About psychologists
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
Getting mental health care in the United States
Public health system · No single public system (Medicaid, Medicare, community mental health centers)
There is no universal public mental health service. People with low incomes may be covered by Medicaid, older adults by Medicare, and publicly funded community mental health centers and treatment facilities can be located through the federal SAMHSA locator. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- State boards of psychology (umbrella body: ASPPB). Psychologists are licensed by each state board; check the board of the state where you live. Use of the title psychologist generally requires a state license.
Insurance and coverage
Federal parity law (MHPAEA) requires most group health plans that cover mental health to do so on terms no more restrictive than for physical health; deductibles, copays and in-network rules still apply.
Online therapy in the United States
The clinician must normally be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Psychologists in PSYPACT member states may practice telepsychology across those states.
Urgent help in the United States
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 911 · Emergency (911)
- 988 · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: findtreatment.gov, docinfo.org
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
How is it different from other professionals?
A psychologist works with talking therapy and psychological assessment but does not prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose, prescribe and monitor medication. Psychotherapist is a broader title that may include psychologists, doctors or other professionals trained in a specific therapy model. A clinical psychologist is a psychologist with additional specialist training in mental health conditions.
What happens in the first session
The first session is mostly a conversation: what brings you here, since when, how it affects your life, and what you would like to change. The psychologist may ask about your history, health and support network, and explain how they work. It helps to bring a short list of concerns, any previous reports, and questions about their approach, confidentiality, session length and fees.
How long does the process take?
Sessions usually last around 50 to 60 minutes, often weekly at first and then every two weeks as things improve. Some focused difficulties can be worked on in a few months, while long-standing or complex problems may take longer. Duration depends on your goals, the approach used, how much you practise between sessions and life circumstances. Your psychologist should review progress with you regularly.
Online or in person?
Online therapy with a psychologist works well for many people with anxiety, low mood, stress or relationship worries, and it helps if you live far away, travel or have a busy schedule. You need a private space and a stable connection. In-person sessions may be preferable for young children, some assessments, situations of risk, or when being at home makes it hard to talk freely.
How to check their qualifications
Psychology is a regulated profession in many countries, so a practising psychologist should be registered with the licensing body or professional college where they work. You can ask for their registration number and check it in the public register when one exists. It is also reasonable to ask about their degree, postgraduate training, the problems they usually treat and whether they receive supervision.
What affects the price?
Fees vary with the psychologist’s experience and specialisation, the city or country, whether sessions are online or in person, and session length. Couples, family or assessment sessions often cost more than individual ones. Some professionals offer packages, sliding scales or a free first contact call. Ask beforehand about cancellation policy, invoices and whether any health insurance or public scheme could cover part of the cost.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in the United States cover psychological care?
There is no universal public mental health service. People with low incomes may be covered by Medicaid, older adults by Medicare, and publicly funded community mental health centers and treatment facilities can be located through the federal SAMHSA locator.
How do I check that a psychologist is licensed in the United States?
State boards of psychology (umbrella body: ASPPB): Psychologists are licensed by each state board; check the board of the state where you live. Use of the title psychologist generally requires a state license.
Can I have online therapy in the United States?
The clinician must normally be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Psychologists in PSYPACT member states may practice telepsychology across those states.