Experts identify various contributing factors, including the inclusion of unlimited therapy sessions in health insurance, the growth of accessible online consultations, and a general environment that does not alleviate stress. Has seeking psychological help truly ceased to be a taboo for men?
Men are increasingly turning to psychologists, although women still constitute the primary demographic seeking such services.
According to experts, deciding to see a psychologist is a significant step, but for men, it often comes with additional burdens. This is largely due to deeply ingrained sociocultural norms from childhood about what it means to be a «real man.» Consequently, it becomes harder for adult men to openly discuss their problems or ask for help.
Fortunately, the situation is evolving. For many men today, consulting a psychologist is becoming routine, or as Alexey Karpenko, Senior Partner at Forward Legal law firm, puts it, «a necessary hygiene.» For Karpenko, psychological support has been essential for the past 15 years, a necessity dictated by his profession:
«It`s important because in my profession, I constantly deal with a significant amount of stress. As a lawyer specializing in litigation and conflicts, I absorb a large dose of negativity from both my clients and opponents, which is an inherent part of my job. Without professional assistance, I believe it`s incredibly difficult to cope. The negative emotions that inevitably accompany such work, if left unaddressed, will sooner or later affect one`s personal life, beyond work, and can also impact health. White-collar work, regardless of the field — be it finance, manufacturing, sales, law, or anything else — is fraught with stress. Business itself is an emotionally charged and exhausting environment. Psychological support is a must now, it’s a form of forced hygiene.»
— Alexey Karpenko, Senior Partner at Forward Legal
Data from the T-Pay service, which analyzed payments across eight online psychotherapy platforms, indicates a rise in male users over 50. Among Gen Z clients, the split between men and women is roughly even, notes psychologist, coach, and business consultant Grigory Kramskoy. He also observes another trend: while men previously sought quick results from therapy, many are now prepared for long-term engagement.
«The range of issues remains classic, primarily work and family matters. However, there`s an increasing focus on deeper therapeutic work, with more individuals willing to engage in long-term, profound self-exploration. Requests for help with personal strategy development are also growing; this is a relatively new demand, present for the last 10-15 years and actively expanding. Additionally, there`s a rising demand for working with PTSD – post-traumatic stress disorder.»
— Grigory Kramskoy, Psychologist, Coach, Business Consultant
The key takeaway from this evolving approach is that recognizing the need for professional help and seeking it demonstrates strength, not weakness. The notion that «it will pass on its own» is often far from true.
