Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, yet millions of Americans struggle with mental illness each year. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults (52.9 million people) experienced mental illness in 2021, and this figure has not gone down by 2024. Despite the prevalence of these conditions, many people do not receive the treatment and support they need. Mental therapy, provided by trained psychologists and other mental health professionals, offers a path to improved mental health for those dealing with a wide range of challenges.
THE NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT
The statistics paint a stark picture of the mental health landscape in America:
• 22.8% of U.S. adults (57.8 million people) experienced mental illness in 2021.
• 5.5% (14.1 million adults) had serious mental illness.
• 16.5% of youth aged 6-17 (7.7 million people) experienced a mental health disorder in 2016.
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause for those 15-24.
• Over 50% of adults with mental illness do not receive treatment. Cost is the most commonly reported barrier.
These numbers underscore the critical importance of accessible, effective mental health care. While the stigma around seeking therapy has diminished in recent years, many people still hesitate to get help, not realizing how much it could improve their lives.
WHEN TO SEEK THERAPY
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have a diagnosed mental illness to benefit from therapy. People seek therapy for countless reasons, including:
• Feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety
• Struggling to cope with a major life transition or loss
• Wanting to break unhealthy patterns or habits
• Experiencing relationship difficulties
• Lacking fulfillment or direction in life
• Desiring personal growth and greater self-awareness
In other words, therapy isn’t only for managing symptoms of mental illness – it’s for anyone who wants support in leading a happier, more meaningful life. Therapists can provide tools to help people better understand themselves, cope with challenges, and make positive changes.
Of course, therapy is especially important for those who are experiencing significant symptoms of a mental health condition. Some warning signs that you may need professional help include:
• Feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable for an extended period
• Experiencing sudden, dramatic changes in mood, sleep, or appetite
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities you usually enjoy
• Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with difficult emotions
• Struggling to carry out daily activities and responsibilities
If you are dealing with these or other concerning symptoms, reaching out for help is crucial. Untreated mental illness can have devastating consequences, but early intervention and consistent treatment can make a world of difference.
TYPES OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
If you’ve decided to pursue therapy, you may be wondering what type of mental health professional to see. There are several different providers who offer therapy services:
• Psychologists have a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions. They provide therapy but cannot prescribe medication in most states.
• Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose mental illness, provide therapy, and prescribe psychiatric medication.
• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) have a master’s degree in social work and are trained in therapy techniques. They consider how a person’s environment and relationships impact their mental health.
• Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. They provide assessment, diagnosis, and therapy for mental health issues and life challenges.
• Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) have a master’s degree and specialize in treating couples and families. They focus on improving communication and resolving relational conflicts.
While all these professionals can provide quality mental health care, psychologists receive the most extensive training in providing therapy. They spend an average of 7 years in graduate school learning about human behavior, psychological assessment, and evidence-based therapy techniques.
This specialized expertise allows psychologists to help people with even very complex or severe mental health issues. They are qualified to administer and interpret psychological tests to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. Psychologists also stay up-to-date on the latest research to provide the most effective care.
In most cases, seeing a doctoral-level psychologist will be the best choice to ensure you get the highest standard of care. However, the “fit” between therapist and client is also critical. The most important thing is to find a licensed mental health professional you feel comfortable with and trust.
APPROACHES TO THERAPY
Just as there are different types of mental health providers, there are also many different approaches to therapy. Some of the most common therapeutic orientations include:
Psychodynamic Therapy Explores the connection between the unconscious mind and a person’s actions, emotions, and thought patterns. The therapist helps the client understand how their upbringing and past experiences influence their current challenges. This insight fosters personal growth and healthier ways of relating to others.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Addresses problematic thoughts and behaviors. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. People can improve their emotional state and behavior by changing unhelpful thinking patterns and developing coping skills. CBT is very goal-oriented and often involves homework between sessions.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A therapy approach specifically developed to help people process traumatic memories. EMDR involves recalling a distressing event while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus like side-to-side eye movements or tapping. This is thought to help the brain “reprocess” the trauma, reducing its emotional intensity. Over time, the person can develop a more adaptive understanding of the event. EMDR is commonly used to treat PTSD but can also help with anxiety, depression, and phobias related to past experiences.
Interpersonal Therapy Focuses on improving the quality of a person’s relationships and interpersonal skills. Interpersonal therapists help clients identify patterns in their interactions with others that may be contributing to their psychological distress. Treatment targets one or more specific interpersonal problem areas, such as unresolved grief, difficult life transitions, disputes, or social isolation. By learning to communicate and relate to others more effectively, clients can reduce their distress and build more supportive relationships. Interpersonal therapy is often used to treat depression but can be helpful for a range of mental health and relational issues.
Humanistic Therapy Emphasizes self-understanding, self-acceptance, and personal growth. The therapist provides empathy and support to help clients develop a stronger sense of meaning and self-direction in their lives. Specific humanistic approaches include person-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, and existential therapy.
Integrative Therapy Draws from multiple therapeutic approaches to create a tailored treatment plan for each client. An integrative therapist may combine techniques from CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy to suit an individual’s unique needs and goals. The common thread is the emphasis on the therapy relationship as a vehicle for healing.
Ultimately, many factors determine which type of therapy is right for you. A skilled therapist will work collaboratively with you to determine the best approach based on your specific challenges, history, personality, and preferences. They may use different techniques over the course of treatment as your needs evolve.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THERAPY
If you’ve never been to therapy before, it’s natural to feel a bit nervous or unsure of what to expect. While the specifics vary depending on the type of therapy, there are some common elements:
• Therapy usually involves regular 45-50-minute sessions (once a week or every other week), though some therapists may recommend more or less frequent meetings until the client is stable, at which point it tapers off.
• In the first few sessions, you’ll discuss what brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. Your therapist will ask about your history, current challenges, and strengths.
• As you build trust with your therapist, you’ll begin to share more about your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The therapist will listen without judgment and ask questions to deepen their understanding.
• Your therapist may teach you specific skills or techniques to practice between sessions, such as relaxation exercises, communication strategies, or thought records.
• As you gain insight and start to make changes, your therapist will help you process the emotions that come up and navigate any roadblocks.
• You’ll periodically review your progress with your therapist and adjust the treatment plan as needed. The ultimate goal is for you to develop the understanding and coping skills to manage your mental health independently.
Therapy is a deeply personal journey; each person’s experience is unique. It requires vulnerability, self-reflection, and a willingness to confront difficult truths. At times, it may feel uncomfortable or even painful, but breakthroughs happen through this process. With commitment and a strong therapeutic alliance, therapy can be incredibly rewarding and transformative.
There is no shame in seeking therapy. Taking the step to begin treatment is an act of courage and self-compassion. With the right support, overcoming even the greatest challenges and building a fulfilling life is possible. If you are struggling, know that you don’t have to face it alone – help is available.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor. In an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital. Remember, you matter, and you deserve support.
THE POWER OF THERAPY
Dealing with your mental health needs can feel isolating and overwhelming, but recovery is possible. Therapy offers a safe space to process painful experiences, change unhelpful patterns, and rediscover hope and meaning. No matter your challenges, a caring mental health professional can help you find the insight, skills, and strength to move forward.
If you are ready to take the first step, contact our office at 844-802-6512 to schedule an appointment with board-certified clinical psychologist Ginny Estupinian, PhD. With over 14 years of expertise in a range of therapy approaches and specialty areas, she is here to provide the personalized care you need to thrive. You don’t have to struggle alone—let her support you on the path to healing.
