About therapists
Therapist is the everyday word for a professional who offers talking therapy: depending on the country it can be a psychologist, a psychotherapist, a licensed counsellor, a marriage and family therapist or a clinical social worker. Profiles show each therapist’s actual title, training and registration.
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.
- State medical boards (umbrella body: Federation of State Medical Boards). Psychiatrists are physicians licensed by each state medical board. The FSMB DocInfo service lets you look up a physician's license and disciplinary history. Search the official register
- State licensing boards. Clinical social workers, counselors and marriage and family therapists are licensed state by state; check the relevant board in your state.
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 therapist do?
A therapist helps you talk through what is worrying you and find practical ways to feel and cope better. In sessions they listen, ask questions, help you notice patterns in your thoughts, emotions and relationships, and agree goals with you. Depending on their training they may use cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, systemic, psychodynamic or other evidence-based approaches, with individuals, couples, families or groups.
When to see a therapist
It makes sense to look for a therapist when stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship problems, a difficult change or the effects of past experiences start to weigh on your daily life, or when you simply want space to understand yourself better. If symptoms are severe, you may need medication or there are signs of a medical cause, involve your doctor or a psychiatrist as well.
How is it different from other professionals?
Therapist is a broad, everyday term rather than a single qualification. A psychologist holds a university degree in psychology; a psychotherapist has specific training in a therapy model; counsellors, marriage and family therapists and clinical social workers are licensed for talking therapy in many places. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. What matters is the therapist’s actual licence and experience with your concern.
What happens in the first session
The first session is mostly a conversation: what brings you, since when, how it affects your life and what you would like to change. The therapist will explain how they work, how often you would meet, confidentiality and fees. It is a good moment to ask about their licence, their approach and their experience with your concern, and to notice whether you feel comfortable with them.
How long does the process take?
Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes, often weekly at first and then less frequently as things improve. Focused difficulties can improve in a few months, while long-standing patterns may take longer. Your therapist should review progress with you regularly and agree when to change the frequency or finish.
Online or in person?
Online therapy works well for many people with stress, anxiety, low mood or relationship worries, and makes it easier to find a therapist who speaks your language or shares your culture. You need a private space and a stable connection, and the therapist must be licensed to practise where you live. In-person sessions may be better for young children, some assessments or situations of risk.
How to check their qualifications
Because therapist is an everyday word, it is worth checking which professional title the person actually holds (psychologist, psychotherapist, licensed counsellor, marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker…) and that they are registered with the licensing body for that title where you live. Ask for their licence or registration number and check it in the public register when one exists.
What affects the price?
Fees vary with the therapist’s title and experience, the city or country, online or in-person sessions and session length. Couples and family sessions usually cost more. Some therapists offer sliding-scale fees or a free first call; ask about cancellation policy, receipts for insurance and whether a public scheme or your health insurance 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 therapist 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.