Donate
Mental Health Helplines

Are you or someone you know in crisis?

View Worldwide Helplines
Mental Health

Therapy & Medication

Different types of therapy and medications can be used in the treatment of mental health issues. By better understanding the benefits and drawbacks, you can make the choices that are right for you.

View FAQs

Explore Therapy & Medication

Therapy & Medication FAQs

What is EMDR therapy?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy designed to help people suffering from a variety of conditions, including PTSD. During EMDR, a person recalls negative past events and tries to reprocess them in less distressing ways. Bilateral eye movements are central to EMDR. The person undergoing the therapy will focus on the therapist’s moving finger or some other rhythmic element, such as hand taps.
What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication. It can reduce unusual levels of electrical activity in the brain, so it’s useful for treating conditions like epilepsy and restless leg syndrome. A doctor might also prescribe gabapentin to treat chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and migraines, or mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and PTSD. The medication comes in multiple forms, such as tablets and liquids, and it can cause side effects like drowsiness, blurred vision, and nausea.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
CBT is a form of talk therapy. During the therapy sessions, the patient works with their therapist to explore the connection between unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By becoming more aware of negative and distorted thoughts, you can take steps to adjust your thinking patterns and resulting behavior. CBT can be used to address a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and PTSD.
What are the 5 types of therapy?
Some common types of psychotherapy include psychodynamic therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, humanistic therapy, and integrative therapy. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on how the unconscious mind influences behavior. Behavioral therapy focuses on the origins of learned behaviors and how to unlearn harmful responses. Cognitive therapy addresses the distorted thoughts that ultimately affect a person’s emotional well-being and actions. Humanistic therapy encourages a person to embrace their true self and seek solutions that work for them. Integrative therapy combines elements of different forms of therapy.
How do I know if I need therapy?
Therapy can be useful if you’re in distress or if emotional or psychological issues are interfering with your ability to function in daily life, such as fears and anxiety that prevent you from leaving the house or maintaining relationships. You may also want to see a therapist if you’ve developed unhealthy coping habits, such as abusing alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, depression, or loneliness. Some people are unaware of their issues, but friends and family members may encourage you to seek help from a therapist if your behavior is affecting your well-being and relationships.