Not a crisis service. Call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.

NearbyTherapy

Therapy guides for finding the right care

These guides explain the practical side of looking for therapy: what the letters after a provider's name mean, how fees and insurance generally work, and how to make the search easier. They are educational and general, written to help you ask good questions. They are not medical advice, and a licensed provider is the right person to talk with about your own situation.

A person reading on a sofa with a cup of tea and a notebook, afternoon light

Understanding credentials

  • A row of framed diplomas and a state license on a wall in a therapist's office, seen at an angle, one plant below

    Psychiatrist vs psychologist

    How medical doctors in psychiatry and doctoral level psychologists are trained, and who can prescribe.

    Read psychiatrist vs psychologist

  • A therapist at her desk between sessions reading on a tablet, bookshelf and plants behind, window light

    Psychologist vs therapist

    Why therapist is a broad word, and which licenses usually sit behind it.

    Read psychologist vs therapist

  • A therapist's quiet office seen from the doorway, two armchairs facing each other, a side table with a box of tissues and a plant, afternoon daylight from a tall window

    Counselor vs therapist

    How LPC, LMHC, LMFT and LCSW licenses compare, and when the difference matters.

    Read counselor vs therapist

  • A woman at a small table at home on a video call on her laptop, headphones on, seen from behind over her shoulder, a cat on the chair beside her

    LCSW vs psychologist

    Two common therapy licenses compared by training, scope, testing and cost.

    Read lcsw vs psychologist

Cost and insurance

  • A woman at a kitchen table with an insurance card, a phone and a printed statement

    How much does therapy cost

    What shapes session fees, plus plain explanations of copays, deductibles and superbills.

    Read how much does therapy cost

  • A person reading on a sofa with a cup of tea and a notebook, afternoon light

    Therapy without insurance

    Sliding scale fees, training clinics, community centers, EAPs and your right to an estimate.

    Read therapy without insurance

  • A couple walking side by side on a residential street at dusk, seen from behind, porch lights on

    How much does couples counseling cost

    Why couples sessions are priced and covered differently, and ways to lower the cost.

    Read how much does couples counseling cost

Finding care

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NearbyTherapy is a directory, not a crisis service. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency. More options are on our crisis resources page.

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