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What is Talk Therapy?

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a treatment approach where individuals discuss their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with a licensed therapist in a confidential environment. It is used by a variety of audiences, including individuals in one-on-one sessions with a psychotherapist, couples seeking to improve communication and resolve conflicts, and groups looking for shared support and connection. Talk therapy is also tailored to both adults and children, addressing their unique developmental and emotional needs. Talk therapy offers versatile solutions to promote mental and emotional well-being.

The Potential Benefits of Talk Therapy

  • Improved Emotional Awareness and Expression

    Talk therapy can help individuals identify and articulate their emotions, fostering greater self-awareness and the ability to express feelings constructively.

  • Effective Coping Strategies

    Through therapy, people can learn practical tools and techniques to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other challenges, often empowering them to handle life’s difficulties more effectively.

  • Strengthened Relationships

    For couples and families, therapy can improve communication, help resolve conflicts, and strengthen bonds by addressing underlying issues and fostering mutual understanding.

  • Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

    For many diagnoses and challenges, therapy provides a supportive space for exploring personal values, goals, and patterns, encouraging growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.

  • Reduced Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions

    Talk therapy can help alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, by addressing root causes and building healthier thought patterns.

Who Can Provide Talk Therapy?

Talk therapy can be provided by any trained and licensed mental health professional. This includes Clinical Social Workers, Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychiatrists, and Nurse Practitioners. While Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are trained in psychotherapy skills, their primary focus is addressing mental health challenges through biochemical adjustments, such as medications. For many people, the best outcomes are achieved through a combination of talk therapy and medication management (when clinically appropriate).

It is noteworthy that psychotherapists can have degrees in more than one field and still diagnose and treat mental health challenges. These can include:

  • Psychologists – Hold a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions through therapy and psychological testing.
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) – Mental health professionals with a master’s degree in social work (MSW) who provide therapy, case management, and support for individuals, families, and groups dealing with emotional and mental health challenges.
  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) – Hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and are trained to provide therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
  • Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) – Specialize in relationship and family dynamics, helping couples and families navigate conflicts, improve communication, and address mental health issues within relationships.

While these types of clinicians have some differences in their training, they are all capable of providing outstanding treatment within their areas of expertise. The right therapist is the one with the right skills and that makes you feel comfortable working through your challenges.

While their titles are different, all types of therapists share a common goal: to help their patients overcome their mental and emotional challenges so they can thrive.

LifeStance Health specializes in Talk Therapy (Psychotherapy) with multiple locations in 33 states. Services vary by location.

Find a location near you:

Types of Talk Therapy

Talk therapy comes in many forms, each tailored to different goals, techniques, and underlying theories. There are many types of talk therapy, each with a unique focus to address diverse needs. Some talk therapies are designed to help individuals learn more about themselves by exploring their past experiences, while others focus on overcoming specific current challenges. Many therapists use several types of talk therapies, or “modalities”, to address your unique challenges. At LifeStance, we offer a variety of talk therapy options tailored to support individuals in achieving their mental health goals. To learn more about the types of therapy we provide, click here.

Almost all types of talk therapy can be provided online.

References

Bulkes NZ, Davis K, Kay B, Riemann BC. Comparing efficacy of telehealth to in-person mental health care in intensive-treatment-seeking adults. J Psychiatr Res. 2022 Jan;145:347-352. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.11.003. Epub 2021 Nov 3. PMID: 34799124; PMCID: PMC8595951
photo of LifeStance provider Matthew Solit, MSW, LMSW

Clinically Reviewed By:

Matthew Solit, MSW, LMSW
Head of Therapy Services
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Matthew Solit, MSW is the North Division Executive Clinical Director at LifeStance, serving the therapists and clinical directors across 21 states. Prior to stepping into the role of ECD, he served as Michigan Operations Director, with a primary focus on clinical operations. Matthew has over 20 years of varied leadership experience, most of which has been in the mental and behavioral health field. Throughout this, he has also made time to provide direct clinical care to those in need. He has spent time working in inpatient, outpatient, and sub-acute settings, working with an extensive variety of clinical challenges.

Matthew received his B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Arizona and his master s in social work from the Catholic University of America in his hometown of Washington, D.C. He has engaged in numerous speaking events on topics from clinical diagnostic skills-building to clinical best-practices and risk management. Matthew spends his off time with his wonderful family and two dogs. He enjoys cooking, woodworking, and gardening outside of his work with those in need.