What is the success rate of going to therapy?
Therapy is a powerful tool for helping individuals cope with a wide range of mental health issues, life problems, relationship issues, and overall well being. It provides a safe and supportive space for people to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, to then develop strategies for managing challenging situations, recurring problems, or any other pattern of behavior that you might be desiring to improve. However, many people wonder, what is the success rate of going to therapy and is it truly worth your time, money, and the emotional / mental commitment?
The answer to this question is complex, as success can mean different things to different people as well as it can look very different in this specific realm. However, research has consistently shown that therapy can be highly effective for treating a post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health concerns, anxiety, and depression.
One of the most comprehensive studies on the effectiveness of therapy was conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) Task Force on Psychological Interventions, which displayed a study that analyzes people in therapy to collect data. The study analyzed over 100,000 research studies and concluded that therapy is effective for treating a wide range of mental health issues, with an average success rate of around 75%, though the data can vary depending on how much the applicant applies him/her to the process, duration of time, and intensity of therapy needed.
Another study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, found that therapy was effective for treating depression in 80% of patients, with improvements lasting for up to two years after treatment, especially when clients apply the skills and tools they have learned to help create healthier habits. Similarly, a meta-analysis of studies on the effectiveness of therapy for anxiety disorders found that therapy was effective in reducing symptoms in 68% of patients, which again can vary depending on how one applies the tools and skills they learn during therapy to their daily lives after.
It’s important to note that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and success rates can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of therapy used, the severity of the mental health issue, and the individual’s commitment to the therapy process, yet there is still something to be said that most people experience some positive impact after therapy in general even if it’s small. Therapy helps clients learn more about how they think, process, and cope in society, which is extremely helpful to understand. Additionally, success may not always mean a complete resolution of symptoms, but rather an improvement in quality of life and ability to better manage challenges.
There are many reason why someone might choose to go to therapy, but here are five common ones:
- 1. Improve mental health: Therapy can help manage symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD as well as help improve self-esteem and overall well-being through the assisted guidance of a trained professional.
- Better relationships: Therapy can help improve communication skills, which can lead to better relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners as well as help you understand when someone isn’t communicating with you in a healthy way.
- Coping with life changes: Life changes such as a job loss, divorce, or the death of a loved one can be difficult to manage alone, therefore, therapy can provide support and coping strategies during these hard times as well as be a safe space for you to emotionally pour your heart out.
- Self-exploration: Therapy can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors which can give you a better understanding on who you truly are and provide you with personal growth goals.
- Increase resilience: Therapy can provide individuals with tools and skills to better manage stress and difficult situations which can increase mental resilience.
Overall, the success rate of going to therapy is high, and it can be a powerful tool for improving mental health and overall well-being no matter where you are in life. If you are struggling with a mental health issue, seeking out the support of a trained therapist can be a crucial step in your journey towards healing and recovery that can truly have a positive impact on your life.
