If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

A collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a mental health provider to identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Hometown NP provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management, not structured psychotherapy; seek a separately licensed therapist for this service.

Hometown NP does not provide structured psychotherapy. Our PMHNPs focus on psychiatric evaluation and medication management; ask our team about referrals to separately licensed therapists.

Check psychiatric appointment availability

What Is Talk Therapy?

Psychotherapy — commonly known as talk therapy — is an evidence-based treatment in which you work collaboratively with a licensed mental health provider to understand the roots of your struggles, develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving, and build lasting coping skills. Unlike medication, which primarily targets neurochemistry, psychotherapy creates change by helping you process experiences, shift perspectives, and practice new responses.

Hometown NP does not provide structured weekly psychotherapy. Hometown NP PMHNPs focus on psychiatric evaluation and medication management; when talk therapy is appropriate, the team can recommend seeking care from a separately licensed therapist. Keeping prescribing and therapy roles clear helps patients understand what each visit includes.

The specific approach used in psychotherapy depends on your diagnosis, goals, and what the evidence shows works best for your situation. Common modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, supportive therapy, and solution-focused techniques. Discuss the approach, credentials, and scope of care with the licensed therapist providing the service.

Key Benefits

Better understanding of yourself
Improved coping skills
Healthier relationships
Resolution of specific problems

Who Is This Treatment For?

Psychotherapy is appropriate for anyone experiencing emotional distress, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, or a diagnosed mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or OCD. It is often combined with medication management for conditions where a combined approach produces better outcomes than either treatment alone.

Conditions commonly addressed:

DepressionAnxiety DisordersPTSDOCDGrief and LossRelationship DifficultiesLife Transitions

What to Expect

Regular sessions discussing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe, confidential environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medication management addresses the neurobiological underpinnings of mental health conditions through prescription medications. Psychotherapy — talk therapy — creates change by helping you examine and shift thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For many conditions, research shows that combining both approaches produces better and more durable outcomes than either alone.

The number of sessions depends on your goals, the nature of your concerns, and how you respond to treatment. Brief, focused issues may resolve in 8–12 sessions, while longer-standing or complex conditions may benefit from ongoing therapy over months or years. Your provider will discuss a realistic timeframe during your initial assessment.

A growing body of research — including randomized controlled trials — demonstrates that telehealth psychotherapy produces outcomes equivalent to in-person therapy for most conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Many people find that attending sessions from home actually makes it easier to open up and stay consistent.

It is not uncommon to feel temporarily more uncomfortable at the start of therapy as you begin examining difficult emotions or memories. This is usually a sign of meaningful engagement, not a sign that therapy is not working. Share your experience with your provider — they can pace the work appropriately and ensure you feel supported throughout.

Other Treatments

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Ready to Start Your Mental Health Journey?

View current telehealth appointment availability in 40+ states. Most insurance accepted.