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By the numbers

People want mental health treatment and self-care, but some feel uncomfortable pursuing them

Barriers include reluctance to ask others for help and guilt about taking time for oneself

APA Style leaf logo Cite This Article in APA Style
DeAngelis, T. (2025, November 1). By the Numbers: People want mental health treatment and self-care, but some feel uncomfortable pursuing them. Monitor on Psychology, 56(8). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/11-12/mental-health-treatment-barriers

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45%

Percentage of U.S. adults who say they have sought mental health care in the past, with 17% saying they want to seek care in the future. That said, 41% say they are often uncomfortable asking others for help.

70%

Percentage of U.S. adults who have sought help and were interested in getting personal therapy. That compares with 48% who sought care involving medications, and 39% who sought a formal diagnosis for a mental health condition.

96%

Percentage of U.S. adults who say self-care is important, with 63% saying they engage in it at least once a week. However, 21% say they feel guilty taking time for themselves, feelings that are most common among women and young adults.

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