Mental health is just as important as physical health—and yet, it can feel very hard to take care of (let alone talk about). Of the near 60 million adults in the U.S. struggling with a mental health condition, only a fraction receive proper treatment and therapy.

But the percentage of people receiving therapy is growing—and for a good reason. Therapy offers a range of benefits for people looking to improve their mental health and well-being.

Therapy, short for psychotherapy or talk therapy, is a form of mental health treatment aimed at helping people manage difficult emotions, behaviors, thought patterns, and stressors. Therapy also helps people to improve various aspects of their lives, such as their relationships and ability to cope with challenges. 

While it can come in many types and forms, therapy often involves regular, ongoing sessions between a person and a licensed therapist or counselor. In these sessions, a therapist helps the client understand and process their different feelings, stressors, thoughts, and experiences. The client can uncover what triggers their negative emotions, explore underlying or deep-seated struggles, and learn healthy strategies to manage symptoms and improve their general well-being.

Of course, therapy looks different for everyone. Some people attend therapy once a week, in an outpatient setting. Some are committed to therapy on a more frequent basis, as part of a residential mental health treatment program. Therapy can be one-on-one sessions, as described above, or delivered in group settings. The types of therapy will vary, depending on a person’s needs. 

This brings us to the question: Who needs therapy?

Let’s explore this more below.

Who Goes to (and Needs) Therapy?

Who goes to therapy, exactly? Who needs therapy most? Well, the answers to these questions are not so black-and-white.

You see, anyone can go to therapy. There isn’t one “type” of person who attends therapy—people from all walks of life can experience its benefits. Therapy can be incredibly empowering and validating for many people, offering the tools needed to make lifestyle changes, develop new coping skills, build confidence, and grow as individuals.

It’s true that many people in therapy are facing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. However, you do not need a mental health diagnosis to start therapy. You do not need to be in “crisis,” either, to attend. 

Every person has their own motivation or reasons for going to therapy. Here are some examples of people who can benefit from therapy:

• People going through transitions in life, such as a divorce or big move.
• People facing chronic stress and burnout.
• People who want to improve in some capacity—whether that’s improving their communication skills, setting better boundaries, or building their self-confidence.
• Couples looking to strengthen their relationships.
• Families working through conflict or obstacles.
• People who abuse drugs and alcohol.
• People who have a history of trauma in their lives.
• People coping with grief, such as the loss of a loved one.
• People who have been victims of discrimination, injustice, harassment, and/or microaggressions.
• People from marginalized communities (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals).
• People with mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder.

Why Do People Go to Therapy?

As you can already gather, there are many reasons why people go to therapy. Often, it’s to feel better and improve their general well-being. For some people, therapy gives them the space to understand themselves more deeply and to grow. In many cases, therapy can be used as a tool to connect with others and re-build relationships. It can also be a safe place to vent, unload, process, and heal negative feelings and thoughts.

A recent survey found that more than half (55%) of Gen Zers and Millennials have been to therapy in their lifetimes. Their primary reasons for attending therapy were:

• Anxiety (76%)
• Depression (72%)
• Stress (54%)
• Desire for personal growth (33%)
• Trauma (25%)
• ADHD (25%)

These reasons were followed by life transitions, sleep problems, relationship troubles, and loneliness. 

The number of people attending therapy has increased significantly over the years. Just a decade ago, only 13% of adults in the U.S. had seen a therapist or mental health professional. That rose to almost one in four adults (23%) in 2022. And, as we can see above, younger demographics are even more apt to take advantage of mental health care for a range of different needs.

This is largely because perceptions have changed. In the past, going to therapy typically meant that you were struggling with mental illness. However, as conversations about mental health have opened, we know that taking care of your mental health is important—no matter where you are in life. You do not need to wait until you hit “rock bottom” or feel like you’re in a state of crisis. You can seek therapy as a preventative measure, whether you want to learn new skills or simply talk things out.

Here are some other common reasons people go to therapy:

• To manage mental health symptoms.
• To vent, unload emotions, talk through stressors and challenges.
• To heal from trauma, grief, and other painful experiences.
• To reflect, grow, and simply understand themselves better.
• To learn new strategies that will improve their life and well-being.
• To break unhealthy patterns in thoughts, behaviors, and other facets of life.
• To build (or rebuild) relationships.

So, should you go to therapy?

The answer to this question is also subjective, but there are many reasons why you might consider seeing a therapist. Some of the most immediate signs you need therapy include:

1. Your mental health is getting in the way of your everyday life. 

If you’ve ever considered therapy, you likely know the reasons why. Perhaps you feel like you’re in a constant state of stress and overwhelm, or that you have an inability to control your emotions and thought patterns. Whatever your symptoms are, if you feel like they are getting in the way of your daily activities and functioning, it’s likely time to seek professional help. For example:

• Are you losing sleep at night due to intrusive or racing thoughts?
• Are you having trouble concentrating at work or in school, hurting your performance?
• Do you avoid social situations because of anxiety, fear, or other symptoms?
• Do you struggle to find motivation because of feelings of sadness or hopelessness?
• Has stress and burnout affected your relationships, your success, or your ability to care?
• Are feelings of grief or shame preventing you from doing things you love?
• Are relationship troubles causing you to withdraw from loved ones?
• Are you struggling to cope with everyday challenges?
• Do you have difficulty controlling or suppressing feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger?
• Do past traumas or instances of abuse get in the way of your happiness?

These are just some of the many questions to ask yourself. Ultimately, if you feel as though you’re struggling with your mental health, and it’s preventing you from living your life to the fullest, it’s a good time to talk to a therapist. Therapy can help you unpack the root of your symptoms as well as develop healthy coping mechanisms—so that you can get back to living to your fullest capacity.

2. You struggle to cope with everyday stressors and challenges. 

Everyone experiences stress from time to time. However, if your stress becomes overwhelming—and you do not know how to cope with it effectively—it can take a toll on your mental and physical health. For example, many people facing chronic stress will turn to drugs or alcohol to cope, which can severely damage their physical health and well-being over time. Does this sound familiar?

Therapy can be an incredible tool for overcoming stress and learning proper coping techniques. A professional therapist can help you identify your triggers for stress, offer you tips for coping with stress as it arises, and allow you to regain control over your daily life. 

3. You’ve previously experienced trauma or abuse.

Trauma and mental health problems are closely connected, with the vast majority of people in treatment having experienced trauma at some point during their lives. There is no universal definition of trauma, either—this can be defined by you. If you’ve experienced something so distressing or disturbing that it’s stuck with you to this day, it’s possible you’re carrying trauma. Trauma can be a one-time event (such as a death or an accident), or it can be repeated experiences (such as ongoing abuse or neglect).

When trauma is left unaddressed, it can disrupt your ability to regulate emotions, sustain healthy relationships, and find overall happiness. Therapy can help with this. The right therapist can help you process painful experiences that you’ve lived through and begin the journey toward healing.

4. You’re experiencing a major change or challenge in your life.

Sometimes, major life events—such as going through a breakup, losing a job, moving to a new state, or becoming a parent—can trigger unexpected and overwhelming stress. If you have change on the horizon, or are going through one currently, you might have considered reaching out to a therapist. Professional therapy can help you process what you’re going through and prepare for what’s ahead. You can learn how to adjust to change and become more resilient and adaptable in the process.

5. You need a safe, supportive space where you can express yourself and heal.

Talking to someone about your feelings and getting support when you need it is crucial for maintaining good mental health. Often, this can be done through a trusted friend or family member. However, not everyone has a stable support system to lean on, and so they turn to therapy. If you feel alone, or that you do not have a safe place or person you can turn to in difficult times, therapy is a good option. Therapy provides a confidential, compassionate environment where you can be honest about your thoughts and feelings, and receive guidance without judgment or bias. 

Should You Go to Therapy?

The answer to this question is deeply personal. While we highly recommend therapy for everyone, certain situations highlight more of a need. For example, if you are exhibiting symptoms of a mental health disorder – such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, an eating disorder, or ADHD (among others) – if you are having suicidal thoughts, or if you are struggling to find healthy ways to cope with every day stress, therapy can be an incredible difference-maker.

Do not hesitate to reach out to Turnbridge if you’re seeking help or recommendations for therapy. We can talk to you about your needs and ensure you get the treatment or support you need. Call 877-581-1793 to learn more today.