Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy at UVM Health

You don't have to tackle mental health challenges alone. Psychotherapy is one method experts at University of Vermont Health use to help people take charge of their feelings and behaviors.

Psychotherapy is also called talk therapy. You and your psychiatrist, psychologist or other counselor engage in meaningful conversation to understand the source of your discomfort. You also establish ways to improve your well-being.

Our mental health professionals combine psychotherapy skill and experience with kindness and compassion to help you feel your best.

A male sits in a chair speaking to another person.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the leading mental health services providers in the region, we offer:

Evidence-based psychotherapy methods: Our therapists are experts in a wide range of evidence-based talk therapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Coordinated, accessible care: We collaborate with your other providers to ensure that you receive comprehensive treatment. With psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors at locations throughout the region, excellent care is within reach across Vermont or northern New York.
Highly trained psychiatrists and psychologists: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, many of our clinicians are also active researchers and teachers training the next generation of experts.

Conditions We Treat with Psychotherapy

We use psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication to help people gain control of their mental health. Psychotherapy can help people who have:

Anxiety
Chronic pain
Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
Gender-related concerns, such as gender dysphoria
Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and depression
Relationship and behavior problems
Schizophrenia
Sleep problems
Substance use disorder
Trauma (including post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD) from illness, injury or life experiences

Support Groups

Support groups connect people facing similar challenges. We can help you connect with support groups focused on cancer, dementia, bereavement, diabetes, mental health and more.

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What to Expect During Psychotherapy

When you start psychotherapy, you and your mental health provider talk through your situation. Together you develop your treatment plan and goals.

Psychotherapy sessions can be held individually or in a group setting with your mental health provider. Most sessions last about an hour, and typically happen weekly. Depending on your needs, your psychotherapy treatment could last a few sessions or many years. Our providers offer psychotherapy in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities and our Comprehensive Pain Program.

Your care plan may include one or more broad types of psychotherapy, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and change harmful thoughts and behaviors. You learn to replace your existing feelings and actions with new, positive ones.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT is best for short-term needs, this type of therapy can help with difficulties between people resulting in feelings of isolation, grief and depression.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT uses skills learned in individual or group sessions, you can learn to manage strong emotions and self-destructive impulses. Therapists may use this therapy to alleviate suicidal thoughts and symptoms of borderline personality disorder, eating disorders and PTSD.