Therapy FAQs and Resources
Therapy FAQs
How can therapy help me?
Therapy offers a wide range of benefits.
Working with a therapist offers support, practical tools, and strategies to manage a wide range of challenges—including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, unresolved childhood trauma, grief, stress, body image concerns, and creative blocks.
In addition to addressing specific concerns, many people turn to therapy for help with personal growth, navigating family dynamics, improving marriages, or coping with everyday stress.
A therapist provides a fresh perspective and helps you make sense of difficult situations. When you stay committed and actively engage in the process, you’re more likely to see meaningful progress and lasting change.
Potential benefits of therapy include:
- Gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, your goals, and values
- Enhancing relationship skills and emotional intelligence
- Learning healthy ways to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges
- Coping more effectively with anger, grief, and depression
- Improving communication and listening abilities
- Replacing unhelpful behavior patterns with healthier ones
- Finding solutions to family or marital problems
- Building self-esteem and confidence
Do I really need therapy?
Everyone faces hard times. Even if you’ve handled challenges before, there’s strength in knowing when to seek extra support. Reaching out shows courage and self-awareness.
Starting therapy means you’re taking control—recognizing where you are and choosing to grow.
Therapy gives you practical tools to manage triggers, break old patterns, and handle life’s challenges with more confidence. It’s a proactive step toward better mental health and lasting personal growth.
How can I benefit from therapy?
People come to therapy for many reasons. Some are facing major life changes like job loss, divorce, or starting a new career. Others feel overwhelmed by ongoing stress or emotional struggles.
Therapy also helps with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship issues, spiritual concerns, and creative blocks. It provides support, encouragement, and practical tools to navigate these challenges.
Not everyone seeks therapy because something feels “wrong.” Many want to better understand themselves, grow personally, and reach their goals more effectively.
Choosing therapy shows you’re ready to face life with intention and take meaningful steps forward.
What can I expect from therapy?
Personalized Therapy to Fit Your Needs
Every person brings unique challenges and goals to therapy, so the process is tailored just for you. In most sessions, you’ll discuss what’s happening in your life, reflect on past experiences, and build on insights from previous conversations.
Therapy: Short-Term or Long-Term
Some people use therapy short-term to address a specific issue. Others commit longer-term to work through deeper patterns or focus on personal growth. Regular sessions—often weekly—help maintain progress.
Active Participation for Lasting Change
To benefit fully, therapy requires active involvement both during and between sessions. Your therapist may suggest activities like journaling, reading, or small goal steps to support your growth. Ultimately, therapy works best when you’re ready to embrace change and new perspectives.
Can I use my insurance for therapy?
To find out if your insurance plan includes mental health coverage, start by contacting your insurance carrier directly. Be sure to review your coverage thoroughly and ask for clarification if needed. Here are some useful questions to guide your conversation:
- What mental health benefits are included in my plan?
- How much does my plan cover per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my insurance cover?
- What is the reimbursement for out-of-network providers?
- Do I need approval from my primary care physician to access services?
Is everything discussed in therapy kept confidential?
Confidentiality is a key part of therapy. Trust is essential, especially when you’re sharing personal or sensitive information. To protect your privacy, every therapist must give you a written confidentiality agreement—often called “Informed Consent.”
In most cases, what you share in therapy stays private. If you want your therapist to speak with someone on your care team, like a doctor, naturopath, or attorney, you must provide written permission first.
However, there are important exceptions. State laws and professional ethics require therapists to break confidentiality in certain situations:
If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, vulnerable adult, or elder—past or present—they must report it to authorities.
If a therapist believes you are at serious risk of harming yourself or someone else, they must take steps to ensure safety.
These exceptions are in place to protect you and others while maintaining a safe, supportive environment for healing.
Why therapy instead of just medication for mental health?
Medication can ease symptoms, but it’s rarely a long-term solution on its own. Therapy goes deeper. It helps uncover root causes of distress and shift the behavior patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
For lasting growth and well-being, a holistic approach works best. Many people find that combining therapy with medication offers the most effective path forward.
Working with your doctor, you can explore options that match your unique needs—and build a plan that supports your whole self, not just the symptoms.
Therapy and Support Resources
Crisis Resources
Suicide Prevention and Support
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate assistance, the following resources are available to help:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988
Crisis Line (Minnesota): Call **CRISIS (**274747)
Crisis Text Line: Text “MN” to 741741 for free, 24/7 support
The Trevor Project: Call 866-488-7386 for LGBTQ+ youth support
Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: Call 833-600-2670 for farm and rural assistance
Emergency Services: Dial 911
For additional resources, visit NAMI’s Suicide Awareness, Prevention, and Support page.
Mental Health Crisis Teams
Crisis teams, composed of mental health professionals, provide on-site assistance to individuals in need. These teams can travel to the individual’s location to assess the situation and offer support, including:
- Stabilization services
- Intervention and crisis management
- Crisis prevention planning
- Referrals to other professionals or resources
- Follow-up services
Crisis teams are available by phone 24/7 and are a critical resource when someone is:
- Suicidal
- Psychotic
- Exhibiting out-of-control behavior, or threatening harm to themselves or others.
Contact the Crisis Team in Your Area:
Anoka County: 763-755-3801
Carver County: 952-442-7601
Dakota County: 952-891-7171
Washington County: 651-275-7400
Ramsey County: Adults: 651-266-7900 / Children: 651-266-7878
Hennepin County: Adults or Children – 612-596-1223
For more information, refer to the County Crisis Services Fact Sheet
Organizational Resources
Adult Mental Health Services (DHS MN)
Adult Rehabilitation Mental Health Services (ARMHS)
All Treatment Locator (alcohol and drug treatment)
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams
Autism Resource Portal (DHS MN)
Children’s Mental Health Service (DHS MN)
Community Mental Health Centers (MN)
County and Tribal Human Services Offices
Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS)
Mental Health Education & Advocacy
Behavioral Institute for Children and Adolescents
Children’s Home Society and Family Services
Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota
Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health (MACMH)
Open Door Anxiety and Panic Support Groups
Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER)
National Organizations: Children & Adult Mental Health
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center
Center for Mental Health Services
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