Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing. Problems helped by psychotherapy include difficulties in coping with daily life; the impact of trauma, medical illness or loss, like the death of a loved one; and specific mental disorders, like depression or anxiety. There are several different types of psychotherapy and some types may work better with certain problems or issues. Psychotherapy may be used in combination with medication or other therapies.

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Psychotherapy can be helpful in treating most mental health problems, including:

• Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder

• Addictions, such as alcoholism, drug dependence or compulsive gambling

• Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia

• Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or dependent personality disorder

• Schizophrenia or other disorders that cause detachment from reality (psychotic disorders).   
                     
  Not everyone who benefits from psychotherapy is diagnosed with a mental illness. Psychotherapy can help with a number of life's stresses and conflicts that can affect anyone. For example, it may help you:
   

• Resolve conflicts with your partner or someone else in your life

• Relieve anxiety or stress due to work or other situations

• Cope with major life changes, such as divorce, the death of a loved one or the loss of a job

• Learn to manage unhealthy reactions, such as road rage or passive-aggressive behavior

• Come to terms with an ongoing or serious physical health problem, such as diabetes, cancer or long-term (chronic) pain

• Recover from physical or sexual abuse or witnessing violence

• Cope with sexual problems, whether they're due to a physical or psychological cause

• Sleep better, if you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep (insomnia)

• In some cases, psychotherapy can be as effective as medications, such as antidepressants. However, depending on your specific situation, psychotherapy alone may not be enough to ease the symptoms of a mental health condition. You may also need medications or other treatments.