First-Ever ‘State of Stigma’ Report Reveals Global Support for Mental Health Care Has Grown, but Stigma Still Stops Many from Seeking Help

To kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, BetterHelp, the world's largest online therapy platform, has released its first-ever State of Stigma survey aimed at breaking down barriers to care and ensuring people around the world can get the support they deserve. The company gathered insights from over 16,000 people across 23 countries to better understand the fears, beliefs, and cultural narratives that continue to hold people back from seeking help.

Across the globe, the findings are clear: people want mental health support, but stigma, doubt and silence often stand in the way – leading to social isolation, low self-esteem, increased stress and reduced productivity.

“BetterHelp exists to champion the well-being in all of us, and we envision a world where nothing stands between people and the support they need,” said Fernando Madeira, president of BetterHelp. “While awareness of mental health issues has never been higher, we’re seeing stigma and lack of access still prevent millions from getting the care they deserve. The State of Stigma report is a critical first step in driving change. It not only shows the challenges we’re up against, but charts a path forward for how we can overcome the biggest barriers preventing people from getting care.”

The State of Global Mental Wellness

People across continents and cultures believe in mental health care, yet the report finds that most people hesitate to ask for help.

• Nearly 3 in 4 respondents agree that seeking support for mental health is wise for people to maintain well-being.
• Nearly 6 in 10 believe societal attitudes discourage seeking mental health care.
• Globally, people are more likely to start with personal tools – like mindfulness – rather than professional support.

The Gen Z Paradox

Despite growing up in an era where mental health awareness is at its peak, the report finds that Gen Z is grappling with a paradox.

• Gen Z are more likely than any other generation to openly discuss mental health issues, yet 37% believe those who seek counseling are "mentally weak," compared to 27% of millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers combined.
• Globally and in the U.S., Gen Z is more than 2x as likely as Boomers to experience mild to moderate anxiety and almost 4x as likely to experience severe anxiety.
• 1 in 3 of Gen Z respondents who have attended therapy say they feel misunderstood by their therapist.
• For Gen Z respondents who haven’t tried therapy, 40% say cost is the top barrier.

Social Media’s Double Standard

Social media has created more informal spaces to talk about mental health online, but the report shows that engaging on these platforms hasn’t improved mental health for many.

• A quarter of respondents say they’re more comfortable discussing mental health online than with a therapist.
• People who spend 4+ hours a day on social media are significantly more likely than those who abstain to believe mental health care doesn’t improve well-being (47%), say therapy rarely solves personal problems (42%) and feel judged for seeking help (47%).

Cultural Differences

The report reveals just how much mental health experiences vary across cultures and communities, shaped by family, identity, background and beliefs, each influencing perceptions and barriers to care.

• Globally, 63% of parents of young children (under 18) say it's wise to seek help even when nothing's wrong, and 43% are open to digital therapy. Yet more than a third (34%) still see people who seek help as "different" in a negative way.
• Despite higher engagement with mental health services, underrepresented groups face significant barriers such as transportation issues, limited provider access, and cost, making it challenging to obtain adequate mental health support.

“Seeking mental health treatment is an act of bravery, and overcoming the fear of stigma is crucial for healing and well-being,” said Courtney Cope, LMFT, and Director of Clinical Operations at BetterHelp. “This report helps us better understand those dynamics, and the quiet, persistent gaps between belief, behavior and action. Our responsibility is to close that gap and make care feel not just available, but accessible.”

To further explore these themes, BetterHelp is launching its own podcast called Mind if We Talk? Season one of the podcast is aimed at fostering in-depth discussions based on mental health topics important to BetterHelp’s millions of members around the world, which includes coping with grief, redefining masculinity, overcoming imposter syndrome and more. It features interviews with BetterHelp’s licensed experts, mental health advocates, influencers and celebrities like podcast host Misty Stinnett, Dr. John Delony, and author Case Kenny. The first episode will be available in early May.

To dive deeper into the insights and findings, read the full State of Stigma report at https://www.betterhelp.com/state-of-stigma-report-2025/. For more resources, support and information on how BetterHelp can assist you in your mental health journey, visit BetterHelp.com.

About BetterHelp:

BetterHelp was founded in 2013 to remove the traditional barriers to therapy and make mental health care more accessible to everyone. Today, it’s the world’s largest online therapy service – providing professional, affordable, and tailored therapy in a convenient online format. BetterHelp’s network of 35,000 licensed therapists has helped millions of people worldwide take ownership of their mental health and work towards their personal goals. As the unmet need for mental health services persists, BetterHelp is committed to expanding access to therapy globally.

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