Psychotherapy

You might seek out psychotherapy for many reasons, including the following:

• Dealing with severe or long-term stress from a job or family situation, the loss of a loved one, or relationship or family problems
• Having symptoms with no physical explanation, such as changes in sleep or appetite, low energy level, lack of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, persistent irritability, excessive worry, or a sense of discouragement or hopelessness that won’t go away.
• A health care provider suspecting you have or diagnosing you with a mental disorder that is interfering with your life
• Supporting a family member or child who has been diagnosed with a condition affecting their mental health

Psychotherapy and other treatment options

Psychotherapy can be used as an alternative to or alongside medication and other treatment options. Choosing the right treatment plan should be based on a person's individual needs and medical situation and occur under the guidance of a mental health professional.

Even when medication relieves symptoms, psychotherapy can help a person address specific issues. These might include self-defeating ways of thinking, irrational fears, problems interacting with other people, or difficulty coping with situations at home, school, or work.

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