Gen Z Is In Therapy and That’s Actually Great

When “working on yourself” becomes a whole vibe. Photo: Unsplash

Every few months there’s a new article about how Gen Z is “the most anxious generation” or “America’s most stressed” or some other variation of “these kids are not okay.” And like… yeah? Have you seen the world they grew up in? School shootings, a global pandemic, climate anxiety, economic uncertainty, and the entire internet watching their every move since birth.

But here’s the thing the doom-and-gloom headlines miss: Gen Z is actually doing something about it. They’re going to therapy at higher rates than any generation before them. And I think that’s not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of progress.

According to Harmony Healthcare IT’s 2025 survey, nearly half of Gen Z has been to therapy, and that number keeps climbing. Compare that to Baby Boomers, where only 22% have ever received mental health treatment. Gen Z is literally twice as likely to seek professional help.

And despite all those anxiety diagnoses (46% have received a formal mental health diagnosis), their outlook is actually improving. Over half now report having “mostly good mental health days” — that’s a 21% increase since 2022. The therapy is working.

The Good News:

Breaking the Stigma (Finally)

I didn’t go to therapy until I was 27. By then I’d been dealing with anxiety for probably a decade, but I’d convinced myself it wasn’t “bad enough” to need professional help. That I should just be able to handle it on my own. That therapy was for people with “real” problems.

This is such a millennial mindset and honestly I’m a little envious of Gen Z for not being stuck in it. They grew up with therapy being discussed openly on social media. They watched influencers talk about their therapists. They saw it normalized in ways my generation never did.

Maya’s Take:

According to the Thriving Center of Psychology, 83% of Gen Z and millennials who are currently in therapy openly tell others about it. They’re not hiding it. They’re not ashamed. They’re just… getting help.

And 87% of Gen Zers believe their generation is the best at discussing mental health. Whether that’s true or not (I’d argue millennials did a lot of groundwork here too), the confidence is kind of beautiful.

Why Are They Struggling Though?

Okay but let’s be real — the fact that 46% of Gen Z has a mental health diagnosis is still concerning. What’s going on?

When the survey asked Gen Z about the biggest negative impacts on their mental health, the answers were predictable but still hit hard:

Social media. Economic anxiety. Fear of the future. Climate change. Political polarization.

Nearly four in five (78%) admit they’ve felt addicted to their phone or social media. Two-thirds don’t feel financially stable. More than 40% believe their generation “isn’t set up for success.”

These aren’t personal failures. These are systemic issues that are impacting an entire generation’s mental health. And instead of just suffering quietly like previous generations might have, they’re seeking help. That’s the healthy response.

“What we’re witnessing is a shift in cultural norms: more openness, less stigma, and greater access. This generation is more likely to openly seek therapy, prioritize emotional well-being, and engage in practices that emphasize healing and self-awareness.”

That’s from relationship therapist Joy Berkheimer, and I think she nails it. The willingness to be vulnerable and get help is actually a strength, not a weakness.

The Self-Help Boom

It’s not just traditional therapy either. A whopping 77% of Gen Z reports doing some form of self-help — journaling, self-help books, mental health podcasts, meditation apps. They’re taking a multi-pronged approach to their wellbeing.

And they’re trying newer approaches too. Nearly 70% have taken a social media break specifically for their mental health. They recognize the poison and they’re actively limiting their exposure. (Something I’m still working on, if I’m honest.)

Maya’s Take:

The Shortage Problem

Here’s the catch though — there literally aren’t enough therapists to meet the demand. The Department of Health and Human Services predicted a shortage of more than 10,000 mental health professionals by 2025. We’re probably right around that number now.

And it’s getting harder to find affordable care. 35% of people looking for a therapist say cost is the biggest barrier. Gen Z — the generation most likely to want therapy — is also the generation least likely to be able to afford it.

Teletherapy has helped with access (you can see someone in a different city or state now, which expands options), but it’s still not cheap. And insurance coverage for mental health is still way worse than it should be.

This is where we need systemic change. All this progress on reducing stigma doesn’t matter much if people can’t actually access care when they need it.

What I Hope Happens Next

I hope Gen Z’s openness about mental health pushes older generations to follow suit. I hope more workplaces start offering real mental health benefits, not just empty promises about “wellness programs.” I hope therapy becomes as routine as going to the dentist — something you do to maintain your health, not just when there’s a crisis.

And I hope the therapist shortage gets addressed, because right now we have a generation ready and willing to get help who can’t always find it.

Biscuit is my unlicensed therapy cat, for the record. Very good at sitting on my chest and purring when I’m anxious. Terrible at giving actual advice. Would not recommend as a substitute for professional help.