Treatment Vocabulary 101: Common Language Used In Therapy

So, you have decided to start therapy. The idea may have seemed overwhelming, even insurmountable at first. Now that you have taken that brave first step, you may feel inundated with new terms and phrases that sound confusing, ambiguous, or even mysterious. One way to gain clarity on the journey you are about to embark on is to prepare by learning some of the vocabulary you may typically hear when you meet with your treatment team for the first time. After all, you deserve to understand the terms your providers use when discussing your care. This guide outlines commonly used terms you may encounter when beginning and navigating mental health treatment. Feeling informed about what is happening may help you feel more empowered in your healing journey.  

Intake

When you meet with your therapist for the first time, you may be asked to come in or join a member of the treatment team for an Intake appointment. An intake is an initial session designed to gather the most important information about you to guide your treatment.  Expect to be asked for a lot of information that ranges from basic demographic information to previous mental health treatment and family medical and mental health history. You may not be able to answer everything, but know that the more information your providers have about you, the more tailored your treatment can be.  

During your intake appointment, the team member collecting your information may also complete screenings and assessments.  

Screenings are short questionnaires that you complete on your own or with support from a care team member. These questions focus on your habits, feelings, or experiences and help your provider understand whether you may be showing signs of a mental health condition or another safety concern.

Assessments are longer, more in-depth evaluations completed by trained professionals on your care team. They offer a fuller picture of your experiences and help clarify what symptoms you’re having, so your provider can better understand your needs.

The Treatment Team

When beginning mental health treatment, you are likely to engage with a few different people who work together on an interdisciplinary team towards the same goal of supporting you and other clients on your treatment journeys. Your treatment team may include therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, case managers, and nurses, each playing a unique role in your care. These professionals collaborate to create a comprehensive approach, ensuring your physical, emotional, and social needs are addressed throughout your therapy experience.

Psychiatric Providers vs. Therapists

Psychiatric providers and therapists both support your mental health and are essential members of the treatment team. However, they play different roles in your care.

Psychiatric Providers are medical professionals—such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or physician assistants—who can evaluate how your symptoms relate to your overall health. They can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications when needed. They may also provide psychotherapeutic support focused on symptom management and monitoring treatment efficacy.

Therapists are licensed mental health clinicians—such as clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, or psychologists—who provide talk therapy. They may also diagnose your condition based on your symptoms, but their primary area of expertise is understanding your experiences, helping you build coping skills, exploring patterns, and supporting your goals over time. Therapists do not prescribe medication.

Treatment Planning and Goal Setting

Once you begin treatment, you will likely meet with your therapists for regular sessions (typically weekly or biweekly, hour-long appointments). During your initial session, you will work with your therapist to develop a treatment plan. A treatment plan is a roadmap to help guide you and your therapist. Treatment plans are intentionally co-created with your therapist to help you identify the most important goals you would like to accomplish in treatment and a path to achieve them.  

Goals of treatment are the broadest component of the treatment plan and are then broken down into small, measurable, achievable, and timely objectives.  

A treatment plan is a personalized collaborative document developed between you and your therapist that outlines your therapy goals and the steps you will take together to achieve them. It typically includes specific objectives, progress strategies, and a timeline for evaluating your growth. Having a treatment plan provides structure and focus for your sessions, making it easier to track your progress and adjust your approach as needed.

Triggers are things that may remind you of a previous distressing time or trauma. They may lead you to misinterpret new situations, thereby eliciting a strong response. Therapy helps identify triggers we may not be aware of or notice in ourselves. When we are more self-aware, we are better able to manage strong reactions in the future.  

Coping Skills are strategies you and your therapist identify to help you feel more grounded, calmer, and in control when you are experiencing distress or are triggered. They may include journaling, taking a walk, or deep breathing when you are feeling overwhelmed.  

Medication Management is a service provided by a member of the psychiatric team to help you understand how medications may support your mental health. It includes discussing your symptoms, reviewing how you respond to any medications, and adjusting when needed to ensure the treatment is safe, effective, and aligned with your goals.  

Types of Therapy

Therapy can take place in many forms, including group or individual sessions, family  

Types of Therapy refer to the various approaches and techniques mental health professionals use to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Common types include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy, among others. Each method has its own focus and strategies, allowing your treatment to be tailored to your personal needs and goals.

Therapy may also happen in various settings, including individual sessions, group therapy, or intensive outpatient treatment. Individual sessions offer one-on-one time with a therapist to focus on your personal goals and experiences. Group therapy brings together several participants, led by a trained facilitator, to learn skills, share experiences, and support one another. Intensive outpatient treatment provides a higher level of care with multiple sessions each week, offering structured support while allowing you to continue your daily routines.  

A Final Note

Starting therapy is a courageous step in caring for your overall health. Being prepared with knowledge about what to expect can help you feel more in control by understanding what your treatment team is talking about, advocating for yourself, and taking accountability for your progress. Your treatment should be a safe place to unpack what has been weighing you down, ask questions, feel validated, and be empowered. Knowing how to articulate your needs is an amazing first step.