How are you doing?
It's more than a greeting — it's a meaningful question that builds trust and normalizes discussing emotions when asked sincerely. It communicates care, interest, and encouragement to speak freely. And a thoughtful response can build trust and strengthen relationships.
BetterHelp, the world’s largest online therapy service, with a network of 35,000 licensed therapists, posed that very question and more to over 16,000 people across 23 countries. The result, a groundbreaking State of Stigma Report, takes a global pulse on perspectives toward mental health, cultural and societal stigmas, and barriers to care.
Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that emotional well-being is just as vital as physical health. And most people agree. According to the State of Stigma Report, nearly 3 in 4 people worldwide say it’s wise to seek support to maintain mental health. But there’s a catch: The study also shows that 6 in 10 people say societal attitudes still discourage them from asking for help.
In other words, we believe in therapy — we just hesitate to actually use it.
Online vs. In-Person Support
Americans generally prefer a human connection for mental health support, with 62% reporting they seek help from their friends, while only 18% use AI chatbots. Over a third of U.S. adults who have attended therapy solely online rated it as being ineffective, with 38% saying it was not cost-effective and 27% saying it was not convenient. More than a third said that the quality of connection to the provider for online individual therapy was poor.
However, other studies have shown that online therapy can be as effective as in-person care when it comes to treating depression and anxiety. The key is finding the right match between patient and therapist.
That’s where BetterHelp comes in. Their network of over 35,000 licensed therapists and flexible, fully virtual model enables BetterHelp to remove the friction and fear of getting support. You’re matched with a therapist who fits your needs, goals, and preferences — in as little as 48 hours. And therapy happens wherever you are, on your schedule, in a format that works for you. For the 40% of BetterHelp members who tried therapy for the first time through the platform, that simplicity can make all the difference.
For instance, last year BetterHelp connected more than 900,000 new clients with the therapist of their preference, based on gender, age group, racial group, LGBTQ+ community, or religious beliefs, meeting over 93% of client preferences.
Money
April is the height of tax season, a time when Americans take stock of personal and business finances. Up to 73% of Americans report that personal finances are their main source of stress.
Findings: In the U.S., stigma is still a key barrier
While 73% of Americans recognize the importance of mental health care to maintain their wellbeing, 37% still feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health due to stigma.
Here are some common causes of stress in the U.S.:
Work
This plays into fears about money, but with work, there is an added pressure of performing well. Work-related stress can be even worse for those in certain professions or for those seeking work.
Personal relationships
Interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners can be complicated. Even if you don’t have a dysfunctional family or toxic friendships, it can still be a challenge to maintain and nurture healthy relationships.
Health and self-care
With all of life’s demands, it’s easy to lose sight of how to take care of yourself. Neglecting your health and happiness can lead to other health issues and cause added stress.
Explore BetterHelp
Get matched to a therapist online
“How Are You Doing?” BetterHelp’s Study Reveals Americans’ Complex Relationships with Mental Health
By Ryann Swift on May 21, 2025
It's more than a greeting — it's a meaningful question that builds trust and normalizes discussing emotions when asked sincerely. It communicates care, interest, and encouragement to speak freely. And a thoughtful response can build trust and strengthen relationships.
BetterHelp, the world’s largest online therapy service, with a network of 35,000 licensed therapists, posed that very question and more to over 16,000 people across 23 countries. The result, a groundbreaking State of Stigma Report, takes a global pulse on perspectives toward mental health, cultural and societal stigmas, and barriers to care.
Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that emotional well-being is just as vital as physical health. And most people agree. According to the State of Stigma Report, nearly 3 in 4 people worldwide say it’s wise to seek support to maintain mental health. But there’s a catch: The study also shows that 6 in 10 people say societal attitudes still discourage them from asking for help.
In other words, we believe in therapy — we just hesitate to actually use it.
That hesitation is the heart of the stigma — and it’s not just about shame. It’s about fear, pride, identity, culture, and community. Many people worry what others will think if they admit they need help. Others question whether therapy will even work. And younger generations, while more vocal than ever online, still report the highest levels of anxiety and self-doubt.
We talk about mental health more than ever as a society, but for many individuals, that visibility hasn’t made asking for help any easier. As a leading authority on global mental health trends, BetterHelp works to remove barriers to therapy, including reducing stigma. Because, again, everyone should be able to answer the question: “How are you doing?”
While 73% of Americans recognize the importance of mental health care to maintain their wellbeing, 37% still feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health due to stigma.
Findings: In the U.S., stigma is still a key barrier
feel misunderstood by their therapist, and 1 in 3 admit they haven’t been fully honest during sessions. And 37% believe that those who seek counseling are “mentally weak” compared to just 27% of millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers, combined.
For parents, the tension is different. They believe in therapy, they want to model emotional health for their kids—but time, cost, and lingering social stigma often stand in the way.
And for many people in high-stigma or underserved communities, the challenges are even more complex. In fact, while minority groups are more likely to seek mental health care, they are also more likely to face obstacles in access, affordability, and cultural fit.
The BetterHelp survey found that men and women are nearly as likely to report having gone to therapy, though men are typically seen as being more reluctant to see a therapist. Men also said they prefer a partner who has received mental health support. However, about a quarter of those men say that they are still uncomfortable discussing their own therapy with their partners.
Back to hub
That hesitation is the heart of the stigma — and it’s not just about shame. It’s about fear, pride, identity, culture, and community. Many people worry what others will think if they admit they need help. Others question whether therapy will even work. And younger generations, while more vocal than ever online, still report the highest levels of anxiety and self-doubt.
We talk about mental health more than ever as a society, but for many individuals, that visibility hasn’t made asking for help any easier. As a leading authority on global mental health trends, BetterHelp works to remove barriers to therapy, including reducing stigma. Because, again, everyone should be able to answer the question: “How are you doing?”
One third of respondents worry others might judge them for seeking out mental health care.
More than a quarter say they avoid seeking care due to fear of being judged by therapists.
62% of American adults believe societal attitudes towards mental health care discourage people from seeking help. They may be right: A quarter of American respondents agreed that people who go to counseling for care are “mentally weak.”
Interestingly, these misconceptions don’t break along traditional demographic lines. The State of Stigma Report found that, despite growing up in an era of greater awareness about mental health, members of Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) have the strongest negative attitudes toward therapy. It’s the most therapy-positive generation in public discourse — but 37% say they
This May, Let’s Normalize
Asking for Help
But in addition to helping patients, BetterHelp continues to raise awareness of mental health and society’s attitude surrounding it. It aims to help communities overcome fears and misconceptions about mental health through education, support, and understanding attitudes about care.
If you’ve been putting off therapy—because you’re busy, unsure, or just overwhelmed—know this: you’re not alone. Most people feel this way. But the gap between wanting help and getting it doesn’t have to remain so wide.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, take the step that feels small but changes everything. Start with a conversation. Start with a match. Start with help
.
Because asking for help shouldn’t have to feel brave. It should feel human. You should never have to hesitate to answer or ask the question: “How are you doing?”
This May, get started with BetterHelp.
Interestingly, these misconceptions don’t break along traditional demographic lines. The State of Stigma Report found that, despite growing up in an era of greater awareness about mental health, members of Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) have the strongest negative attitudes toward therapy. It’s the most therapy-positive generation in public discourse — but 37% say they feel misunderstood by their therapist, and 1 in 3 admit they haven’t been fully honest during sessions. And 37% believe that those who seek counseling are “mentally weak” compared to just 27% of millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers, combined.
For parents, the tension is different. They believe in therapy, they want to model emotional health for their kids—but time, cost, and lingering social stigma often stand in the way.
And for many people in high-stigma or underserved communities, the challenges are even more complex. In fact, while minority groups are more likely to seek mental health care, they are also more likely to face obstacles in access, affordability, and cultural fit.
The BetterHelp survey found that men and women are nearly as likely to report having gone to therapy, though men are typically seen as being more reluctant to see a therapist. Men also said they prefer a partner who has received mental health support. However, about a quarter of those men say that they are still uncomfortable discussing their own therapy with their partners.
This May, Let’s Normalize Asking for Help
But in addition to helping patients, BetterHelp continues to raise awareness of mental health and society’s attitude surrounding it. It aims to help communities overcome fears and misconceptions about mental health through education, support, and understanding attitudes about care.
If you’ve been putting off therapy—because you’re busy, unsure, or just overwhelmed—know this: you’re not alone. Most people feel this way. But the gap between wanting help and getting it doesn’t have to remain so wide.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, take the step that feels small but changes everything. Start with a conversation. Start with a match. Start with help.
Because asking for help shouldn’t have to feel brave. It should feel human. You should never have to hesitate to answer or ask the question: “How are you doing?”
This May, get started with BetterHelp.