Therapy and Counseling

Christine L. B. Selby, PhD, is associate professor of psychology at Husson University, in Bangor, Maine, and is a licensed psychologist at a part-time private practice.

• Series ForewordAcknowledgmentsIntroductionGuide to Health LiteracyCommon Misconceptions about Therapy and CounselingQuestions and AnswersGeneral Information1. How do I know if I need counseling?2. In general, how does therapy work?3. What are the differences between a counselor, therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist?4. What credentials should I look for when choosing a counselor or therapist?5. How do I find the right counselor or therapist?6. I've never been to counseling before and I'm nervous about what my counselor will think about me—should I be?Different Types of Therapy7. What is psychoanalytic psychotherapy?8. What is psychodynamic psychotherapy?9. What is behavior therapy?10. What is cognitive therapy?11. What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?12. What is supportive psychotherapy?13. What is interpersonal psychotherapy?14. What is client-centered therapy?15. What is eclectic therapy?16. What is group therapy?17. What is family therapy?18. What is evidence-based practice?19. Is one type of therapy better than another?Deciding to Seek Counseling and Finding a Counselor20. Should I seek individual, couples, family, or group therapy?21. What is the difference between outpatient therapy and inpatient therapy?22. What is a mental health diagnosis, and what does it mean?23. Do I need to see a counselor who has a particular specialty?24. What should I ask a counselor before I decide to schedule an appointment?25. Why is my counselor asking me to provide information (on the initial paperwork) about things that have nothing to do with why I'm going to counseling?26. What is a release of information (ROI) form, and why would my counselor ask me to sign one?27. What should I expect at the first session?28. How long is each appointment?29. How long should it take until I feel better?30. Why won't my therapist answer personal questions I ask them?31. Therapy doesn't seem to be working—what should I do?32. Are my sessions confidential?33. What does it mean if my counselor recommends psychological testing?34. What does it mean if my counselor recommends medication?35. I don't like my therapist—what should I do?36. What is HIPAA and how does it affect me?37. What if I don't want to go to counseling—can anyone make me go?38. What should I do if my family/friends make fun of me for going to therapy?39. How can I encourage someone who is struggling to seek counseling?Insurance and Paying for Therapy40. How much does therapy cost?41. Do I need health insurance to see a counselor? What kinds of health insurance are there? How do I get insurance?42. What do insurance-related terms like "in-network," "out-of-network," "deductible," "co-payment," and "coinsurance" mean?43. Do I have to get a special authorization to see a therapist?44. Why won't my insurance pay for counseling?Case StudiesGlossaryDirectory of ResourcesIndex

Recommended. General readers, lower-division undergraduates, and community college students.