How Do I Know If I Need Therapy?

If you've found yourself Googling this question, there's a good chance you’re already suspecting the answer. This is normal. It’s actually a very frequently searched question and one of the most common ways people find their way into a therapy office. Rarely is it a single dramatic event, but instead, a slow accumulation of some pattern in your life that leads you to wonder, "Maybe I should talk to someone about this."

Over the next few weeks, we are beginning a series to answer some foundational questions you may be asking. The goal is to help you discover if you could benefit from therapy right now, and, if so, what kind? As mental health professionals, it can be easy to take for granted how new and overwhelming all the available resources might feel to someone unfamiliar with this space. We want to remove that barrier and help simplify it for you so that you can get the support you need. Today we start where most people often do: “How do I know if I need therapy?”

At our practice in Centennial, CO, we pride ourselves in being a one stop shop of sorts. We work with individuals (kids, teens, and adults), couples, and families who come in for all kinds of reasons — some straightforward and some more complex or ambiguous. Below are some of the most common struggles for which therapy can help. We will also include what you can expect if you decide to explore that next step.

You Feel Stuck, Even Though You Can't Point to One Big Problem

Contrary to popular belief, it often doesn’t take a major life crisis to bring someone to therapy. People come because something simply feels off — maybe you’re experiencing low motivation, a sense of drifting, or repeating the same patterns in relationships or work without knowing why. If you feel stuck and can't quite pinpoint why, that persistent feeling is often reason enough to get an outside opinion with support. 

Your Relationships Follow the Same Difficult Pattern

If you notice continual conflict, difficulty setting boundaries, or persistent loneliness, this can point to relational patterns like codependency or self-sabotage — both common, both very possible to work through in therapy. (See our related posts on signs of codependency in relationships and differentiation for a deeper look.)

You're Managing Anxiety, Sadness, or Stress on Your Own — and It's Only Getting Harder

Everyone has hard days. Therapy tends to become relevant when the hard days start to outnumber the good ones, or when you notice yourself relying more heavily on avoidance, isolation, or other coping strategies are actually creating problems instead of relieving them.

People Close to You Have Gently Mentioned It

Oftentimes we're late to the game of seeing our own behaviors clearly. If a partner, friend, or family member has suggested therapy to you more than once, it's worth taking seriously. This isn’t a criticism, but a natural blindspot you may not have access to yourself. Receive this as an expression of concern to take into consideration.

You're Going Through a Major Life Transition

New parenthood, a breakup, a career change, a move to the greater Denver metro area, grief, or any significant life shift can surface emotions that are difficult to navigate alone. Therapy during transitions isn't a sign that something is wrong with you — it's proactive support to offer stability during a truly disorienting time.

You Want a Space That's Entirely Yours

Even without a specific "problem," some people simply want a confidential space to think out loud, be fully honest, and be heard without needing to manage anyone else's response. Maybe you’re a parent, a leader, or simply someone that struggles with constantly tending to others as you neglect yourself. Once you are filled up is when you can truly show up fully for others. That alone is a valid reason to start therapy.

What Happens Next

If any of this resonates, the next step is simply a conversation. The biggest barrier is often making the first call or filling out the first form. Once you reach out to our office, our office manager will connect with you personally to hear more about what you are looking for. They will match you with the therapist they feel would be the best fit for your needs and preferences and walk you through scheduling that first appointment, answering any questions you may have. You can even schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation with any of our clinicians to get a feel for yourself before committing to an intake session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my problem "serious enough" for therapy? There's no minimum bar for this question. People come to therapy for everything from significant trauma to a general sense of dissatisfaction or feeling low. If it's affecting your day-to-day life or peace of mind, it's worth tending to.

How do I know if I need individual or couples therapy? This depends on whether the primary struggle is internal (your own patterns, mood, or history) or relational (recurring conflict or disconnect with a partner). Many people benefit from starting with individual therapy even when the issue feels relational. A therapist can also help you discern this once you get started. There is always the option to pivot in any season.

What if I try therapy and it doesn't help? Finding a good fit with your provider matters. If a particular therapist or approach doesn't feel right, that doesn't mean therapy itself won't ever work for you — it may mean a different therapist or modality is a better match. This is very normal because therapeutic trust is the foundation for progress.

How can I pay for therapy? Our practice is entirely self-pay. While we are not in-network with any insurance providers, we offer reduced rate options. We can also provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement. We also can charge HSA/FSA cards for our services, if that is a better option for you.