Harvey Lieberman, a clinical psychologist with more than five decades of experience, highlights the growing trend of individuals turning to therapy to address not clinical disorders but situational hardships such as loneliness, workplace conflicts, and financial stress. While therapy can be vital for managing persistent mental health conditions, Lieberman cautions that its expanding use for everyday unhappiness may strain clinical resources and overlook the underlying social factors contributing to distress.
The use of therapy in the United States has notably increased over recent years. In 2019, approximately 10% of American adults reported receiving counseling or therapy; by 2024, that figure had risen to about one in seven. This surge reflects broader recognition of mental health but also raises concerns about whether therapy is being applied appropriately. Clinics in many areas are grappling with long wait times and clinician burnout, leading to prioritization of patients with disabling mental health issues. Meanwhile, those seeking therapy primarily for social connection or circumstantial pain may find the clinical approach less effective and feel dissatisfied.
Lieberman explains that therapy is most useful for addressing persistent internal challenges, such as obsessive thoughts, ongoing fears, or enduring periods of despair that do not improve despite changes in circumstance. It can also be beneficial when individuals’ coping habits perpetuate their suffering or when making sense of painful experiences alone proves difficult. However, for distress primarily stemming from external factors—such as relocation anxiety, family disputes, or social isolation—the benefits of therapy may be limited. Lieberman notes that pain linked to situational difficulties is not necessarily indicative of a mental disorder and often requires social rather than clinical intervention.
The expansion of diagnostic categories in psychiatry has blurred the line between diagnosable conditions and normal emotional responses, a phenomenon some experts describe as “diagnostic inflation.” This trend includes new classifications for conditions like prolonged grief, while some mood disorder diagnoses in children have broadened, potentially pathologizing behaviors once seen as typical.
Addressing loneliness and social disconnection requires broader societal efforts beyond individual clinical treatment. Countries like the United Kingdom and Japan have developed national strategies to combat isolation through community programs and social prescribing, which connects patients to non-clinical resources like volunteer groups and community activities. Lieberman advocates for similar initiatives at the state or local level in the United States, emphasizing the importance of strengthening existing social networks rather than solely expanding clinical services.
Ultimately, Lieberman underscores that personal relationships remain a critical source of support and healing. While therapy can provide unique benefits for some, many individuals find the most meaningful understanding and emotional support through family, friends, and community connections. He urges those experiencing distress to consider reaching out to trusted individuals or engaging in social activities before pursuing formal treatment, reserving therapy for when emotional difficulties persistently interfere with daily functioning.