Published on December 2, 2024 by Zencare Team.
Disclaimer: This article reflects trends from Zencare’s platform usage and may not represent nationwide mental health patterns. For personalized support, consult a qualified professional.
Mental health has become a cornerstone of self-care for many, as more people embrace therapy as a path to emotional well-being, personal growth, and resilience. Drawing from insights into how therapy seekers and therapists use Zencare, this article explores what matters most in the evolving world of mental health. While not a complete reflection of the U.S. as a whole, these findings highlight key trends shaping therapy in 2024.
What matters most to people when searching for a therapist?
When it comes to finding the right therapist, people focus on factors that align with their specific needs.
Key considerations include:
- Specialties: 26% of users filtered by specialties such as anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues.
- Insurance Compatibility: 21% of users prioritized therapists compatible with their insurance to manage costs.
- Identity Factors: 5% sought therapists who shared cultural backgrounds, gender identities, or expertise in LGBTQIA+ topics.
- Location: 9% of therapy seekers filtered for therapists nearby.
- Session Format: 4% prioritized choosing between online or in-person sessions.
Interestingly, 47% of therapy seekers searched for therapists without considering insurance or specifically sought those who didn’t accept it. These seekers often prioritized unique skill sets or highly personalized care, highlighting the growing willingness to invest in therapy outside of network constraints. Many people decide to search for a therapist who is out-of-network for many reasons, but the benefits of seeing a therapist out-of-network can include finding someone with a very unique skill set, personalized services and more.
Takeaway: People value therapists who specialize in their challenges, with an increasing openness to out-of-network services for tailored support.
What Specialties Are Most Sought After?
Therapist specialties play a crucial role in addressing specific challenges, from anxiety and trauma to ADHD and relationship concerns. Specialties ensure that therapists have the expertise and tools to offer tailored support, leading to a more effective and fulfilling therapeutic experience.
In 2024, the most searched specialties on Zencare included:
- Anxiety (12%): As one of the most common mental health challenges, anxiety remains a top priority for therapy seekers. Specialized therapy can help clients develop coping mechanisms to reduce symptoms and regain control over their daily lives.
- Depression (7%): Therapy for depression focuses on addressing negative thought patterns and fostering resilience, making it a critical area for those struggling with mood disorders.
- Couples Counseling (6%): Couples seek therapy to strengthen communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen their connection.
- Trauma (5%): Trauma-focused therapies, like EMDR, are essential for clients working through PTSD or other distressing experiences.
- Relationship Issues (5%): Whether it’s navigating conflicts or healing after a breakup, this specialty helps clients improve interpersonal dynamics.
- ADHD (4%): Therapy for ADHD focuses on managing symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and organization challenges, often pairing behavioral techniques with lifestyle adjustments.
Specialty Growth Trends in 2024
Throughout the year, searches for certain specialties grew as people increasingly prioritized their mental health needs in specific areas. Key trends include:
- Anxiety: Searches for therapists specializing in anxiety rose by 19%, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of how stress and anxiety impact daily life. Therapy seekers are looking for tailored tools, such as mindfulness and cognitive techniques, to regain balance and focus.
- Depression: With a 17% increase in searches, depression continues to be a significant concern. Many therapy seekers reported struggling with feelings of isolation, low energy, and diminished motivation, leading them to prioritize this specialty.
- Stress Management: Rising by 14%, stress-related concerns mirrored larger societal pressures, such as workplace burnout, financial anxiety, and work-life imbalance. Therapy seekers often sought help developing healthier boundaries and coping strategies.
- ADHD: Searches for ADHD therapy grew by 12%, indicating increased awareness of adult ADHD diagnoses and the need for specialized support. Many clients sought help to improve productivity, manage relationships, and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
- Life Transitions: Also growing by 12%, this specialty resonated with individuals navigating changes like career shifts, parenthood, or relocation. Therapy seekers often pursued support for developing clarity and adapting to new circumstances.
These growth patterns underline the dynamic nature of therapy needs as people respond to evolving challenges in their personal and professional lives.
Takeaway: While anxiety and depression dominate as top concerns, the rising interest in stress management, ADHD, and life transitions highlights the diverse challenges people face and the importance of specialized therapeutic approaches to address them.
What Therapy Approaches Are Most Popular?
Therapy approaches shape how sessions are structured, offering clients tools and strategies tailored to their needs. While some therapy seekers know the modality they prefer, others rely on their therapist to guide the process.
In 2024, Zencare therapy seekers showed strong preferences for these approaches:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): – 12%:
A practical, skills-based approach that helps clients challenge negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT is especially effective for anxiety, depression, and stress. - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR): – 9%:
A trauma-focused method that uses guided eye movements to process distressing memories and reduce emotional overwhelm. - Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): – 5%:
Combines mindfulness with emotional regulation techniques to help manage intense emotions and improve relationships. - Psychoanalytic Therapy: – 4%:
A deep exploration of subconscious thoughts and behaviors, often used for long-term, introspective therapy. - Internal Family Systems (IFS): – 4%:
Focuses on understanding and harmonizing different “parts” of the self, making it effective for trauma and identity challenges.
How Do Therapist Identity Characteristics Impact Choice?
A therapist’s identity is often pivotal in building trust, particularly for clients seeking understanding tied to cultural, gender, or lived experiences.
In 2024, therapy seekers on Zencare highlighted these preferences:
- 20% searched for therapists identifying as Female.
- 20% searched for therapists identifying as Black/African American.
- 13% sought therapists identifying as LGBTQ+.
- 35% of therapy seekers prioritized therapists with diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Latin/Hispanic, Asian, and POC therapists.
Takeaway: Identity remains a powerful factor in fostering connection, with clients prioritizing shared experiences for greater understanding and comfort.
When and where are people seeking therapy?
Are you a “New Year, New Me” type of person? Or a “I’ll start Monday” type of person? Therapy-seeking behaviors reveal when and how people take steps toward mental health support:
- January: The most popular month for starting therapy, as people focus on New Year resolutions.
- Weekdays: Searches peak on Mondays and Tuesdays, reflecting a desire to prioritize mental health early in the week.
Session Preferences:
- 64% preferred in-person sessions.
- 27% chose online therapy.
- 9% were open to either format.
Takeaway: In-person therapy remains dominant, though online therapy continues to provide essential flexibility for busy schedules.
How Are Men Seeking Therapy?
For decades, societal stigma and traditional gender norms have created significant barriers for men seeking therapy. The expectation to "tough it out" has discouraged many from addressing emotional and mental health struggles. However, 2024 marked a notable shift as more men prioritized their well-being and sought professional support.
Encouraging Trends
- 34% of therapy seekers identified as male: This demonstrates a steady increase in men recognizing the value of therapy as a tool for personal growth and resilience.
- 7% searched specifically for male therapists: Men seeking male therapists may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics, including masculinity, societal pressures, or personal challenges unique to their gender experience.
In 2025, it’s time to put men’s mental health front and center. Whether it’s breaking down old stigmas, offering better resources, or just being there for the men in your life, we all play a role in improving mental health outcomes. It’s okay for men to ask for help — and it’s okay to make mental health a priority.
Men’s Issues and Top Locations
Zencare's Specialty filter, which includes "Men’s Issues," was widely used in 2024. Common topics within this specialty include:
- Navigating societal expectations of masculinity.
- Balancing professional and personal life.
- Addressing anger, stress, or emotional suppression.
- Supporting mental health during major life transitions, such as fatherhood or retirement.
The states leading searches for therapists specializing in men’s issues included:
- California: 4% of men’s therapy-related searches.
- Rhode Island: 3%.
- New York: 2%.
Breaking Barriers and Normalizing Care
While these trends are promising, barriers to men seeking therapy persist. Common challenges include:
- Stigma: Fear of being perceived as weak or vulnerable.
- Awareness: Misconceptions about what therapy involves and how it can help.
- Access: Limited availability of therapists with experience in men’s specific concerns.
Efforts to normalize therapy for men — through public awareness campaigns, increased representation in media, and accessible resources — are critical in breaking these barriers.
Why It Matters
Men’s mental health impacts not just individuals but families, workplaces, and communities. Untreated mental health issues can lead to negative outcomes, such as isolation, substance abuse, or physical health problems. By encouraging men to prioritize their emotional well-being, society can foster healthier relationships, improved productivity, and overall resilience.
Takeaway: In 2024, more men embraced therapy, breaking stigmas and seeking support tailored to their experiences. Continuing this progress requires ongoing efforts to normalize care, expand resources, and create safe spaces for men to address their mental health.
Which States Are Leading Therapy Trends?
Therapy demand and availability vary widely across the United States, influenced by factors such as population density, cultural attitudes toward mental health, and access to qualified therapists. In 2024, several states emerged as leaders in key therapy trends, highlighting areas with strong engagement, high demand, or significant resources for mental health support.
States With the Highest Therapist-to-Therapy-Seeker Ratios
These states offer the best access to therapists relative to the number of people seeking therapy. A higher ratio indicates more options for individuals to find a therapist who aligns with their needs. The top states include:
- Rhode Island
- New York
- District of Columbia
- Alaska
- New Jersey
These regions likely benefit from well-established mental health networks, urban hubs with high therapist density, and policies that promote access to care.
States With the Most Appointments Made
Some states stood out for their high appointment rates, showing strong engagement with therapy services. Therapy seekers in these states actively pursued appointments, indicating a proactive approach to mental health care:
- Rhode Island
- Alabama
- Delaware
- New York
- New Jersey
The inclusion of smaller states like Rhode Island and Delaware suggests that localized efforts, such as awareness campaigns and accessible platforms like Zencare, may play a role in increasing therapy engagement.
States With the Highest Demand for Therapists
Certain states displayed significant demand for therapists, reflecting areas where mental health needs outpace available resources. These states highlight regions where investments in expanding mental health services could have the greatest impact:
- Oklahoma
- Virginia
- Kentucky
- Indiana
- Arkansas
Many of these states are rural or semi-rural, where limited access to providers, cultural stigma, and logistical barriers can create significant challenges for therapy seekers.
What This Means for the Future
The contrast between states with abundant therapists and those with high demand underscores the need for tailored approaches to mental health care. Solutions may include:
- Expanding telehealth services to underserved regions.
- Incentivizing therapists to work in high-demand areas through scholarships or loan forgiveness programs.
- Raising awareness and reducing stigma around therapy in less-engaged states.
Takeaway: States like Rhode Island and New York lead in access and appointments, while areas such as Oklahoma and Virginia highlight critical gaps in mental health care. Addressing these disparities is essential for ensuring equitable support for therapy seekers nationwide.
What Is the Cost of Therapy by State?
Therapy costs vary widely, influenced by location, experience, and session format. Urban states often have higher rates, while rural areas are more affordable. Factors like insurance coverage and sliding scales also affect out-of-pocket expenses.
Below you can explore what the average cost per session is in each state!
Which Zencare resources did you love the most this year?
Two words: relationships, and stress. The blog posts you loved the most this year fall easily into those two categories. We hope these articles brought you comfort, confidence, calm or helped you take care of yourself.
- How to Heal Your Relationship After a Fight: Why Making Up with your Partner is Important for your Well-being
- How to Stop Being Avoidant In Relationships
- How Long Does It Take to Get Over a Breakup? Experts Weigh In
- How to Develop a Secure Attachment Style
- Premarital Counseling: 52 Questions You'll Ask – And Answer
- Square Breathing: How To Reduce Stress Through Breathwork
- 6 Signs Stress is Making You Sick (And What to do About it)
- 8 Ways to Build Closer Relationships
- 20 Therapy Tools to Manage Anxiety & Distress
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Thank You for A Great 2024
The insights from Zencare’s State of Mental Health Report 2024 underscore one important message: therapy is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether people are prioritizing therapist specialties, finding the right insurance coverage, or breaking stigmas around mental health, the trends reveal a growing awareness and commitment to self-care. As we move into 2025, let’s continue normalizing therapy, celebrating progress, and supporting each other in seeking help. No matter where you are on your mental health journey, resources like Zencare are here to guide you every step of the way.