April is National Counseling Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to recognize the unsung heroes of mental health—therapists, counselors, and that one friend who always listens but really should start charging.
Therapy Is NOT Just for When You’ve Hit Rock Bottom
A common misconception is that therapy is only for those in crisis—like the characters in every prestige TV drama who stare out of rainy windows while recounting their traumatic pasts. But the truth is, therapy is for everyone. You don’t have to wait until your stress levels rival your WiFi bill to seek support.
In fact, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly 42% of Americans have seen a therapist at some point—and the other 58% probably just haven’t admitted it yet.
Counseling Saves Lives—Especially for Marginalized Communities
Mental health struggles don’t discriminate, but access to quality counseling often does. Here’s the reality:
- LGBTQ+ individuals are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression and anxiety than their heterosexual peers. Yet, they often face barriers to affirming therapy.
- Black and Hispanic Americans are less likely than white Americans to receive mental health care due to stigma, financial barriers, and a lack of culturally competent providers.
- Asian American adults are the least likely racial group to seek mental health services, with cultural stigma playing a significant role.
Increasing access to counseling—especially for those who have historically been overlooked—isn’t just important; it’s lifesaving.
Therapy Is Cool Now
Gone are the days when admitting to therapy meant whispers and side-eyes. Celebrities, athletes, and your overly open coworker have helped normalize seeking help. Therapy is now seen as self-care, like drinking enough water or pretending to enjoy kale.
A 2023 study found that over 70% of Gen Z and Millennials believe therapy should be as routine as a doctor’s visit. (Boomers, on the other hand, are still debating whether feelings should be acknowledged at all.)
How to Celebrate National Counseling Awareness Month
- Share Your Therapy Wins – Whether you’ve mastered boundary-setting or finally stopped texting your ex, celebrate your progress.
- Encourage Someone to Seek Support – Be the friend who reminds others that therapy isn’t scary—it’s just structured venting.
- Advocate for Better Access – Support mental health policies, donate to therapy funds, or simply remind people that self-care is more than bubble baths.
Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong” with you—it’s about helping you become the best version of yourself (without having to read 87 self-help books first). So this National Counseling Awareness Month, let’s celebrate the power of mental health support, break down barriers to care, and maybe—just maybe—normalize crying in public.
If you’ve been thinking about trying therapy, take this as your sign. Because honestly? You deserve it.
