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Psychotherapy

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Psychotherapy refers to any psychological service provided by a trained professional that primarily uses forms of communication and interaction to assess, diagnose, and treat dysfunctional emotional reactions, ways of thinking, and behavior patterns. Psychotherapy may be provided to individuals, couples, families, or members of a group.

It is important to find the right match when choosing a therapist. Most psychologists agree that an important factor in determining the best fit is your level of personal comfort with that person. Use APA’s Psychologist Locator to help you find the right psychologist for your needs.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology

Resources from APA

collage of therapists and patients in various clinical settings

2024 Practitioner Pulse Survey

Psychologists face challenges with capacity, insurance, and the future of mental health care

Statement on the evidentiary bases of clinical practice guidelines

Clinical practice guidelines represent the state of the literature and leading recommendations to guide high-quality clinical care

man looking perplexed at his smartphone screen

Addressing misinformation about mental health

How to respond when a patient repeats mistruths about mental health in therapy

Supporting the well-being of Black men and boys

Innovative solutions for reaching a group historically excluded from mental health care

More resources about psychotherapy

What APA is doing

Advocacy

A health professional going over paperwork with a couple

Mental health parity

APA Services works to ensure that health plans provide equitable coverage for mental and behavioral health services.

A professional talking to a client or patient

Medicare reimbursement and access

APA Services advocates for Medicare policies that expand access to psychologists’ services, as well as facilitate and incentivize psychologists’ participation in the program.