According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), mental disorders are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated 26.2% of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. When applied to the 2004 U.S. Census data, this figure translates to 57.7 million people.
Although deciding to participate in therapy is quite common, it still takes courage to recognize you have a need for outside help. Keep in mind that the majority of people who seek out counseling are “normal” and just need some help in obtaining a different perspective. Your decision to try therapy is the first step. Finding the right therapist for yourself is a challenge that can intimidate the best of us.
