Types of Mental Health Therapy Explained

Types of Mental Health Therapy Explained: What You Need to Know

Mental health therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Just like everyone’s struggles are different, so are the paths to healing. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance abuse, understanding the types of mental health therapy available can be your first real step toward recovery.

Therapy isn’t just “talking about your feelings” on a couch anymore. It’s structured. Strategic. Science-backed. And yes, sometimes it’s emotional. But it’s also empowering. Here’s a breakdown of the most common and effective types of mental health therapy, especially as they relate to people facing substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Best for: Anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and negative thinking patterns.

CBT is one of the most widely used therapies for a reason—it works. It’s built around the idea that our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors. So, if you can change your thought patterns, you can change your life.

For those battling addiction, CBT helps identify the triggers that lead to substance use—things like stress, trauma, or even boredom. From there, therapists help develop new, healthier ways to cope. For example, instead of reaching for a drink after a bad day, someone learns to ground themselves through mindfulness or call a trusted friend.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Best for: Borderline personality disorder, substance use, emotional dysregulation, and self-harm.

DBT is a cousin of CBT, but it focuses heavily on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal relationships. It was originally developed for people with borderline personality disorder but has expanded to treat many mental health challenges.

In addiction recovery, DBT is particularly helpful for those who struggle with extreme mood swings or impulsive behaviors. It teaches you how to ride the emotional waves without letting them crash your progress.

3. Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Best for: People uncertain about change, especially in addiction treatment.

Let’s be real—not everyone walks into treatment ready to change. That’s where motivational interviewing comes in. It’s a short-term therapy that helps people explore their own reasons for wanting to change rather than being told what to do.

MI is especially effective for individuals in early stages of recovery who may still feel ambivalent about getting sober. Therapists using this technique help clients resolve internal conflict and find their own drive for making better choices.

4. Trauma-Informed Therapy

Best for: PTSD, childhood trauma, abuse survivors, and people with a history of complex trauma.

Many people battling substance use disorders have deep-rooted trauma. Whether it’s a history of neglect, physical abuse, or witnessing violence, these experiences shape how someone interacts with the world. Trauma-informed therapy ensures that treatment is safe, supportive, and avoids re-traumatizing the client.

It emphasizes understanding why someone uses substances—not just treating the addiction itself. When the root cause is addressed, the need to self-medicate can fade.

5. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Best for: PTSD, trauma, and addiction caused by traumatic events.

EMDR might sound strange at first—it involves recalling traumatic memories while focusing on specific visual or auditory cues—but it’s one of the most effective treatments for trauma.

For people in addiction recovery, EMDR can reduce the emotional pain tied to traumatic memories, making it easier to resist the urge to use. When the pain loses its grip, so does the addiction.

6. Group Therapy

Best for: Building community, practicing new skills, and learning from others.

Addiction is isolating, but recovery is not. Group therapy brings people together who are walking similar paths. These sessions create a space where you’re heard, supported, and held accountable.

Hearing someone else say, “I’ve been there too,” can be the most healing sentence in the world. Whether it’s a relapse story or a breakthrough moment, group therapy reminds us we’re not alone.

7. 12-Step Facilitation Therapy

Best for: People interested in or already participating in 12-step programs like AA or NA.

This therapy isn’t the same as attending a meeting—it’s a professional approach designed to increase engagement in the 12-step process. It focuses on acceptance, surrender, and active involvement in recovery communities.

It’s especially powerful for people who need both individual support and the structure of a larger community.

8. Holistic and Experiential Therapies

Best for: Mind-body connection, stress relief, and self-expression.

Think yoga, art therapy, music therapy, meditation, and even equine (horse) therapy. These therapies treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.

For someone in recovery, holistic therapies can fill the emotional void left behind when drugs or alcohol are removed. They help you reconnect to joy, creativity, and peace—things that might have felt out of reach for years.

Mental health therapy isn't about labeling someone as broken. It's about helping people heal. For those facing addiction, these therapies offer more than hope—they offer a path.

Substance abuse and mental health are tightly intertwined. You can’t treat one and ignore the other. That’s why choosing the right therapy—or combination of therapies—matters so much.

If you're struggling, know this: You don’t have to suffer in silence. There are people, therapies, and entire communities ready to walk with you. Healing is hard. But it’s worth it. And it starts with a single step—understanding your options. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues, please give us a call today at 833-479-0797.