What’s the Point of Therapy?

Feb 19

The Purpose of Therapy: A Podcast Summary

This blog is derived from one of our podcast episodes, there’s a short excerpt below. If you’d like to give us a listen, you can do so here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-mental/episodes/The-Purpose-of-Therapy-e2v3qm9.

“Hello, friends! Thank you for taking a listen to Simply Mental. We have a little bit different setup today. I have my husband Garth with me rather than a mental health expert as a guest and we are going to be doing this throughout 2025 where he comes onto the podcast and he poses some sort of mental health question to me.

Sometimes it's going to be a question specific to my area of practice. Sometimes it's going to be something that I'm not nearly as familiar with and I will maybe need to do some research in order to answer it. Today we're covering something really general, the purpose of therapy.”

Therapy as a Long-Term Commitment: When It’s Necessary

There are certainly cases where people need ongoing therapy—weekly or bi-weekly sessions—alongside medication management for the rest of their lives. This is perfectly appropriate, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Just like some people need to see a cardiologist regularly for the long haul, therapy can be a consistent, lifelong commitment for others. However, for the general population, therapy doesn’t necessarily need to be a permanent fixture in one’s life. For many, an annual or bi-annual check-in is all that’s required to ensure everything is on track.

Therapy as Primary Care for the Mind

Therapy can be seen as similar to seeing a primary care physician. It's a great idea for most people to check in with a therapist every now and then to ensure mental health is maintained. Whether that’s once a year or every six months, it’s about finding what works best for your life, understanding when issues arise, and addressing them early before they become overwhelming.

Affordability and Access: A Barrier for Many

One of the most common struggles people face is finding a therapist that fits both their needs and their budget. For those who are financially struggling, there are some options to explore. It’s crucial to recognize that people in truly impoverished situations may need to focus on meeting basic needs first—food, shelter, and safety—before addressing other mental health concerns. In those situations, case management services can often be a more suitable first step. It isn’t realistic for someone to come to therapy and participate well if they don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

If you find yourself struggling to find a therapist because of cost, there are ways to expand your options. Consider looking beyond in-network providers. Out-of-network providers, reduced-rate services, and pro-bono sessions can open up more affordable possibilities. The key is to be open to various financial options and resources, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone to find the right fit.

Additionally, when seeking therapy, one of the best things you can do is look for specialists in the areas you need help with. Specialists often have a depth of experience and knowledge in specific areas that can provide faster and more lasting results. Not only is this more effective for your mental health, but your wallet too.

For individuals seeking to make significant progress in a shorter amount of time, intensive therapy can be a great option. Intensive sessions—often lasting longer than the typical 50-minute session—can help address deep-rooted issues quickly, which may take years of traditional therapy to achieve. The initial cost of intensive therapy may seem daunting, but in the long run, it can actually save money. For example, a month of intensive therapy can cost around $2,400. Traditional therapy, over the course of a year at bi-weekly sessions could total $3,900. While weekly therapy for five years, while paying a typical co-pay is around $7,800. This comparison demonstrates that sometimes, spending a little more upfront for more targeted therapy can result in long-term savings—both financially and emotionally.

Finding the Right Fit: More Than Just Cost

Finding a therapist who fits your needs goes beyond the financial aspect. It’s about finding someone who specializes in the areas you need help with. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, stress, or motherhood overwhelm, a therapist who has the specific expertise to guide you through those challenges can make a huge difference. It’s worth taking the time to find the right professional who can help you get to the root cause of your issues rather than just offering short-term coping strategies.

The Role of Specialized Therapy for Moms

When it comes to the practice that I run, one of the most fulfilling areas of work is with mothers who are feeling overwhelmed by their past and unable to stay calm in the present. My goal in therapy is to help these moms work through their trauma so they can regain a sense of calm and control. This doesn’t mean that moms are never going to feel big emotions again, but it means that they’ll be able to sit with those emotions and handle them more effectively. Ultimately, I want these moms to leave therapy feeling proud of their lives and capable of handling the challenges of motherhood with grace and calm.

Redefining the Meaning of Therapy: Access and Affordability

The decision to break away from accepting insurance wasn’t an easy one. However, as I grew as a therapist, I realized that many people didn’t have insurance, or their insurance didn’t provide adequate coverage for therapy. I was facing a gap in access to care, and staying on insurance wasn’t helping me fill that gap. I wanted to serve people who needed therapy but couldn’t afford the high copays or didn’t have insurance at all.

Now, by offering a reduced rate or pro bono sessions to about 10 percent of my caseload, I feel that I’m able to better meet the needs of a broader population. This decision allows me to help those who truly need it while still maintaining the quality of care that I provide. Though this may be harder on my own pockets, it feels more rewarding in the long run.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Goal of Therapy

The ultimate goal of therapy is to help people live better lives. For me, that often looks like working with women who are struggling to stay present and calm. It’s not just about giving them emotional regulation tools; it’s about addressing the root causes of their struggles—often stemming from past trauma. The aim is to give them the tools and understanding to live a calmer, more present, and more fulfilling life.

If you’re interested in hearing more, make sure to tune in to our next episode. We’d love to hear your thoughts and any podcast topics you'd like us to dive into. Feel free to text us at 417-708-7909 with your suggestions or inquiries!

Thanks for joining us today. See you next time!

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-mental/episodes/The-Purpose-of-Therapy-e2v3qm9