If you are in immediate danger or feel at risk of harming yourself or others, call 911.

You can also reach free, confidential 24/7 support:

988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Text HOME to 741741

Levels of Care

What Level of Care Might Fit Right Now?

Therapy type and level of care are not the same thing. A therapy type describes the kind of treatment approach that may fit your concerns. A level of care describes how much support, structure, monitoring, or safety planning may be needed right now.

This checklist is educational. It does not diagnose you, determine medical necessity, or replace an assessment by a licensed clinician, physician, crisis team, or treatment program.

Specialty levels for substance use and co-occurring concerns

When substance use, gambling, eating concerns, or other compulsive behaviors are part of the picture, specialized assessments and treatment settings may be needed alongside or instead of standard mental health care.

The way to use this checklist

You do not need to know the exact level of care before reaching out. You can say:

“I’m not sure whether weekly therapy is enough right now. Can you help me figure out what level of support I should be asking about?”

“I’m looking for help understanding whether outpatient therapy, IOP, PHP, residential, or crisis support might fit my situation.”

The goal is not to label yourself. The goal is to get connected to the amount of support that matches what is happening right now.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For 24/7 mental health support, call or text 988 or text HOME to 741741.

Next Steps

How to Choose the Right Therapist for You

Finding the right therapist is about more than choosing someone with the right credentials. Understanding different therapeutic approaches, knowing what questions to ask, and considering your personal preferences can help you make a more informed decision. Whether you're beginning your search or exploring recommendations from your MyTherapyFit assessment, this guide will help you take the next step with confidence.

Finding a Therapist

Finding a therapist who fits your needs involves considering their therapeutic approach, experience, location, insurance participation, and availability.

Therapist directories can help you compare providers and narrow your search using these criteria.

If you've completed the MyTherapyFit assessment, your results include a Find a Therapist section with links to directories where you can explore professionals who offer approaches that matched your responses.

Understanding Therapist Credentials

Therapist titles vary by state and country. Here's a plain-language overview of common credentials in the US.

Credential abbreviations vary by state. Any licensed provider listed here is qualified to offer therapy.

Therapy Consultation Checklist

Questions and reflections to help you assess fit after an initial consultation or first session.

You do not need to ask every question. Sometimes the most important part of an initial conversation is noticing whether you feel comfortable, respected, and understood. You are not trying to find a perfect therapist. You are trying to find a workable therapeutic relationship.

Practical Fit

Scheduling feels workable

Telehealth or in-person options fit my needs

Cost feels manageable

Therapy Process Fit

I understood how they described therapy

Their communication style felt comfortable to me

Relational Fit

I felt heard and respected

I would feel comfortable returning

It's normal for therapy to feel unfamiliar or emotionally uncomfortable at times, especially early on. But feeling consistently dismissed, unsafe, or unable to be yourself is worth paying attention to.

Still Unsure Which Therapeutic Approach Might Be Right for You?

Finding a therapist who feels like a good fit is important, but you may still have questions about which type of therapy could best address your needs.

If you'd like additional guidance, the MyTherapyFit assessment can help you explore therapeutic approaches based on your experiences, needs, and preferences.

Explore the MyTherapyFit Assessment

Cognitive & Behavioral

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Combines CBT techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. Particularly effective for emotional regulation difficulties.

May help with

Borderline personality

Self-harm

Emotional dysregulation

Suicidal thoughts

Substance use

Key techniques

Mindfulness skillsDistress toleranceEmotion regulationInterpersonal effectiveness

Typical duration

6–12 months typically

Evidence base

Strong evidence for personality disorders and emotional regulation

Could DBT be a fit for you?

Take the MyTherapyFit assessment to explore which therapy approaches may align with your needs, goals, and preferences — not a diagnosis, just a starting point.

Other Cognitive & Behavioral approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Depression, Anxiety, Phobias

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Anxiety, Depression, Chronic pain

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Recurrent depression, Anxiety, Stress

View all Cognitive & Behavioral approaches →

This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified mental health professional.

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Types of Therapy