Therapy is not exclusively for people with diagnosed mental illness. Good therapists listen to us without judgment and teach us how to solve problems in a healthy way and to live a happier life. And that’s useful for everyone.

Untrained people can’t offer the same mental health benefits as a mental health professional could.

Your mental health is too big a responsibility to place on the people in your life. They will be there for you during hard times, but shouldn’t be a substitute for therapy.

Mostly women go to therapy. This is true as women more often receive therapy because there is less stigma preventing them from doing so. Conversely, societal pressures make men ambivalent to therapy.

For those who want affordable therapy, there are online therapy websites to facilitate it. They can also take advantage of resources the government and schools offer or find a therapist who uses a sliding scale for payments.

Most mental health professionals treat mental illness by combining psychotherapy and medication or by therapy alone. Many clients choose the latter when they don’t need medication or think of it as burdensome. 

Most people who see therapists are not dangerous, violent or even eccentric. Studies indicate that mentally ill people are actually more likely to be victims of violence.

Trauma, mental illness and stress are scientifically proven to be real and can have a debilitating effect as a physical injury. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and therapy is no exception.

Besides, therapy provides a tool for self-improvement even for those who do not have mental health issues.

Nothing horrible has to happen for people to want a happier life. Clients seek therapy for guidance navigating a new phase in life, dealing with general malaise, refuting long-held negative beliefs and more.

Therapy is also an effective treatment for preventing future crises, such as divorces, or even to help maintain and enhance one’s already positive mental state.