Your Most Common Therapy Questions, Answered

Starting therapy can feel like standing at the edge of something important—exciting and uncertain at the same time. Whether you're considering therapy for the first time or looking to return after a break, it's normal to have questions. At Hello Mental Health, we believe that good information leads to confident decisions, so we've gathered answers to the questions we hear most often.

"Does therapy actually work?"

This is often the first question people ask, and it's a fair one. The short answer is yes—decades of research confirm that therapy is effective for improving mental health, strengthening coping skills, and enhancing relationships. But therapy isn't magic. It's more like learning a new skill over time, with guidance from someone trained to support you through the process.

What makes the biggest difference isn't just the techniques your therapist uses, but the relationship you build together. When you feel heard, safe, and understood, the work deepens. Progress isn't always linear, and it's not instant, but most people find that with time and engagement, therapy creates meaningful change.

"How do I know if I need therapy?"

You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people seek support for everyday stress, relationship challenges, career transitions, or a general sense that something feels off. Others come when they're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, or grief. Some are simply curious about personal growth.

If you're asking yourself whether therapy might help, that's often a sign it could. Therapy isn't reserved for people who are "broken"—it's for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, process difficult emotions, or build tools to navigate life with more ease and clarity.

"What happens in the first session?"

The first session is about connection, not performance. Your therapist will ask about your history, what brought you to therapy, and what you're hoping to gain from the experience. You'll also have time to ask your own questions about the process, their approach, or anything else on your mind.

Think of it as a conversation, not a test. There's no pressure to share everything right away. Many people feel nervous at first, and that's completely normal. Your therapist expects this and will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. The goal is simply to begin building a relationship where you feel seen and supported.

"How long does therapy take?"

There's no universal timeline. Some people come for a few months to work through a specific issue, while others stay longer for ongoing support with chronic conditions or deeper patterns. Therapy length depends on your goals, your progress, and what feels right for you.

Your therapist will check in with you regularly about how things are going and whether you're getting what you need. Therapy isn't meant to last forever, but it also doesn't have to end on a rigid schedule. The process is collaborative, and you'll adjust together as you move forward.

"How often should I go?"

This varies based on your needs and what you're working on. Many people start with weekly sessions to build momentum, then space out to biweekly or monthly as they progress. Some situations—like intensive trauma work—may benefit from more frequent sessions, while others can be sustained with less frequent check-ins.

Your therapist will work with you to find a rhythm that balances effectiveness with your schedule and budget. The right frequency is the one that supports your progress without overwhelming you.

"How do I choose the right therapist?"

Finding the right therapist is part art, part intuition. Start by looking for someone whose approach and personality feel like a potential match. Many people read therapist bios, ask about specialties during a consultation, or schedule a first session to get a feel for the connection.

At Hello Mental Health, our Practice Coordinator Andrea can help match you with a therapist based on your specific needs, whether that's anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, ADHD, TBI recovery, narcissistic abuse recovery, or something else entirely. We specialize in adult therapy and offer both in-person and virtual sessions to residents of Ohio and PsyPact participating states.

Don't be afraid to try a few sessions before deciding if it's the right fit. Good therapy requires trust, and sometimes that takes time to develop. If after several sessions something still doesn't feel right, it's okay to ask about switching therapists. We expect and support this—finding the right match is what matters most.

"I can get therapy if I don't have a diagnosis?"

You don't need a diagnosis to start or continue therapy. Many people seek support for stress, relationship issues, life transitions, burnout, or personal growth without meeting the criteria for a mental health diagnosis. Therapy is for anyone who wants support, not just those with a clinical condition.

That said, some insurance companies require a diagnosis for reimbursement. At Hello Mental Health, we're primarily self-pay, which means you and your therapist can focus on what actually matters to you rather than what an insurance company dictates. This also protects your privacy and allows for more flexibility in treatment approach and length.

"Is online therapy as effective as in-person?"

Research shows that telehealth therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns. It offers convenience, accessibility, and the comfort of being in your own space. For people with busy schedules, mobility challenges, or limited local options, online therapy can be a game-changer.

The key is finding a quiet, private space for your sessions and a therapist who feels like a good match. At Hello Mental Health, several of our therapists are licensed through PSYPACT, which means we can provide online therapy to people in any participating state—not just Ohio.

"Can therapy help with specific conditions?"

Yes. Therapy is effective for a wide range of mental health concerns. Here's a quick snapshot:

Anxiety & Panic Attacks: Therapy helps you recognize anxious thought patterns, calm your nervous system, and build practical coping tools. Even if anxiety doesn't disappear completely, most people find it becomes far more manageable.

Depression: Therapy provides support, perspective, and skills for navigating the weight of depression. Together, you can explore contributing factors, build small steps toward change, and find ways to reconnect with meaning and hope.

Trauma: Trauma therapy helps you process painful experiences safely and at your own pace. Approaches like trauma-informed CBT can reduce symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness, helping you reclaim a sense of safety and connection.

OCD: Research consistently shows that therapy is highly effective for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. You'll learn how to reduce the power of intrusive thoughts, resist compulsions, and reclaim freedom in your daily life. At Hello Mental Health, Dr. Rachel Thompson specializes in OCD treatment.

ADHD: Therapy can help you build strategies for focus, planning, and emotional regulation. It's also a supportive place to process the shame or misunderstanding many people with ADHD carry. A therapist can help you find systems that work for your brain and affirm your strengths.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A TBI affects more than physical recovery—it can change how you think, feel, and connect with others. Therapy offers support for mood changes, memory challenges, identity shifts, and stress that often follows a brain injury. Dr. Helmer Figueiredo at Hello Mental Health is widely considered one of the best mental health experts for TBI recovery.

Narcissistic Abuse Recovery: Recovering from an emotionally abusive or narcissistic relationship takes time, safety, and the right kind of support. Therapy can help you rebuild trust in yourself, heal from gaslighting and manipulation, and restore your sense of self-worth. Dr. Michelle Maegly specializes in supporting survivors of narcissistic abuse with over a decade of experience.

Burnout: Therapy provides a reset when burnout hits. It's a place to process stress, explore boundaries, and reimagine what sustainable living looks like. Many people also address perfectionism and people-pleasing—patterns that often fuel burnout in the first place.

"Do therapists give advice?"

Not usually—at least not in the "do this" or "don't do that" way. Therapists help you explore options, clarify your values, and build confidence in your own decisions. The goal is empowerment, not dependency, so that the changes you make feel truly yours.

Your therapist might offer psychoeducation about how anxiety works or suggest a coping strategy to try, but they won't tell you what decision to make about your relationship, job, or life path. Instead, they'll help you access your own wisdom and navigate those choices with more clarity and self-trust.

"What's the difference between therapy and coaching?"

Therapy focuses on emotional health, healing, and mental wellbeing, while coaching typically emphasizes motivation, accountability, and goal-setting. Therapy provides a clinical framework for addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. It explores patterns, processes emotions, and addresses underlying issues.

Coaching may be useful alongside therapy, but it doesn't replace the depth of therapeutic support. If you're unsure which you need, a consultation with a therapist can help clarify.

"Can I switch therapists if it's not a good fit?"

Absolutely. Finding the right therapist is important, and it sometimes takes a few tries. If something doesn't feel right after several sessions, you can ask to switch. Therapists expect and support this—we want you to feel safe, heard, and connected in the therapeutic relationship.

At Hello Mental Health, our team can help you find a better match within our practice. Don't stay in therapy that doesn't feel right out of obligation or politeness. Your comfort and progress matter most.

"What happens if I need medication?"

As therapists, we don't prescribe medication. However, there are times when we may recommend collaborating with a psychiatrist or other prescribing professional, and we're happy to provide referrals. Many people benefit from a combination of therapy and medication, while others find therapy alone is sufficient.

Your therapist will talk with you about what might be helpful and support you in making informed decisions about your care.

Ready to take the next step?

If you're considering therapy, we'd love to support you. At Hello Mental Health in Cincinnati, we offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to help you determine if we're the right fit. You can call our Practice Coordinator Andrea at (513) 717-5566, or self-schedule through our online portal.

We work with adults (18+) and offer both in-person and virtual appointments. Our team specializes in anxiety and panic attacks, depression, trauma, OCD, ADHD, TBI, narcissistic abuse recovery, and more. Whether you're navigating a specific challenge or simply seeking support for personal growth, we're here for you.

Therapy is an investment in yourself—in your healing, your growth, and your future. You deserve support. You don't have to figure everything out alone.

Hello Mental Health is located at 126 Wellington Place, Cincinnati, OH 45219. We accept HSA/FSA cards and are in-network with Custom Design Benefits TrueCost Plan and Lyra. For all other insurance, we provide superbills for potential out-of-network reimbursement.