One significant hurdle to starting therapy is finding a provider and scheduling an appointment. The Monarch directory by SimplePractice provides increased access to treatment by providing therapy seekers an easy way to connect with a directory of over 100,000 therapists, counselors, and psychologists nationwide.
Monarch is helping more people get the care they need, when and where they need it, by allowing patients to find therapists who align with their needs for in-person or telehealth video therapy sessions.
We checked in with therapists, counselors, and psychologists to get answers to the questions people ask most often about therapy and mental health.
On Monarch, consumers can search for providers, and in many cases, view their calendar availability and request appointments. Connecting with therapists is completely free to therapy seekers.
What's more, in a library of mental health resources, the Monarch editorial team aims to provide clear, study-based answers to some of the important mental health questions on your mind.
To that end, we checked in with therapists, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists to get answers to these questions we hear people ask most often about therapy and mental health.
22 therapy questions people always ask
How can I find a therapist who has availability to accept new clients? Finding a therapist who's taking new clients can feel impossible. Here's how to find a therapist who's right for you and book a session.
What are good questions to ask a therapist (or a potential therapist)? This list of 13 questions for therapists can help you feel more prepared and less anxious when booking your initial therapy consultation, walking into your first appointment, or logging on for your first telehealth video session.
How can I pay for therapy?
How can I find affordable or low-cost therapy? Yes, it's possible to find affordable therapy and quality mental health care on a budget.
What's the difference between a therapist and a life coach or career coach? Some licensed counselors consider themselves coaches. However, the majority of life coaches are not licensed therapists. Learn how to tell the difference and why it matters.
How can I find a therapist or counselor who accepts my insurance? Here's how to find therapists who accept all the major insurance plans, including Medicaid.
How can I find a therapist or counselor who accepts my insurance?
What’s teletherapy—and does it work? These are the advantages and disadvantages of telehealth video therapy, as well as how online therapy works, what equipment is needed, and what research says about the effectiveness of online counseling.
Are my problems too small for therapy? Can you justify getting professional mental health support for these problems that aren't major or intense? Yes, here's why booking time with a licensed therapist can have a positive impact on your emotional wellbeing.
What's my attachment style, and what does it mean for my relationships? These are the four attachment styles, along with how to find out your attachment style and what it reveals about your behavior in relationships.
How does therapy actually work? Here's science-backed info on why and how clients are helped by their therapists—and what to expect when you go to therapy.
How does therapy actually work?
What's mindfulness therapy? Mindfulness exercises and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) have been shown to decrease stress and increase focus and happiness. Here are some tips for getting started—on your own or with an MBT therapist.
Do I have an anxiety disorder? Here are the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety and how to figure out if you might have an anxiety disorder.
What happens if I run into my therapist in public? Seeing your counselor outside of the familiar context of their office can be a shock to your system, and not the kind of thing etiquette class prepares you for.
Why are so few American men going to therapy? Across many cultures and societies, including modern-day America, men are often encouraged or even expected to be tougher and to hide their emotions.
What do therapists really think about funny therapy memes on social media? Funny therapy memes on Instagram, TikTok,” therapist Twitter,” and Facebook may make us laugh, but are they having a positive impact on mental health?
Can therapy help me sleep better? (Spoiler alert: Yes, it can) CBT-I has been proven to help people with sleep issues and insomnia without the need for medication.
Will I be able to find a Black therapist?
What's mental health stigma, and what can I do to help end it? Even today, when so many famous people are open about their mental health disorders, stigma around mental health can discourage us from speaking with a therapist or talking openly about our mental health needs with our family and friends. These are some steps we all can take to stop stigma.
Will I be able to find a Black therapist? For many people—and particularly many Black Americans—finding a Black therapist nearby, who they can trust, holds extra importance. Here's how to find a Black therapist who is accepting new clients.
What is the state of Asian Americans’ mental health? More than 50% of Asian Americans report that mental health concerns are a significant cause of stress. So, why are less than 5% of AAPI individuals seeking therapy and mental health support?
Why do so many Americans seem to have ADHD? Find out about the signs of ADHD, the three different types of ADHD, as well as why the number of Americans diagnosed with ADHD is increasing.
How can I find a trans-affirming therapist? Finding a trans-affirming therapist may help you in coping with gender dysphoria and other experiences gender-diverse people face.
What's self-compassion, and how can I start practicing it? People who practice self-compassion have lower levels of anxiety and depression and less fear of failure. Here are some self compassion exercises you can try.
Why do I keep waking up at 3a.m. for no reason every night? Are you awake again at “early o’clock” in the morning? Why does this keep happening? Here's how to get back to sleep.
Need to find a therapist? Check out the SimplePractice Monarch Directory to find therapists near you with availability and online booking.