About quit smoking
Quitting smoking is easier with support. Psychological programmes work on habits, triggers and cravings and can be combined with medical treatment. Planning a quit date and preparing for difficult moments increases the chances of success.
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
Signs to look out for
Many people who smoke want to stop but find it hard. Signs that nicotine has a strong hold include smoking soon after waking, feeling irritable, anxious or unable to concentrate without it, failing despite several attempts, and smoking even when ill. Professional support makes particular sense if you have tried alone before, smoke to manage stress or low mood, or have a health condition.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Combining behavioural support with medical treatment increases the chances of quitting compared with trying alone. Psychologists use cognitive-behavioural techniques, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention to work on habits, triggers and cravings, individually or in groups. A doctor or pharmacist can advise whether nicotine replacement or other medication is suitable for you. Many health services run stop-smoking programmes.
When to seek urgent help
Quitting smoking is not usually an emergency, but contact your local emergency services immediately for chest pain, severe breathlessness or signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. If quitting brings a sharp drop in mood or thoughts of harming yourself, seek help urgently. People with mental health conditions should involve their doctor when stopping, as some treatments may need adjusting.
What you can do in the meantime
Choose a quit date and prepare: remove cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays, identify your triggers and plan what you will do instead. Cravings usually pass within minutes, so distraction, water, a short walk or slow breathing can help. Tell people around you so they can support you, and avoid alcohol early on. A slip is not the end; learn from it and continue.
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 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.