Integrative therapy is a flexible form of care. It combines aspects of various treatment approaches (i.e. cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, psychodynamic therapy) based on each person’s needs.
An integrative therapist will work with you to understand your preferences and current challenges. They’ll incorporate evidence-based approaches that are most aligned to your goals.
Integrative therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions. It might be a fit for you if you like working together with your therapist to find what approach works best for you.
Everyone comes to therapy with their own challenges and preferences. An approach that works for one person may not work for someone else, even if they share a diagnosis. Integrative therapy is designed to honor those differences. It helps providers customize the treatment experience by combining different types of therapy.
Research shows that integrative therapy is effective for treating a variety of mental health concerns. It works by combining evidence-based approaches based on each person’s needs. Learning more about this form of care can empower you to play an active role in your treatment and help your provider select interventions that are right for you.
What to expect from integrative therapy
Healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. There are hundreds of different forms of therapy, and providers are tasked with selecting the best interventions for their clients.
If a therapist mentions that they use an integrative approach, you can expect collaboration. They’ll want to know how you’ve managed symptoms in the past and what tends to make them better or worse. They’ll also want to know what types of support you prefer. If you don’t have answers to those questions, that’s OK. You and your provider can work together to figure out what works for you.
For example, maybe you want to examine your childhood or explore your past. Or perhaps you’re someone who wants to stay in the present and focus on solutions. Maybe you prefer to express yourself creatively or with movement. Or perhaps you appreciate concrete direction and having therapy “homework.” Your therapist will use these insights to determine how best to support you.
Along the way, your therapist will check in and ask how things feel. Remember, you can always request a change or speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Types of integrative therapy
Imagine you’re making a sandwich (stay with us here). You have bread, meat, and a variety of toppings. On their own, these ingredients taste fine. But by putting them together, you get a much more satisfying lunch.
Integrative therapy, in some ways, is just like that sandwich. It involves a thoughtful combination of interventions based on each person’s needs. Some people use the terms “holistic” or “eclectic” interchangeably with “integrative” when referring to a blend of therapies.
But what sets integrative therapy apart is that it combines only evidence-based techniques. These include things like:
Researchers have found that the most effective therapies share some common ground. Basically, what makes therapy work often comes down to feeling understood, having clear goals, and building a trusting relationship with your therapist. So no matter the interventions your provider uses, you can expect to receive these evidence-backed benefits with integrative therapy.
Who’s a good fit for integrative therapy?
One of the most helpful aspects of integrative therapy is its flexibility. It can be adapted for many different scenarios, conditions, and dynamics. Integrative therapy has been used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and more. It might be a good fit for you if you value personalized, adaptive support that reflects your unique strengths and challenges.
For example, maybe you’re dealing with depression, but you’re also having trouble with focus and you suspect that you might have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An integrative therapist could create a treatment plan that includes interventions to help you navigate both concerns.
Like most forms of treatment, integrative therapy has helped many people. But that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. People looking for a structured approach that follows a specific curriculum may not like integrative therapy. Additionally, integrative therapy on its own may not be effective during an episode of psychosis or when there are pressing safety concerns.
How to get started with integrative therapy
If you’re interested in integrative therapy, these tips can help you get started:
Get a referral. Ask one of your current providers (your doctor, psychiatrist, etc.) if they can refer you to an integrative therapist. They may know someone you can see either in person or online.
Search online. To find an integrative therapist, search online directories, telehealth platforms, and individual therapists’ websites. Look for providers who use terms like “eclectic” or “integrative” in their bios.
Ask questions. When you meet with a therapist, ask them about their background and training. Let them know that you’re looking for someone who can combine therapies based on your needs and preferences.
What makes integrative therapy so valuable is how personalized it is. It blends different methods to meet you where you are and supports your growth in a way that feels balanced and authentic.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
Integrative therapy combines elements of various evidence-based approaches (i.e. mindfulness and CBT). This allows therapists to create therapeutic experiences that reflect their clients’ needs and preferences. One of the greatest strengths of integrative therapy is its flexibility. It offers individualized, science-backed support to help people manage depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
Rula's editorial process
Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
