Therapy FAQs in Denver
Answers to Common Questions About Therapy, DBT, CBT, Insurance, and Getting Started
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and it’s completely normal to have questions before you take that first step. At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we believe you deserve clear, honest answers so you can feel confident and informed. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common mental health therapy questions we hear from people across Denver and Colorado.
General Therapy Questions
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you’re struggling with difficult emotions, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, or simply feel “stuck,” therapy can help. You don’t need a crisis to seek support. Therapy is for anyone who wants to build coping skills, understand themselves better, and improve their overall well-being. Request a consultation to discuss your needs.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and specializes in assessment and evidence-based treatment. Therapists and counselors — such as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) — hold master’s degrees and provide talk therapy. All are licensed professionals trained to help you. Our Denver team includes psychologists, an LCSW, and an LPC.
How long does therapy typically last?
The length of therapy depends on your goals and needs. Some people benefit from short-term treatment over a few months, while others engage in longer-term work. DBT skills groups, for example, run for 24 weeks for teens and six months to one year for adults. Your therapist will collaborate with you on a timeline that feels right.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything you share in therapy is protected by strict confidentiality laws. Your therapist will only break confidentiality in rare situations required by law — such as imminent danger to yourself or others, or suspected abuse of a minor. We discuss these limits clearly during your first session.
Can I do therapy online?
Absolutely. We offer telehealth therapy to clients throughout Colorado. Virtual sessions use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform and are just as effective as in-person sessions for many concerns. It’s a convenient option if you have a busy schedule or live outside Denver.
Do you work with teens and adolescents?
Yes. We work with clients ages 12 and up, including adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, self-harm, emotion dysregulation, and more. We offer both individual therapy and a dedicated Teen DBT Skills Group that includes a multi-family component to support the whole family.
About CBT
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. By learning how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected, you develop practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, and other conditions more effectively.
What conditions does CBT treat?
CBT is highly effective for anxiety disorders, depression, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, phobias, insomnia, and eating disorders. It also helps with everyday challenges like stress management and low self-esteem. Our Denver therapists tailor CBT techniques to your unique situation and goals.
How is CBT different from other types of therapy?
CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and typically shorter-term compared to other approaches. It focuses on present-day thinking and behavior rather than exploring the distant past. You’ll often have between-session exercises to practice new skills in your daily life, which accelerates progress.
What happens in a typical CBT session?
In a CBT session, you and your therapist review your week, identify thought patterns connected to difficult emotions, and practice evidence-based strategies to shift those patterns. Sessions are collaborative — your therapist guides you, but you actively participate. Each 45-minute session builds on the last.
About Our Practice
What makes Mountainside Behavioral Health different?
Mountainside Behavioral Health is a female-owned Denver practice built on specialized expertise in DBT and CBT. Our clinicians have advanced, intensive training in evidence-based treatments — not just general therapy with surface-level knowledge. We focus on creating a warm, inclusive environment where every client feels seen, heard, and empowered. Learn more about us.
Who are the therapists at Mountainside?
Our team includes Dr. Emily Biggs-Heisler (Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Co-Owner), Anabelle Brecker (LCSW, Co-Owner), Audrey Fisher (LPC), and Dr. Diana Huizar (Ph.D., School Psychologist). Each brings specialized training in DBT, CBT, and trauma-informed care. Meet the full team.
Do you offer bilingual therapy?
Yes. Dr. Diana Huizar is bilingual in English and Spanish and works with clients ages 11–24 and their families. She brings a culturally responsive, compassionate approach grounded in DBT and Motivational Interviewing. Contact us to schedule a session in Spanish.
What populations do you serve?
We serve adolescents (ages 12+), adults, couples, and families. Our practice is proudly inclusive and affirming of the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you’re a teen navigating school stress, an adult managing anxiety, or a couple working on communication, we’re here for you.
Insurance & Pricing
Do you accept insurance?
We are an out-of-network provider, which means we do not bill insurance directly. However, we provide superbills — detailed receipts you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many clients recover a significant portion of their costs this way. Visit our Insurance & Pricing page for details.
How much does therapy cost?
Individual and parent training sessions are $175–$200 per 45-minute session. Couples sessions are $200 per session. Our adult DBT skills group is $125 per two-hour session, and the teen DBT skills group is $150 per two-hour session. See our full pricing breakdown.
What is a superbill, and how do I use it?
A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes your diagnosis, procedure codes, and session details. After each session, we provide one for you to submit to your insurance company’s out-of-network benefits department. Many insurers reimburse 50–80% of the cost. Our team can help you understand the process — visit our Insurance & Pricing page to learn more.
Getting Started
How do I schedule my first appointment?
Getting started is simple. Request a consultation through our website, and a member of our team will reach out to discuss your needs, answer questions, and match you with the right therapist. We offer a free initial consultation so you can make sure Mountainside is the right fit.
What should I expect during my first session?
Your first session is an intake assessment where your therapist learns about your history, current challenges, and goals. It’s a collaborative conversation — there’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of your treatment plan and next steps.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes! We offer a free consultation so you can ask questions, share what you’re looking for, and see if our approach feels right for you — all before committing to a session. It’s a no-pressure conversation designed to help you feel confident about starting therapy. Request yours today.
Can I switch therapists if the fit isn’t right?
Absolutely. The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of success in therapy. If you feel another clinician on our team might be a better match, we’ll help you transition smoothly. Your comfort and progress are always our priority.
Begin Your Healing Journey
You deserve support from a team that truly understands evidence-based behavioral health care. At Mountainside Behavioral Health, our Denver-based clinicians are here to guide you with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to your well-being.