally experienced BPD, I want to shed light on the realities of this diagnosis and offer hope and clarity to those navigating it.
What BPD Really Is
Borderline Personality Disorder isn’t just a checklist of symptoms—it’s a nuanced condition shaped by both genetics and environment. From a biological standpoint, we know that people with BPD often have increased sensitivity from a young age. That sensitivity isn’t imaginary—it’s observable even in the brain.
Research shows structural and functional differences in key brain areas for individuals with BPD. The amygdala, our brain’s emotion processing center, may be more reactive. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus—essential for...
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Types of Therapy
How Trauma Leads to Addiction and Substance Use—and What Helps People Heal
Many people struggling with addiction have also experienced trauma. Whether it’s childhood abuse, neglect, violence, or emotional pain, unresolved trauma can play a major role in why someone turns to drugs or alcohol. I’ve seen this connection over and over in my work as a therapist over the past decade, especially in treatment settings that focused on both mental health and substance use. Early in my career, I worked in an intensive outpatient program for co-occurring disorders, and later in a trauma-informed agency that truly changed how I approached care. That experience taught me that healing happens when we treat the whole person—not just their addiction, but the pain underneath it.
Addiction Is Not a Moral Failing—It’s a Brain Disorder
Let’s start by redefining addiction. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is a chronic brain disorder. That means it changes how your brain works—not because you’re weak or broken, but because your brain...
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How Trauma Leads to Addiction and Substance Use—and What Helps People Heal
Many people struggling with addiction have also experienced trauma. Whether it’s childhood abuse, neglect, violence, or emotional pain, unresolved trauma can play a major role in why someone turns to drugs or alcohol. I’ve seen this connection over and over in my work as a therapist over the past decade, especially in treatment settings that focused on both mental health and substance use. Early in my career, I worked in an intensive outpatient program for co-occurring disorders, and later in a trauma-informed agency that truly changed how I approached care. That experience taught me that healing happens when we treat the whole person—not just their addiction, but the pain underneath it.
Addiction Is Not a Moral Failing—It’s a Brain Disorder
Let’s start by redefining addiction. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is a chronic brain disorder. That means it changes how your brain works—not because you’re weak or broken, but because your brain...
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Anxiety/Stress
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The 4 Types of Trauma Responses
This content has been updated from previous article posted July 3, 2023
When people encounter threatening or high-stress situations, their bodies often react automatically with what’s known as the “fight or flight” response. This instinctive reaction has helped humans survive dangerous situations throughout history. Whether it’s facing a wild animal, experiencing a traumatic event, or navigating overwhelming stress, the brain and body shift into survival mode.
This automatic response is triggered by perceived threats to one’s safety—whether physical or psychological—and can result in intense fear, anxiety, and physiological changes. Over time, particularly in individuals who have experienced ongoing trauma or high-stress environments, these responses can become ingrained patterns of behavior.
To better understand these responses, let’s take a look at an example of how this could come to life. If you happen to find yourself face-to-face with a tiger, would you be more likely to take out a weapon and fight? Or would you lace up your best running shoes and run away – taking flight? Both reactions are considered normal for different types of people. However, there’s more to the story. In today’s society, it’s highly unlikely you will have to face a tiger, but traumatic events that involve actual or threatened dea...
By LifeStance Health
Published: May 5, 2025Read Time: 7 Minutes
The 4 Types of Trauma Responses
This content has been updated from previous article posted July 3, 2023
When people encounter threatening or high-stress situations, their bodies often react automatically with what’s known as the “fight or flight” response. This instinctive reaction has helped humans survive dangerous situations throughout history. Whether it’s facing a wild animal, experiencing a traumatic event, or navigating overwhelming stress, the brain and body shift into survival mode.
This automatic response is triggered by perceived threats to one’s safety—whether physical or psychological—and can result in intense fear, anxiety, and physiological changes. Over time, particularly in individuals who have experienced ongoing trauma or high-stress environments, these responses can become ingrained patterns of behavior.
To better understand these responses, let’s take a look at an example of how this could come to life. If you happen to find yourself face-to-face with a tiger, would you be more likely to take out a weapon and fight? Or would you lace up your best running shoes and run away – taking flight? Both reactions are considered normal for different types of people. However, there’s more to the story. In today’s society, it’s highly unlikely you will have to face a tiger, but traumatic events that involve actual or threatened dea...
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Types of Therapy
Feeling Overwhelmed? How Understanding Your Emotions Can Help You Regain Control
What Are Emotions?
When we think of emotions, they at times feel almost magical and intangible. Sometimes we have clear cause and effect, such as “I was in such a rush leaving the house this morning I can’t believe I forgot this one specific item I wanted to bring and now I am annoyed.” Other times they can be more vague or unknown, like if someone was hanging out comfortably at home or with friends and noticed that for some reason, they suddenly felt sad or anxious despite being in an objectively happy situation. Sometimes they are powerful and seem to take us over without us wanting that to happen; for example, some people experiencing “black outs” when they are angry and seem to have clarity only after the event ended. To better understand this, we explore the biological process of emotions.
The reasons emotions exist is to have a need to be met. If we did not have biochemical responses, it would decrease the likelihood of an action being taken. For example, if there was express danger in front of someone and there was no panic or fear, then they would not try to get away from the danger. We can see this in instances when there is dysfunction in emotional experiences. Using the example of individuals with no safety awareness, such as individuals with sever...
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Feeling Overwhelmed? How Understanding Your Emotions Can Help You Regain Control
What Are Emotions?
When we think of emotions, they at times feel almost magical and intangible. Sometimes we have clear cause and effect, such as “I was in such a rush leaving the house this morning I can’t believe I forgot this one specific item I wanted to bring and now I am annoyed.” Other times they can be more vague or unknown, like if someone was hanging out comfortably at home or with friends and noticed that for some reason, they suddenly felt sad or anxious despite being in an objectively happy situation. Sometimes they are powerful and seem to take us over without us wanting that to happen; for example, some people experiencing “black outs” when they are angry and seem to have clarity only after the event ended. To better understand this, we explore the biological process of emotions.
The reasons emotions exist is to have a need to be met. If we did not have biochemical responses, it would decrease the likelihood of an action being taken. For example, if there was express danger in front of someone and there was no panic or fear, then they would not try to get away from the danger. We can see this in instances when there is dysfunction in emotional experiences. Using the example of individuals with no safety awareness, such as individuals with sever...
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Disorders
Understanding Schizophrenia: Treatment Options and Paths to Hope
I’m Darcy Leon, PMHNP-BC, and I specialize in psychopharmacology—the study and practice of using medications to treat mental health conditions. My passion lies in educating my clients about their medications, staying current with the latest research, and tailoring treatment plans to fit each individual’s unique needs. While medication can be a vital part of treatment, I often find that psychotherapy plays a crucial role as well, which is why I frequently refer clients to one of our dedicated LifeStance therapists. Today, I want to talk about schizophrenia—what it is, how it’s treated, and most importantly, how we can support those living with it.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it begins to take shape long before symptoms appear. It’s often misunderstood as a sudden onset of psychosis in early adulthood, but we now know that subtle signs can show up earlier in life, such as cognitive difficulties and social challenges.
The exact...
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Understanding Schizophrenia: Treatment Options and Paths to Hope
I’m Darcy Leon, PMHNP-BC, and I specialize in psychopharmacology—the study and practice of using medications to treat mental health conditions. My passion lies in educating my clients about their medications, staying current with the latest research, and tailoring treatment plans to fit each individual’s unique needs. While medication can be a vital part of treatment, I often find that psychotherapy plays a crucial role as well, which is why I frequently refer clients to one of our dedicated LifeStance therapists. Today, I want to talk about schizophrenia—what it is, how it’s treated, and most importantly, how we can support those living with it.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it begins to take shape long before symptoms appear. It’s often misunderstood as a sudden onset of psychosis in early adulthood, but we now know that subtle signs can show up earlier in life, such as cognitive difficulties and social challenges.
The exact...
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Lifestyle/Cultural
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10 Mental Health Podcasts Therapists Actually Listen To and Recommend
In a world where wellness content is everywhere but quality can vary wildly, finding mental health resources that are both engaging and evidence-based can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. That’s why we’ve asked our own mental health professionals to curate this list of podcasts that combine clinical expertise with compelling storytelling.
Whether you’re currently working with a therapist, contemplating starting therapy, or simply interested in deepening your understanding of mental wellbeing, these expert-picked podcasts provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and the comforting reminder that you’re not alone in your experiences.
These aren’t just any mental health podcasts—they’re the ones therapists themselves tune into for professional growth, recommend to their clients, and even enjoy during their own self-care time. From grief and depression to happiness research and culturally responsive therapy, these audio shows offer something for just about everyone on their mental health journey.
Whether you’re currently working with a therapist, contemplating starting therapy, or simply interested in deepening your understanding of mental wellbeing, these expert-picked podcasts provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and the comfort...
By LifeStance Health
Published: April 23, 2025Read Time: 5 Minutes
10 Mental Health Podcasts Therapists Actually Listen To and Recommend
In a world where wellness content is everywhere but quality can vary wildly, finding mental health resources that are both engaging and evidence-based can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. That’s why we’ve asked our own mental health professionals to curate this list of podcasts that combine clinical expertise with compelling storytelling.
Whether you’re currently working with a therapist, contemplating starting therapy, or simply interested in deepening your understanding of mental wellbeing, these expert-picked podcasts provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and the comforting reminder that you’re not alone in your experiences.
These aren’t just any mental health podcasts—they’re the ones therapists themselves tune into for professional growth, recommend to their clients, and even enjoy during their own self-care time. From grief and depression to happiness research and culturally responsive therapy, these audio shows offer something for just about everyone on their mental health journey.
Whether you’re currently working with a therapist, contemplating starting therapy, or simply interested in deepening your understanding of mental wellbeing, these expert-picked podcasts provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and the comfort...
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Insights
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Does Social Media Make You Think Your Relationship is Toxic? 52% Say YES!
If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok or Instagram and suddenly questioned whether your partner might be “toxic” or “gaslighting” you, you’re definitely not alone. According to LifeStance’s survey, “Navigating Mental Health in the Age of Social Media,” a whopping 52% of respondents have started doubting their relationships—wondering if they are “toxic”—and it’s all thanks to a new phenomenon called “therapy speak.”
The survey, conducted by LifeStance in partnership with Researchscape International, revealed how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X are impacting the way we view our romantic partnerships.
What Does Toxic Relationship Mean?
So, what does “toxic” mean in this context? A toxic relationship typically involves patterns of behavior that cause emotional, mental, or even physical harm. This might look like a partner who constantly belittles you, exerts excessive control—such as dem...
By LifeStance Health
Published: April 21, 2025Read Time: 3 Minutes
Does Social Media Make You Think Your Relationship is Toxic? 52% Say YES!
If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok or Instagram and suddenly questioned whether your partner might be “toxic” or “gaslighting” you, you’re definitely not alone. According to LifeStance’s survey, “Navigating Mental Health in the Age of Social Media,” a whopping 52% of respondents have started doubting their relationships—wondering if they are “toxic”—and it’s all thanks to a new phenomenon called “therapy speak.”
The survey, conducted by LifeStance in partnership with Researchscape International, revealed how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X are impacting the way we view our romantic partnerships.
What Does Toxic Relationship Mean?
So, what does “toxic” mean in this context? A toxic relationship typically involves patterns of behavior that cause emotional, mental, or even physical harm. This might look like a partner who constantly belittles you, exerts excessive control—such as dem...
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