1,364,050
Therapists
100%
Accepting patients
5%
Most common: LPC
4
Verified profiles
FindClarity lists 1,364,050 therapists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is LPC (5%).
Therapists (often LCSWs, LPCs, or LMFTs) provide talk therapy for emotional and psychological concerns, from depression and anxiety to grief, relationship problems, trauma, and life transitions.
Therapists hold a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field, followed by two to three years of supervised clinical experience before earning full licensure. They use evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy.
Unlike psychiatrists, most therapists do not prescribe medication. If medication might help, they can coordinate with a prescribing provider. Therapy is the primary treatment for many mental health conditions. Research consistently shows it works both on its own and alongside medication.
Consider seeing a therapist if you are struggling with persistent sadness or worry, difficulty sleeping, relationship conflicts, the aftermath of a traumatic event, a major life change (divorce, job loss, grief), substance use concerns, or simply feeling stuck. You do not need a diagnosis to benefit from therapy.
The first session (often called an intake) lasts about 50 to 60 minutes. Your therapist will ask about your background, current concerns, goals, and any relevant history. They are not judging you; they are building a picture of how to help. Together you will set a direction for treatment. Follow-up sessions are usually weekly.
Session (in-network copay): $20-50 · Session (out-of-network): $100-250 · Sliding scale: varies
Progress can be gradual. Early signs include feeling understood by your therapist, gaining new perspectives on old problems, noticing small changes in how you respond to stress, and starting to use coping strategies outside of sessions. If after several sessions you feel no connection or progress, talk openly with your therapist about it. Adjustments or a different approach may help.
The main difference is education level. Psychologists hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and complete more extensive training, including research. Therapists typically hold a master's degree. Both provide talk therapy and use similar techniques. Psychologists may also offer psychological testing and assessment that master's-level therapists do not.
It varies widely. Some people see improvement in 8 to 12 sessions of focused therapy like CBT. Others benefit from longer-term work, especially for complex trauma, personality patterns, or chronic conditions. There is no required length. You and your therapist decide together when it makes sense to taper off or end treatment.
Yes, with a few exceptions required by law. Therapists must report imminent danger to yourself or others, suspected child or elder abuse, and certain court-ordered disclosures. Outside these situations, your therapist cannot share what you discuss without your written consent: not with family, employers, or other providers.
Yes. Telehealth therapy became widely available during COVID and is now a permanent option offered by most therapists. Research shows it is comparably effective to in-person therapy for most conditions. It works well for talk-based therapies, though some specialized treatments may work better in person.
Products and services that complement your care.
Guided meditation and mindfulness exercises to support your mental health journey between appointments.
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Mental health parity laws require most insurance plans to cover therapy at the same level as medical care. You will typically pay a copay or coinsurance per session. Check whether your plan requires a referral, how many sessions are covered per year, and whether your therapist is in-network. Out-of-network therapists are common. Ask about superbills for possible reimbursement.