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By Mayo Clinic staffPsychotherapy is one of many effective ways to treat a wide range of mental illnesses and life stressors.
When to consider psychotherapy
Psychotherapy may be used because:
- It's your preferred treatment choice
- You don't want to take psychiatric medications
- You've tried other treatments and they haven't worked
- Other treatments aren't appropriate for your situation — for instance, you can't tolerate the side effects from antidepressants
- You want to experience emotional growth and healing
- You're having a hard time overcoming negative moods and self-destructive behavior
- You want to prevent a relapse of your condition after stopping other treatment
Conditions and issues psychotherapy may help
Conditions and problems that may benefit from psychotherapy include, but aren't limited to:
- Grief
- Anger
- Abuse
- Medical illnesses, such as diabetes
- Relationship problems
- Sleep disorders
- Work problems
- Sexual disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Phobias
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse disorders
- Personality disorders
In severe cases, psychotherapy may be more effective when it's combined with other treatments, such as psychiatric medications.