How to find an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist by Anna Borges | Jun 11, 2026 | Beginning Therapy, LGBTQIA+, Mental Health Topics, Sexuality If you’ve ever found yourself pausing a session to explain terminology, correcting a provider on your pronouns, or hesitating to talk about last night’s date, you know the importance of an LGBTQ+affirming therapist. Opening up to a near stranger can be difficult enough without questioning whether the person across from…
Definitive DSM-5-TR diagnosis list by Hannah DeWitt | Jan 8, 2026 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics Mental disorders are health conditions that impact a person’s thinking, emotions, or behavior—or some combination of the three. They can cause distress and/or impair one’s ability to function, whether that be socially, occupationally, or in some other dimension of life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about…
The 10 U.S. cities where seasonal depression hits hardest (and when it peaks this year) by Taylor Bennett | Nov 2, 2025 | Depression, Mental Health Topics, Research We can predict flu season. We know when cold and allergy meds will fly off the shelves. So why not seasonal depression? For the fourth year, Thriveworks has analyzed Google search trends and weather data to pinpoint when seasonal depression hits hardest, giving people a chance to get ahead of…
How can I get my teen to go to therapy without forcing them? by Jami Dumler | May 25, 2025 | Ask a Therapist, Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics If you believe your teenager could benefit from therapy, bringing up the conversation now can make a real difference. Today’s teens face more stress than previous generations. According to a recent poll from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), two out of three teens feel life is more overwhelming…
The State of Mental Health in North Carolina by Hannah DeWitt | May 5, 2025 | Mental Health Topics, Research A recent survey of people in North Carolina commissioned by Thriveworks reveals interesting patterns surrounding residents’ emotional state and what they do to improve their mental health. Check out the insights below, including which factors impact mental health most, who they turn to for support, and more. North Carolina’s Mental…
What is depression? Recognizing signs, symptoms, and finding solutions by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Jun 12, 2024 | Depression, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Depression is one of the most well-known and studied mental health conditions. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness or emptiness, low energy, lack of concentration, and sleep and appetite changes, among a myriad of other symptoms, with episodes recurring over months or years. The different forms of depression are complex…
Understanding trauma dumping: Communication strategies and professional support by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | May 10, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, Trauma Trauma dumping refers to a situation where an individual shares their traumatic experiences in an overwhelming, often boundary-violating manner without the listener’s consent. While it’s not always intentional, trauma dumping typically crosses interpersonal boundaries and may cause the listener to feel overwhelmed or trapped. Learn more about how to spot…
Thriveworks Pulse on Mental Health Report: 2024 by Thriveworks Counseling | Feb 13, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, Research A recent survey commissioned by Thriveworks unveils compelling patterns in American perceptions of mental health and seeking mental health treatment. These key insights outline whom we’re most likely to tell about our mental health challenges, which generation is most likely to seek therapy and much more. Who Is in Therapy—or…
Understanding stress and effective management by Evan Csir, LPC | Sep 2, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics, Stress Stress is a daily part of life, for better or for worse. We all face challenges in our daily lives from figuring out how we get to our favorite coffee shop to completing daily tasks and maintaining our home. How we manage our stress levels can impact our relationships, the…
My friend is suicidal: What should I do? What should I not do? by Hannah DeWitt | Aug 18, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Suicide Suicide isn’t an easy topic to think about, let alone discuss—especially with an individual you suspect is suicidal. A lot of emotions can be involved, and you certainly don’t want to make this person feel worse. That said, it is incredibly important that we do discuss the matter and get…
What is passive suicidal ideation? Understanding signs, risks, and treatment by Armeshia Lawrence, FPMHNP-BC | Aug 17, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Suicide While people experiencing active suicidal ideation usually have the intent, plan, or means to harm themselves, people experiencing passive suicidal ideation usually have thoughts of suicide but without the intent to follow through. While passive suicidal thoughts may sound less severe than active ones, they are undoubtedly upsetting. It’s also…
Do I need therapy? Signs you should start and the benefits of Thriveworks counseling services by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Aug 10, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement Psychotherapy — or, as it is more commonly known, just therapy — is a powerful tool used by millions of people each year. In the right circumstances, therapy and professional counseling offer a safe and comfortable space to share your thoughts and feelings and acquire skills to help you deal…