Young women are far more likely to seek psychotherapy for depression and anxiety than young men, according to a study published today in The American Journal of Psychotherapy. However, the gender gap narrows among older adults, with more men over 50 seeking psychotherapy for depression than women of the same age,Why It’s Relevant
Psychotherapy use has risen nationally over the past decade, but the growth has largely been concentrated among women and young adults. Men and older adults face unique treatment barriers, including stigma and discomfort with technology in an era when psychotherapy visits are increasingly occurring via telehealth.
By the Numbers
- Researchers used 2021-2023 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to identify 728 adults who screened positive for depression and 1,708 adults who reported daily anxiety symptoms.
- Among adults with depression, women were significantly more likely than men to receive psychotherapy (43% vs 34%). The female gender gap was widest among young adults ages 18 to 25 at 22%; the gap shrank to 12% among adults ages 26 to 49 and reversed for adults 50 and older, with 1% more men seeking psychotherapy for depression in this age group.
- The trend was similar for adults with daily anxiety: 36% of women received psychotherapy overall compared with 27% of men. The female gender gap narrowed from 13% among 18- to 25-year-olds to 12% among 26- to 49-year-olds and 4% among those 50 and older.
- There was a general reduction in psychotherapy use among the older cohorts compared with the younger cohorts, regardless of gender.
What’s More
The researchers also analyzed psychotherapy use by race/ethnicity and found that Mexican American adults had the lowest psychotherapy use for both depression (19%) and anxiety (27%).
The Other Side
The data did not include details on psychotherapy type or any concurrent pharmacological treatment. Additionally, because the reasons for seeking treatment were not reported, the researchers could not confirm that psychotherapy was initiated for depression or anxiety.
Takeaway Message
“These findings suggest that, although older men are still vulnerable to underuse of mental health services, they are not more vulnerable than older women, and traditional masculine norms may disproportionately discourage younger men from engaging in psychotherapy,” the researchers wrote. “Targeted outreach efforts that account for gender and age are essential for promoting equitable access to mental health care.”
Related Information
Source
Lauren Kleidermacher, et al. Gender and age differences in psychotherapy use among U.S. adults with depression and anxiety. The American Journal of Psychotherapy. Published March 20, 2026. doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20250050
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