The honest answer is that you rarely know for certain before you start — and that's okay. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship (the trust and connection between you and your therapist) is often a stronger predictor of outcomes than the specific modality used. That said, certain approaches have stronger evidence for specific conditions: EMDR for trauma and PTSD, DBT for emotional dysregulation and borderline personality disorder, CBT for anxiety and depression.

The most practical approach: schedule an initial assessment with one of our Wichita clinicians at Resolutions Therapy. During that first session, your therapist will ask about your goals, history, and preferences and recommend a direction. Don't hesitate to ask directly: "Why are you recommending this approach for me?" A good therapist will always explain their clinical reasoning. You can also use the interactive quiz above as a conversation starter.

CBT is one of the most time-efficient forms of psychotherapy. Most structured CBT protocols run 12–20 weekly sessions, and many people notice measurable improvement within the first 6–8 sessions. A 2023 meta-analysis in ScienceDirect found post-treatment effect sizes for CBT in depression were medium to large (Hedges' g: 0.51–0.81), with gains holding at follow-up.

That said, CBT isn't a quick fix — the work happens largely between sessions through homework, journaling, and behavioral experiments. People who engage with between-session practice consistently tend to see results faster. It's worth noting that CBT has one of the lowest relapse rates among psychological treatments — the skills you learn are yours to keep long after therapy ends.

EMDR is one of the most scrutinized therapies in mental health research — and the evidence has held up. It has earned first-line treatment recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA/DoD), and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). These endorsements require a robust, replicated evidence base from multiple independent research groups.

There is ongoing scientific debate about why EMDR works — specifically whether the bilateral eye movements themselves are essential, or whether it's primarily the exposure and cognitive components. Either way, the outcomes are not in serious dispute: studies consistently show EMDR reduces PTSD symptoms significantly and efficiently. Neuroimaging research has shown measurable changes in amygdala activity and hippocampal function following EMDR, providing a biological basis for the clinical outcomes observed.

No — while DBT was originally developed for BPD, its core skills are broadly applicable. Research compiled by the Linehan Institute shows DBT has demonstrated efficacy for eating disorders (especially binge eating and bulimia), substance use disorders, treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and behavioral problems in adolescents.

The thread connecting these conditions: they all involve difficulty regulating emotions, and behaviors that function as attempts to manage those emotions. DBT's four skill modules directly address these patterns. Many clients at Resolutions Therapy who don't have a BPD diagnosis benefit significantly from DBT skills training — particularly those who describe themselves as "highly sensitive" or who struggle with impulsivity.

Generally yes. Most major insurance plans, including KanCare, Medicare, and private insurers, cover individual psychotherapy with a licensed mental health provider. Because CBT, DBT, EMDR, and the other approaches on this list are all evidence-based treatments, they are typically billable under standard therapy procedure codes.

The specifics depend on your individual plan — copay, deductible, and sessions per year will vary. At Resolutions Therapy, our staff can verify your insurance benefits before your first appointment so there are no surprises. For a full list of accepted plans, visit our Insurance Information page. If you're uninsured or underinsured, ask about sliding scale options when you call.

Absolutely — and this is more common than most people realize. The initial approach your therapist recommends is always a hypothesis, not a final verdict. If after 6–8 sessions you're not noticing any meaningful movement, that's important information worth discussing openly with your therapist.

In many cases, what looks like the "wrong approach" is a signal to adjust the focus. For example, if CBT isn't making a dent in depression, there may be underlying trauma that warrants EMDR before the cognitive work can take hold. At Resolutions Therapy, our Wichita clinicians are trained across multiple modalities so adjustments don't require starting over with a new provider.

An evidence-based therapy is one that has been tested in rigorous, controlled clinical research — typically randomized controlled trials (RCTs) — and found to produce consistent, meaningful improvement compared to no treatment or standard care. The strongest evidence comes from multiple independent studies across different populations, settings, and research teams.

All 7 types of therapy described in this guide are classified as evidence-based by major professional bodies including the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). All Resolutions Therapy clinicians practice within evidence-based frameworks and can explain the research behind their recommendations.