Counseling & Therapy Treatment for Men

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Statistics on Mental Health & Men

• Nearly four times as many males as women committed suicide in 2020.¹
• Males over the age of 75 had the highest risk of suicide in 2020.
• Six million males are affected by depression annually, but it often goes undiagnosed.²
• About 10% of persons who have anorexia or bulimia and 35% of those who have binge-eating disorders are male.
• In 2020, non-Hispanic American Indians and Alaskan Natives had the highest suicide rates, followed by males who were White and non-Hispanic.³
• 90% of those diagnosed with schizophrenia by age thirty are men.
• In 2018, black or African American men had a suicide death rate four times higher than that of African American women.⁴
• Males account for 78% of suicide deaths.⁵
• Compared to heterosexuals, homosexual men are more likely to have higher rates of substance abuse.
• In 2019, 7% of males reported having an alcohol use disorder compared to 4% of women.⁶
• In men, suicide by gunshot (57.9%) and suffocation (26.7%) were the most common methods.
• Regardless of their service, male veterans abuse alcohol and drugs at a rate over two times higher than female veterans.
• Men experience depressive symptoms that are not necessarily consistent with those listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, making a diagnosis particularly difficult.⁷

Covid-19 Related Statistics

Common Reasons Men Seek Therapy Treatment

Below are a few of the reasons why men may seek therapy treatment:¹⁰

• Workplace roles
• Job stress
• Romantic relationships and the pursuit of intimacy
• Failing to find their place in the world
• Family issues and responsibilities
• Men cry and express their emotions less often, exhibiting these feelings in other ways like anger or irritability.
• Substance use disorder or addiction
• Other dependencies and addictions like gambling or sex
• Body image issues

Therapy is a successful method of treating mental illness, according to research. Men who seek therapy can enhance their relationships, overcome mental health issues, and transform their lives for the better—males who engage in therapy benefit from it.¹¹

Reasons Men Don’t Seek Therapy Treatment

Many men continue to receive messages from society that talking about their feelings and asking for assistance is a sign of weakness, detracting from their manhood. Below are several reasons why it’s difficult for men to seek mental health care, including but not limited to the following:

• Repeated stereotypes of masculinity and “social norms” (i.e., “man up,” and “men don’t cry.”)
• Cost
• Concerns with privacy
• Fear of the unknown
• Traditional gender roles (i.e., men are the breadwinners and must present themselves as dominant and in control)
• Studies show that men who find it difficult to express their feelings may also find it more challenging to recognize signs of mental health issues in themselves. Therefore, they’re less inclined to seek help.¹²

The cost of therapy may be covered by your insurance provider.

Athena Care is in-network with most major insurance plans. Find out more about your insurance coverage by calling your insurance company or by contacting us below. One of our care coordinators can help you navigate your insurance coverage to get the care you need.

What Happens in Therapy for Men?

Since patients and psychologists work closely, finding the correct match is vital. It’s important to have “chemistry” with your psychologist. This is known as the “therapeutic alliance.” Don’t be shy about asking prospective licensed therapists about their education, clinical experience, and success in addressing issues similar to yours.

Men tend to be more reserved and protective when discussing certain things in therapy. However, it’s essential to be open and honest about feelings, relationships, and other personal difficulties you may be facing. Therapists for men can frequently assist males in exploring parts of “normal male behavior” that society has missed or developing more skillful ways to deal with emotions and meet needs and goals.

There are many different men’s therapy options, depending on the types of issues you are seeking to address, including, but not limited to:¹³

• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Behavior Therapy
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
• Humanistic Therapy
• Arts or Creative Therapies

In addition, medication may be prescribed or recommended. This depends on the severity of the issue(s) and any potential diagnosis, such as depression and anxiety.

Finally, you may need to choose a therapist covered by your insurance plan if you intend to use insurance to pay for men’s therapy. Filling out our free and confidential online insurance verification form is the best method to determine the specifics of your therapy insurance coverage.

Things to Consider When Seeking Therapy for Men

While working with a male therapist is not required, it could be beneficial to find a therapist familiar with the barriers men face when seeking mental health care. This can be especially crucial for men from historically underrepresented groups or underserved communities. Counseling for men is most effective when you feel secure, at ease, and accepted.

You’ll probably find a string of letters following mental health professionals’ names while searching for a men’s therapist. This is because many licensing authorities require physicians to indicate their degree (Masters, Doctorate, or Medical Doctorate) in addition to their license.

Each degree varies in terms of requirements. For example, a practicing clinician with LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) credentials in Tennessee has completed a master’s degree in social work and at least 3,000 hours of clinical experience. At least 100 hours included direct supervision, and 60 were one-on-one.¹⁴ And a psychologist (usually with a Ph.D. or PsyD) has training in many forms of psychotherapy and psychological assessment.

In addition to their credentials, below are a few other points you may want to consider when seeking therapy for men:

• Years of experience working with men
• Specialties and services offered
• Treatment methods and philosophies
• Insurance companies they work with
• Office hours
• Pricing
• Session length

Prepare to discuss the specifics of your situation, what you’ve done so far to cope with it, whether you’ve tried therapy before, and how that experience went when you go in for your first in-person session with your therapist. Your therapist will probably also inquire about your treatment objectives and information about your childhood. Many people, especially men, struggle during their first therapy session, which is entirely normal.

Is Therapy Confidential?

Tennessee law protects and ensures the confidentiality of communications with a therapist. Only your signed informed consent will allow the release of confidential information. In Tennessee, these confidentiality rules do have some exceptions, which are:¹⁵

1. The protection of life is a clinician’s top priority. A therapist may breach your trust if you put yourself or others in danger.
2. As required by law, your therapist will notify protection services of reports of sexual, physical, or both types of abuse against children.
3. Serious Risk to Safety or Health
4. If a judge issues a court order subpoenaing your medical records. Before the publication of those records, you will be informed so that you have time to consult a lawyer.

Behavioral Health Resources for Men

Online mental health resources can offer various screening tools and advice on coping with various behavioral and mental health disorders.¹⁶ Among these internet resources are:

• HeadsUpGuys offers advice and resources for managing depression in guys, including a self-assessment depression screening questionnaire.
• Man Therapy “Men should keep their feelings to themselves, right?” Other similar queries are addressed, along with connections to other mental health resources and stress-relieving techniques.
• Movember offers information and resources to help men’s mental health in addition to encouraging men to grow mustaches in November.
• Active Minds is a group that encourages young individuals to have mental health talks and provides a list of resources for Black men’s mental health.
• Brother, You’re On My Mind is a toolkit created by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to support Black men’s mental health.
• Men’s Mental Network: Tennessee Men’s Health Network’s objective is to enhance the health and happiness of men and their families throughout the state.

Men’s support groups allow you to interact with like-minded people who understand your situation and won’t pass judgment. You can choose how much you want to open up or whether you just want to listen until you feel comfortable, regardless of the group or forum. These support groups include:

• Men’s Group: Online forums and men’s groups discussing issues like divorce, emotions, and parenting.
• Mental Health America provides various support groups and discussion forums on topics like loss, depression, and suicide.
• Face It Foundation includes support groups, individualized peer support, and other social interaction opportunities.
• Gaylesta is an excellent resource for therapy groups geared toward the LGBTQIA+ community in your area.

Additional Resources for men include:

• Mental health treatment centers like Athena Care: With multiple locations throughout Tennessee, obtaining the help you need is just a phone call away: (615) 320-1155
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Tennessee Hotline: (800) 467-3589
• 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline – Available 24 hours a day

Sources

1. “Suicide.” National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide. Accessed 20 July 2022.
2. “Infographic: Mental Health for Men.” Mental Health America, Mental Health America, Inc., www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men. Accessed 20 July 2022.
3. “Suicide Data and Statistics | Suicide | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020, www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html.
4. “Mental and Behavioral Health – African Americans – The Office of Minority Health.” HHS.Gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, 18 May 2021, www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=24.
5. “Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness.” National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), NAMI, www.nami.org/mhstats. Accessed 20 July 2022.
6. “2019 NSDUH Detailed Tables | CBHSQ Data.” SAMHSA.Gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 11 Sept. 2020, www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2019-nsduh-detailed-tables.
7. Sagar-Ouriaghli, Ilyas, et al. “Improving Mental Health Service Utilization Among Men: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Behavior Change Techniques Within Interventions Targeting Help-Seeking.” American Journal of Men’s Health, vol. 13, no. 3, 2019, p. 155798831985700. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319857009.
8. Ellison, Jennifer M., et al. “COVID-19 and MENtal Health: Addressing Men’s Mental Health Needs in the Digital World.” American Journal of Men’s Health, vol. 15, no. 4, 2021, p. 155798832110300. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883211030021.
9. Mastroianni, Brian. “How COVID-19 Is Impacting Men’s Mental Health Differently.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 6 Oct. 2020, www.healthline.com/health-news/how-covid-19-is-impacting-mens-mental-health-differently.
10. GoodTherapy Editor Team. “Therapy for Men.” GoodTherapy, GoodTherapy, LLC., 31 Aug. 2018, www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/men-issues/men-therapy.
11. Behring, S. “How Therapy Can Help Men Manage Their Mental Health.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 28 Feb. 2022, www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/therapy-for-men#difficulty.
12. “Men and Mental Health.” Mental Health Foundation, www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/men-and-mental-health. Accessed 21 July 2022.
13. McMillan, Liam. “OK, Guys, Let’s Talk: Why Therapy for Men Is So Important.” Greatist, 24 May 2021, greatist.com/happiness/therapy-for-men#therapy-options.
14. Writers, Staff. “Social Work Licensure in Tennessee | Find Accredited Programs.” SocialWorkLicensure.Org, 1 July 2019, socialworklicensure.org/state/social-work-licensure-tennessee.
15. “Confidentiality and Consent to Treatment.” Transitionscounseling.Net, www.transitionscounseling.net/storage/app/media/confidentiality-and-consent-to-treatment-transitions3.pdf. Accessed 21 July 2022.
16. Gascon Ivey, Ana. “4 Types of Mental Health Support and Resources for Men.” GoodRx Health, GoodRx, Inc., 21 June 2022, www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/mental-health-resources-men.