Does Therapy Work?

Does Therapy Work? Here's What the Research Says

If you're considering therapy for yourself or someone you care about, it's natural to wonder: Does therapy actually work? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is more nuanced, but decades of research provide a clear picture—therapy is effective for many people facing a wide range of mental health challenges.

What the Research Shows

Studies and meta-analyses consistently show that therapy helps. In fact, the average effect size for psychotherapy is around 0.8, which is considered a large effect in psychological research. This means that people who participate in therapy generally do much better than those who don’t receive any form of treatment.

Therapy vs. Medication

For conditions like depression and anxiety, therapy is often just as effective as medication—and in some cases, the benefits of therapy last longer. While medication can alleviate symptoms quickly, therapy helps clients build skills, process emotions, and make meaningful changes that support long-term mental health. For conditions like Bipolar or Schizophrenia, medication is often essential. 

More Than a Placebo

While factors like hope, support, and time with a caring professional do play a role in healing, therapy has been shown to be more effective than placebo treatments. This suggests that the tools, insights, and interventions used in therapy have unique, measurable impacts on mental health outcomes.

What Makes Therapy Effective?

Several key elements contribute to the effectiveness of therapy:

• Therapeutic relationship: A strong, trusting connection between therapist and client is one of the most important predictors of positive outcomes.

• Client motivation: People who are ready and willing to engage in the process tend to get the most out of it.

• Therapist skill: Therapists who are empathic, nonjudgmental, and well-trained consistently help clients make meaningful progress.

• Fit of approach: Therapy is most effective when the method and style match the client’s needs, values, and personality.

How Often Does Therapy Help?

Between 50% and 75% of people who start therapy experience significant improvement. The first few sessions (typically 6–10) often bring noticeable gains, but longer-term therapy can offer deeper healing and personal growth.

Is Therapy Right for Everyone?

Not always. Some people may need a different type of support, have difficulty finding the right therapist, or may not be ready for therapy. But overall, therapy is one of the most evidence-based, proven methods for improving mental health and emotional well-being.

Take the Next Step

If you're thinking about starting therapy, know that it's a powerful step toward greater well-being, clarity, and a sense of peace. I offer research-based, personalized therapy services designed to meet your unique needs. Feel free to reach out with questions or to schedule a consultation.

Interested in learning more about how therapy can help you? Schedule a free introductory video call today to see how we might work together.