These help to reduce symptoms of anxiety including panic and worrying. The most common sort are benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines such as Clonazepam are beta blockers, which are used to calm the nervous system, and helps with relieving symptoms of anxiety. These are often accompanied with SSRIs for helping with GAD and social anxiety disorder. Like SSRIs and SNRIs, the side effects of anti-anxiety medications are pretty similar, involving nausea and such. One of the key things to mention is that some people can build up a tolerance to benzodiazepines over time. Others have been known to fall into abusive cycles of its use. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/benzodiazepines_and_the_alternatives
2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml 

As the name suggests, antidepressants are used to treat all types of depression. Not as apparent is their efficacy and FDA indication to treat a variety of anxiety disorders as well. The two most common types of antidepressants are SSRIs and SNRIs. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Some commonly prescribed SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa). SNRIs do the same with regard to serotonin but also increase norepinephrine levels in the brain as well. Some include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). While symptoms vary from person to person, many antidepressants have some side effects, including nausea, sexual problems, and weight gain.

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/ssris/art-20044825
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20044970

Antipsychotic medications are psychiatric medication designed to reduce or eliminate symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (a false sensory experience). They are most widely used for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder and psychotic disorders such as Schizophrenia. They are occasionally used “off-label” for extremely disruptive and/or aggressive behavior. Antipsychotics affect dopamine receptors and sometimes norepinephrine and serotonin. There are two “generations” of antipsychotics; in general, the first were developed around the 50s, and the second after the 90s. The second, sometimes called “atypical” antipsychotics reduced some side effects of first generation, such as sexual side effects, but they can also cause weight gain and other metabolic processes.

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/antipsychotics/#.XSecSpNKjoA
2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml
3. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/antipsychotic-medication

ABA is a type of therapy that helps patients improve communication and social skills as well as decrease or eliminate a range of problematic behaviors. Applied Behavior Analysis focuses on understanding behavior as a function of an individual’s environment and then modifying behavior to achieve a range of goals. ABA uses the principles of learning to teach skills that improve behavior and communication related to core impairments associated with autism. ABA has the most empirical support of any treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). True ABA is both time and labor-intensive and is intended to be carried out by a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) who has specific training and credentialing in this discipline.   

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/applied-behavior-analysis
2. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/applied-behavior-analysis
3. https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/what-is-aba/

Behavior therapy is an effective treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behavior disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder that can improve a child’s behavior, self-control, and self-esteem. It is most effective in young children when it is delivered by parents under the guidance of a trained mental health provider. Behavior therapy teaches children to better control their own behavior, leading to improved functioning at school, home and in relationships. Examples of specific behavioral management interventions include identifying and attempting to avoid antecedents of problem behaviors, using motivating factors (such as sticker charts and rewards) to reinforce desired behaviors, redirecting children to more functional behaviors, coordinating interventions across settings, and training other individuals in a child’s life to address behavior goals. Experts recommend that doctors refer parents of children under 6 years old for training in behavior therapy before prescribing ADHD medicine (typically stimulants). 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/behavior-therapy.html
2. https://www.psychiatry.org/newsroom/news-releases/behavioral-management-services-an-effective-intervention-for-early-problem-behavior
3. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/ADHD_Resource_Center/Home.aspx

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy used to treat a number of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, alcohol and drug use, marital problems, eating disorders, and other mental illnesses. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help the individual to recognize negative patterns of thought, evaluate the validity of those thoughts, and replace them with healthier, more realistic ways of thinking through a process referred to as cognitive restructuring. CBT also consists of behavioral changes which aim to target dysfunctional behavior (inactivity, hyper-reactivity, avoidance, panic, withdraw, etc.) that come from dysfunctional thinking. This may also include relaxation training, exposure and behavioral activation. CBT focuses on addressing current problems in a patient’s life instead of focusing on the history of the problem, and gives patients tools for healthy coping mechanisms. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
2. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/cognitive-behavioral-therapy
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610

CPT is a subtype of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focused on reducing symptoms of PTSD. CPT therapists work with the patient to reevaluate their beliefs about a trauma they have experienced in effort to instill a more positive point of view. Over the course of approximately 12 sessions, the patient learns to focus on their emotions connected to the trauma. They then learn to address the memories of the event rather than avoid it and to challenge it with different perspectives. Over time, the aim is to modify the patient’s understanding of historical traumatic experiences that interfere with their day-to-day functioning. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/cognitive-processing-therapy
2. https://cptforptsd.com/about-cpt/
3. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/cognitive_processing.asp
4. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/cognitive-processing-therapy

Conducted in either group or individual settings, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is used to treat patients with dementia, alzheimers and other neurocognitive conditions that may be associated with primary medical conditions. Using a variety of stimulating activities, CST is meant to help individuals with these conditions continue learning and socializing and is focused on bringing forth memories. Some of the guiding principles of CST include mental stimulation, providing triggers to aid recall, and maximizing potential (See CST website for more). 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/cognitive-stimulation-therapy
2. http://www.cstdementia.com/page/guiding-principles
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5639131/

DBT is a type of treatment therapy with implications for more complex mental health issues such as mood disorders, suicidal ideation, self-harm, substance abuse and personality disorders. Through individual and/or group sessions, the patient learns skills such as Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation and Distress Tolerance to better cope with life’s issues and accept one’s self for who they are in the present moment. Through implementation of these skills, patients begin to exhibit more adaptive and functional behaviors in their daily lives. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.apa.org/pubs/videos/4310914
2. https://behavioraltech.org/resources/faqs/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt/
3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/dialectical-behavior-therapy

Eclectic therapy is a type of integrative therapy that is influenced by the patient’s motivation, goals, and expectations. Patient and therapist work together to identify the best set of skills to help the patient in their unique situation. In this way, it is one of the most versatile, flexible means of treating a patient and may involve many of the other therapeutic approaches listed herein. Most therapists are capable of conducting eclectic therapy for most any type of disorder and can apply it in a group or individual setting.

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/eclectic-therapy
2. https://www.crchealth.com/types-of-therapy/what-is-eclectic-therapy/

EFT is a type of couples therapy for adults that focuses on creating stronger bonds and moving beyond negative feelings like resentment and betrayal. In addition to developing healthier interpersonal relationships, EFT can help individuals within a relationship who are struggling with their own mental health symptoms such as depression. Sessions often involve couples addressing their insecurities about the relationship while working together to find common ground. Once this foundation is established, they can build upon it, thereby invigorating and strengthening the relationship.

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/emotionally-focused-therapy
2. https://iceeft.com/what-is-eft/
3. http://www.iseft.org/What-is-EFT

Exposure and Response Prevention is a subtype of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy used for the treatment of Anxiety Disorders. During exposure therapy, patients gradually face their fears in order to overcome them with the support of the therapist who helps them approach an object or situation they fear. Exposure is done in a strategic manner that teaches their brain to associate the objects with safety instead of harm. Exposure therapists also helps the patient identify avoidance strategies and safety behaviors that keep them from learning things are safe instead of dangerous. It is almost always preceded by relaxation training to prevent the patient from becoming overwhelmed by the exposure exercises. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/exposure-therapy
2. https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-exposure-therapy/
3. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/anxiety/exposure-therapy-anxiety-disorders

EMDR therapy is used to decrease emotional distress associated with past traumatic experiences and is therefore a helpful type of treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some theorists believe that conditions like PTSD arise because past traumatic memories (conscious or subconscious) were never adequately processed. EMDR is intended to help people process these memories thereby unlinking it from unpleasant emotional responses and physical sensations that are symptomatic of PTSD. During EMDR, a patient focuses on either memories associated with their trauma or triggers of their present distress while completing a series of eye movements or other bilateral tasks with the therapist. Throughout each session, the therapist provides techniques to ensure the safety of the patient while the traumatic memory is being processed. This therapy is typically completed in 6-12 sessions. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
2. https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/emdr-therapy

Many Americans follow Christianity and their faith comes forward as a helping factor during therapy sessions. Research has shown that integrating faith into therapy has had a positive impact on some patients, and thus fully fledged faith based therapy is relatively new. Christian counseling encompasses the ideas of faith-based counseling, in which faith and religious truths govern a session. These sessions are not so different from typical therapy, but contain a few differences in principle. For instance, the patient is often empowered by and through God, and thus the problems are solved through His spirit. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.greatlakespsychologygroup.com/faith-based-christian-counseling/
2. https://www.iifbc.com/what-is-faith-based-therapy.html
3. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2013/03/religion-spirituality

This type of therapy involves entering a trance state in order to focus on oneself and areas of known distress. Once in a hypnotic state, the individual can access more natural abilities, unencumbered by emotions, to solve past, present, and future problems. It is commonly used to treat several types of phobias, anxiety, substance use disorders, and bad habits. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/hypnotherapy
2. https://www.asch.net/Public/GeneralInfoonHypnosis/GeneralInfoTemplate.aspx
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hypnosis/about/pac-20394405

By combining several different types of therapeutic theories and approaches, integrative therapy allows the therapist to treat the patient in a flexible, unconfined manner. In cases in which symptoms may be comorbid, or individuals have atypical presentation or course of a mental health condition, integrative therapy goes beyond CBT to allow for a broader range of tactics to be incorporated into a patient’s treatment regimen. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/integrative-therapy
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4707273/

As the name suggests, IFS is centered around the idea that families have separate but interrelated parts that operate independently of each other. These “sub-personalities” can be specific emotions or actions that become normal within a family over time. As a result, it is not uncommon for these values to clash. IFS focuses on the “Self”, an innately good part of the sub-personalities, and strives to amend the negative emotions that hinder progress within the family system. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/internal-family-systems-therapy
2. https://selfleadership.org/about-internal-family-systems.html
3. https://www.pesi.com/blog/details/884/internal-family-systems-no-part-left-behind

IPT is used as a method of treating depression and certain mood disorders.  IPT is based on the premise that depression occurs in the context of an individual's relationships regardless of its origins in biology or genetics. More specifically, depression affects people's relationships and these relationships further affect our mood. The therapist helps identify areas in need of skill-building to improve the patient's relationships and decrease the depressive symptoms. Over time, the patient will learn to link changes in mood to events occurring in their relationships, communicate feelings and expectations for the relationships, and problem-solve solutions to difficulties in the relationships.The four main areas of focus for this therapy are social isolation, grief, transitions such as divorce, and interpersonal conflict.

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/interpersonal-psychotherapy
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1414693/
3. https://iptinstitute.com/about-ipt/

MBCT is a slightly modified version of cognitive behavioral therapy that incorporates mindfulness practices. This includes things such as meditation and breathing and is used to help patients avoid negative thoughts that lead to depressive or otherwise dysfunctional mindsets. A key component of MBCT is identifying which thought and behavior patterns make patients vulnerable to prolonged depression. It is often used to treat recurring and severe depression and some anxiety disorders. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy
2. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression (Zindel V. Segal, PhD)
3. http://www.mbct.com/

The primary aim of narrative therapy is to help patients conceptualize their problems as separate entities from themselves. This allows individuals to achieve a “non-blaming” perspective on the issue thereby allowing them to find a solution. Applicable for most all patients and conditions, narrative therapy can help a person see that they are not defined by their problems. The individual typically ends up viewing the problem as a story, and as a result can, in a sense “rewrite” the issues of concern. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/narrative-therapy
2. https://narrativetherapycentre.com/about/
3. https://dulwichcentre.com.au/what-is-narrative-therapy/

This therapy combines a child’s play therapy with behavioral therapy for the caregiver. Therapists and parents work on new ways of understanding their child's emotions if the child suffers from a mental disorder. A session typically involves a parent and child collaborating in a play-room, while the therapist gives the parent instructions via earpiece. Caregivers/guardians will learn verbal and physical skills for effectively handling the child. Children in these sessions are typically ages 2 to 6. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/parent-child-interaction-therapy-pcit
2. http://www.pcit.org/what-is-pcit.html
3. https://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/page/parent-child-interaction-therapy-pcit

Play therapy is most often used to help children express themselves through interactive play, though adults may undergo this treatment as well. Therapists watch as the children play and note specific behaviors and displays of emotion. They then cooperate in a way that the child can understand and perhaps incorporate more adaptive coping skills. Play therapy is indicated for children who may have difficulty expressing themselves, those who need to learn more empathy skills, and those who are subjected to stressful environments at home or other locations.

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/play-therapy
2. https://www.a4pt.org/
3. http://playtherapy.org/About-PTI/Purpose-and-Mission

Positive psychology focuses more on the mindset of the person rather than the symptoms. Created by Martin Seligman, it operates on the principle that people naturally want to feel better. Thus, using techniques that promote happiness and strength, positive psychology is all about the various directions the individual can go. It can help to improve quality of life beyond emotional health such as physical and relational health as well.

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/positive-psychology
2. https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/
3. https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-positive-psychology-definition/

Similar to psychodynamic therapy, psychoanalytic therapy looks at how past influences present. Therapists draw on a patient’s personal experiences through means of word association tasks, dreams, stream-of-consciousness, etc. Therapists can take several different approaches, including focusing on attachment, resistance, and/or trauma. Psychoanalytic therapy can be used to treat depression, personality disorders, and past traumas.

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/psychoanalytic-therapy
2. http://www.apsa.org/content/psychoanalytic-theory-approaches
3. https://careersinpsychology.org/psychoanalysis/

In Psychodynamic therapy, patients work with their therapist to understand emotions, actions, and worldviews that originated in their past. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. Its hallmarks are self-reflection and self-examination, and the use of the relationship between therapist and patient as a window into problematic relationship patterns in the patient’s life. Its goal is not only to alleviate the most obvious symptoms but to help people lead healthier lives. It has applications for depression, anxiety, panic and relational issues. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/psychodynamic-therapy
2. https://positivepsychology.com/psychodynamic-therapy/
3. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2010/01/psychodynamic-therapy
4. https://psychcentral.com/lib/psychodynamic-therapy/

Psychotherapy is a general term that describes the process by which behavioral health professionals (Psychiatrists, Psychologists, LCSWs and LMHCs) help patients improve their functioning over time. While several specific types of psychotherapies fall under this category, such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), mostly all involve conversation between a therapist and their client. Topics discussed include regulation of emotions and symptom reduction through the incorporation of coping skills that best suit the needs of the individual. See the “Therapy Types” section for more information about different types of psychotherapy. 

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-psychotherapy
2. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psychotherapy/about/pac-20384616

Used for a variety of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, somatic therapy utilizes a mind-body ideology. While traditional psychotherapy helps the individual understand the mind, somatic therapy incorporates different exercises involving other senses like touch. Sessions may involve accessing a memory and observing the physical response. This type of therapy has been shown to relieve bodily stress over time by “healing the soul.”

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://usabp.org/Education-and-Training
2. https://thesomatictherapycenter.com/what-is-somatic-therapy/
3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/somatic-therapy

The Gottman Method is a form of couples therapy that assesses relationships and incorporates elements to maintain longevity. The Gottmans developed a 9-point model, known as the “Sound Relationship House” (see References for more information) that contains the necessary foundation and building blocks of a healthy, lasting relationship. This method focuses on openness with one’s emotions, amending past conflicts, and deepening love/friendship, all of which draws on scientific research.

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/the-gottman-method
2. https://www.gottman.com/about/the-gottman-method/
3. https://couplestherapyinc.com/the-gottman-method/

TF-CBT, a subset of CBT, is a conjoint child and parent psychotherapy approach for children and adolescents who are experiencing significant emotional and behavioral difficulties related to traumatic life events. Patients may or may not have a diagnosis of PTSD. It is a components-based treatment model that incorporates trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive behavioral, family, and humanistic principles and techniques. Children and parents learn new skills to help process thoughts and feelings related to traumatic life events; manage and resolve distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to traumatic life events; and enhance safety, growth, parenting skills, and family communication.

For more information, please see the references section below:

References:

1. https://tfcbt.org/about-tfcbt/
2. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/trauma-focused-cognitive-behavior-therapy
3. https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/trauma/