Who Goes to Therapy the Most? Surprising Trends Revealed

Picture a therapy waiting room—who do you see? Lots of folks imagine only one kind of person goes to therapy, but in 2025, that’s way off. The faces in (and on) those couches are a lot more diverse than most people think, and the numbers prove it.

If you’re wondering whether therapy is only for people in crisis, think again. More young adults talk about therapy openly, but older folks aren’t exactly sitting out. And while women used to top the charts, plenty more men are speaking up (and yes, still gripping the armrest a little nervously).

What about background or income? It matters, but maybe not in the ways you’d expect. Online therapy apps and free community services are changing who shows up. Even students and people with packed schedules are finding ways to fit it into their lives. If you’ve ever felt on the fence, those silent fears about ‘not being the type’ just don’t hold water anymore.

• Therapy Myths vs. Reality
• Age Groups: Who's Showing Up?
• Gender Trends: Men, Women, and Everyone Else
• Cultural and Economic Factors
• What Brings People to Therapy?
• Tips for Finding the Right Therapist

Therapy Myths vs. Reality

So many myths float around about who actually goes to therapy. Maybe you’ve heard people say therapy is only for folks with “serious” problems, or you need to have hit rock bottom first. That's not just old-school thinking—it’s way off from what’s actually happening today.

Let’s bust a few of the big ones right away:

• Myth: Only people with severe mental illness go to therapy.
  Reality: A lot of people show up with everyday stuff—stress, relationship trouble, work burnout, or just wanting to get more clarity about themselves.
• Myth: Therapy is just for women.
  Reality: Men are booking sessions more than ever. It’s not just a women’s club anymore—in fact, between 2019 and 2024, men’s therapy attendance jumped by about 15% in the U.S.
• Myth: Only older adults go to therapy.
  Reality: In 2023, people in their 20s and early 30s became the largest age group in therapy, especially since the pandemic made talking about mental health less taboo.
• Myth: Therapy is too expensive for regular people.
  Reality: Online options and sliding-scale clinics have cut out a lot of cost barriers. Plenty of therapists now offer video calls at lower rates, and some health plans cover virtual sessions 100%.

Just to give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown from a national survey in 2024 on who actually attends therapy sessions:

If you’re holding off because of something you “heard” about therapy, chances are it’s outdated. Therapy is way more mainstream and practical than people think. From short-term stress fixes to help with big decisions, it's become a regular tool instead of a secret stash for only the really troubled. The bottom line? There’s no “type” when it comes to getting help.

Age Groups: Who's Showing Up?

If you think therapy is mostly a Gen Z trend, there’s more to the story. Different age groups book therapy sessions for very different reasons, and some of the numbers might surprise you.

Therapy used to be something people tried in a crisis, usually in their 40s or 50s. But now, more young adults are open about seeing a therapist, especially those in their late teens and 20s. According to a 2024 report from the American Psychological Association, people aged 18-29 are now the fastest-growing group seeking therapy, with about 43% saying they’ve tried counseling at least once. College campuses have seen a huge jump—up almost 30% in mental health appointments since 2020.

Does that mean older adults are skipping out? Not really. People in their 40s and 50s book the most visits when it comes to stress about work, parenting, or relationships. Many folks over 60 show up for sessions about loss, loneliness, or big life changes, though they make up a smaller share compared to younger adults.

Want to know what’s making therapy appointments easier for younger folks? Online sessions. Teens and young adults find it way less awkward to book a video call than to show up at an unfamiliar office. And with less stigma every year, you don’t need to hit rock bottom to check out therapy—plenty of people are doing it before it gets to that point.

If you’re older and thinking about starting therapy, there are resources aimed at your age group, too. Some therapists even specialize in issues like retirement, empty nest, and grief, which aren’t always top of mind for younger people. No surprise—people of all ages are in the waiting room. What’s changed is how they get there and what they talk about.

Gender Trends: Men, Women, and Everyone Else

So, who actually signs up for therapy the most? For years, women have led the way. A recent national survey from 2024 showed about 23% of women in the US attended at least one therapy session last year. Compare that to around 14% of men, and you can see there’s still a gap, but it’s slowly shrinking.

More men are stepping up than ever. Younger guys especially, like those under 30, talk about mental health more openly now, whether it’s on group chats or podcasts. Some men’s therapy groups saw a 25% spike in sign-ups after certain sports stars shared their own stories publicly. Shame and stigma? Still there, but way less than five years ago.

It’s not just about “men vs. women.” Non-binary and transgender people are using therapy at even higher rates, mainly because they face unique struggles—from discrimination to family conflict—which can lead to seeking support sooner. LGBTQ+ affirming therapists are in high demand, and waitlists for gender-affirming therapy centers have doubled since 2023.

Takeaway? If you picture therapy as a women-only thing, it’s time to adjust. The field’s getting more inclusive, and people of every gender identity are finding support—sometimes by choice, sometimes because they feel they have to. If you’re looking for someone who just “gets” you, it might take a couple tries, but the options are way better than they used to be.

Cultural and Economic Factors

It might seem like therapy is just about finding a good match and talking through your problems, but things like culture and money play a huge role in who actually ends up at a therapist’s office. This is especially true if you look at the big picture across the U.S. and even around the world.

For starters, some cultures still see therapy as taboo. In certain Asian and Latino communities, talking about mental health out loud gets brushed under the carpet—a 2024 Pew study showed only 14% of U.S. Asian adults said they’d consider going to therapy, compared to nearly 40% of White adults. Fear of stigma and what others might think keeps a lot of people out, even if therapy could help.

Money also matters. Therapy isn’t cheap—traditional sessions can range from $80 to $200 an hour in cities. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs add up. But lately, things have been shifting. Telehealth platforms (think BetterHelp or Talkspace) and free services from non-profits are opening doors for students, low-income families, and people in rural areas who couldn’t get help before.

Check this data out:

This table pretty much sums up why access and attitudes are big deals. Income and background shift the whole equation. But there’s hope—some schools now offer free counseling, and workplaces are bringing in employee assistance programs, making therapy way more normal than it used to be.

If you’re on a tight budget, don’t write therapy off. Sliding scale clinics, community mental health centers, and virtual sessions mean more options. Some therapists even offer group sessions, which can cut costs and help people feel less alone. So whatever your background or budget, there’s probably a route to support you haven’t tried yet.

What Brings People to Therapy?

No two people walk into therapy for the exact same reason, but the biggest motivators draw patterns you might not expect. The textbook answer is stress, anxiety, or depression—but look closer and the reasons branch out fast. Some want help with relationships, work problems, or managing big changes like moving cities or becoming a parent. Others are just plain burned out.

Here’s something you might not realize: A lot of folks don’t even wait for a ‘crisis’ these days. There’s a rising trend—especially among younger adults—where therapy is like a check-up for your mood or your mind. Think of it as mental health maintenance, not just an emergency repair.

Check out how different groups are using therapy, according to the American Psychological Association and recent digital health surveys in the US and UK:

More people try therapy now because it’s finally being seen as normal. After the pandemic, global use of therapy apps and virtual therapy shot up. Teens and young adults especially will go for online counseling when face-to-face feels too daunting.

• First-timers often show up after a big life event (like a breakup or losing a job).
• People with chronic health issues are more likely to seek counseling, to handle the emotional load.
• Parents sometimes join sessions to help understand or support their kids.

If you’re considering therapy, remember: you don’t need a huge problem to get started. Sometimes the best time to find help is before things get tough. Making mental health a regular check-in (even once a year) can make a bigger difference than waiting for a meltdown.

And if you’re searching for answers about therapy, you’re definitely not alone.

Tips for Finding the Right Therapist

Picking a therapist can feel like online dating—there are tons of options, but not every match works for everyone. Here’s how to make your search easier and less stressful.

• Mental health professionals have different licenses—check if you need a psychologist, clinical social worker, counselor, or psychiatrist. Look for credentials like LCSW, PsyD, or LPC on their profile.
• Location isn’t everything. Telehealth has exploded, with more than 60% of therapy sessions happening online as of 2024. If you’ve got a busy routine or hate driving across town, online sessions make it easier than ever.
• Ask about specialties. If you’re struggling with anxiety, ADHD, grief, or something else, you want a therapist used to helping others with those issues. Don’t feel weird about asking—most therapists expect it.
• Check reviews and get recommendations. Sites like Psychology Today, BetterHelp, and even Reddit can show how people feel about a therapist’s approach and vibe.
• Money matters. Many therapists take insurance, and some offer sliding scale fees if you’re paying out of pocket. In 2023, about 37% of adults worried about therapy costs, so asking up front is normal. Free community clinics and college campus services can also help.
• Personality fit counts for a lot. Research from APA says the connection or “fit” with your therapist often matters more for progress than their exact treatment style. If the first session feels awkward, that’s okay—nobody nails it every time. Try a couple before making a call.

Last thing—trust your gut. If a therapist’s style does not fit, or you feel like you’re not being heard, keep looking. Therapy is supposed to help, not stress you out more.