Mental health conditions affect one in four Americans each year. That makes it important to understand the different types of therapy for mental health. These therapy approaches help people manage challenges such as anxiety, depression, addiction, or relationship issues. Both for individuals searching for a therapist, or students trying to determine which area of therapy might appeal to them. Therapy helps people face and understand relationship problems, addiction, anger issues, depression and anxiety, spirituality, stress management, self-worth and self-esteem.
Many people don’t realize how many varying levels and areas of therapeutic counseling exist. However, understanding the approaches of each area clears a pathway to what’s most appropriate — and ultimately most effective — for individuals.
Four Types of Therapy for Mental Health
Cognitive Therapy for Mental Health
At the heart of cognitive therapy lies the principle that our thoughts directly shape our emotional and behavioral responses. This approach posits that negative or dysfunctional thinking patterns can trigger adverse emotional and behavioral outcomes. By guiding clients to identify and reshape these thought patterns, cognitive therapy aims to transform their emotional experiences and behaviors, fostering healthier responses to their thoughts.
Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Phobias
Behavioral therapy delves into the mechanics of learning to understand the formation of both adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. A pivotal figure in the foundation of behavioral therapy is Ivan Pavlov. He was renowned for demonstrating how conditioned responses develop. Evidenced by his experiments where dogs learned to associate a ringing bell with the anticipation of food.
A key strategy employed within behavioral therapy is “desensitization.” This strategy has been particularly effective for individuals grappling with irrational fears. Through this technique, therapists gradually expose clients to the feared object or situation in a controlled environment, aiming to diminish their anxiety over time and foster a more rational response. This method is instrumental in assisting clients to overcome phobias, enabling them to react more calmly and confidently to previously distressing stimuli.
Humanistic Therapy for Growth and Self-Discovery
Humanistic therapy is all about supporting people in making choices that help them live their best lives and reach their highest potential. It’s built on a foundation of genuine concern and respect for others. This approach includes several key types: client-centered therapy, which emphasizes understanding and acceptance; Gestalt therapy, which helps people focus on the here and now; and existential therapy, which explores life’s big questions and how we find meaning. Each of these types shares a common goal: to encourage personal growth and self-discovery.
Integrative and Holistic Therapy Approaches
Integrative or holistic therapy combines techniques from cognitive, behavioral, and humanistic methods to create a personalized treatment plan for each person. It’s often seen as an alternative or complement to more traditional therapies. This approach might include a variety of practices such as hypnosis, regression therapy, breathwork, acupuncture, massage, and guided imagery. The goal is to meet the individual’s unique needs, focusing on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—for healing.
Therapy Career Opportunities and Job Growth
Most careers in therapy and counseling begin with a master’s degree and a professional license. Mental health counselors make a median salary of about $59,000, and opportunities in the field are growing quickly with 17% job growth expected by 2034. Marriage and family therapists see even higher earnings, earning a median salary near $64,000, and positions in this field are also expanding, with growth expected at 13% over the next decade. With strong salaries and steady demand, both paths offer clear opportunities for professionals who want to make an impact in therapy and counseling.
Not every therapist follows the same path. Many who focus on holistic or integrative therapy choose a different route, often working for themselves instead of pursuing a state license. They build their careers through certifications in areas like breathwork, regression therapy, or energy work. This approach offers flexibility and lets practitioners combine mental, emotional, and physical wellness in ways that meet the unique needs of each client. For people drawn to whole-person healing, holistic therapy opens the door to meaningful opportunities outside the traditional counseling track.
Education to Grow Your Therapy Career
Ready to take the next step in your therapy career? At Touro University Worldwide (TUW), you’ll find online graduate programs designed for working professionals. Choose from degrees like the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy or the Master of Arts in Psychology.
Our programs focus on real-world skills that prepare you for counseling, therapy, and psychology roles. Courses are taught by experienced faculty who know the demands of the field. With flexible online options, you can balance your education with your personal and professional life while building the knowledge to help others.