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Which type of therapy do you actually need? (A no-BS guide)

January 14, 2025

So you’ve started exploring the world of therapy. Maybe you’ve already bounced between programs that felt disconnected—or maybe you’re still on the sidelines, wondering where to even begin. Either way, it’s confusing. And it shouldn’t be.

What you need is clarity. What actually is therapy supposed to look like? What options do you really have? How do you find the care that fits you, not just your diagnosis?

Let’s break it all down—no clinical jargon, no guessing games. Just real information so you can take real action.  

What does “level of care” actually mean?

Different people need different levels of support at different times. That’s it. No shame in needing more help. No shame in needing less.

Level of care just means how much support you’re getting—and how often.

Lighter support = Once a week (or every other week) therapy

More structured care = Group and individual therapy 3–5 days per week

Stabilizing care = Daily support, partnered services, or 24/7 programs during a crisis

The key is finding what’s right for where you are now—not where you think you “should” be.

So how is care actually structured?

Most mental health systems use a step-up/step-down model—meaning you can move into more or less support depending on what’s going on in your life. The problem is, most places only offer one piece of that spectrum… which means you’re left scrambling if your needs shift.

That’s why Sanare does it differently.

We designed our programs to evolve with you, so you don’t have to keep starting over or explaining your story to new people every time your needs change.

Here’s how Sanare’s levels of care work now:

1. Catalyst Consultation

This is your starting point. You’ll meet (virtually or in person) with a licensed therapist who gets the full picture of where you’re at—and where you want to go. From there, we’ll create a custom plan with you. No pressure. No guessing.  

2. Turning Point Programs

This is our core therapy offering. You’ll meet in group therapy four days a week (with individual sessions built in), and finally feel what it’s like to be understood—not managed.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, identity questions, depression, or just don’t feel like yourself anymore—this is the structure that helps people move from surviving to actually living again.

We offer specialized tracks including:

  • Mental health support for adolescents and tweens
  • LGBTQIA+ trauma-informed groups
  • Substance use and recovery support
  • DBT-informed skills groups
  • Women’s empowerment tracks
  • General mental health for adults and young adults

3. Elevated Support

This is deeper care without giving up your daily life. If your symptoms are keeping you from functioning—like attending school, showing up at work, or even getting out of bed—Elevated Support offers more touchpoints, daily structure, and a higher level of therapeutic engagement.

This level offers more than just coping—it’s about grounding, stabilization, and building momentum forward.

4. Partnered & Residential Care

If what you need extends beyond our current services, we’ll help you get to the right place—without leaving you hanging.

Whether it’s 24/7 residential care, short-term crisis stabilization, or trauma-specific inpatient programs, we’ve built trusted referral pathways to help you move seamlessly into the next phase of healing.

Not sure where you land? That’s what we’re here for.

You don’t have to know the right answers to get started. That’s what we help with. We reassess your care throughout your journey and adjust based on your real-time needs—because healing isn’t linear, and your care shouldn’t be either.

A note on family involvement

Whether you're a teen, a parent, or an adult navigating recovery—your support system matters. We work with you to determine the best way to include loved ones in your process, based on your goals, age, and what actually feels helpful (not forced).

For adults, we offer optional family support groups every other week to keep the conversation going outside the therapy room.

For teens and tweens, family involvement is often essential. We offer regular family sessions and collaborate with schools to ensure that what happens in therapy supports life outside it, too.

So… how often should you actually go to therapy?

That depends on:

  • What you’re working through (trauma? burnout? grief?)
  • Your current mental health status
  • Whether you’re in crisis or maintenance mode
  • Your schedule, finances, and readiness to dive in

Some people do best with once-a-week support. Others need four days of structure to get their footing back. Neither path is better. Just different.

If you’re still unsure, check out our guide: “How Often Should You Go to Therapy?” It’ll walk you through how to decide what works for you.

Final word: You’re not too much. You’re not behind. And you’re not expected to figure this all out alone.

If therapy has felt like a maze—let’s burn the maze down and build something better.

Start with a Consultation.

Let’s figure out where you are, where you want to be, and what it’ll take to get you there.

Ready for a therapy program that can help you navigate not only the holidays but all days?

Link to Contact Page

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