Why Men Don’t Go to Therapy (And What Happens When They Finally Do)

Suggested Publish Date: September 2025 (backdate per editorial calendar)

Target Keywords: why men don’t go to therapy (22K/mo), men and therapy stigma, therapy for men, should men go to therapy

Category: Men’s Mental Health / Therapy & Treatment

Internal Link Cluster: 1C (Therapy & Mental Health Treatment)

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References

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  • Barsaglini, A., Sartori, G., Benetti, S., Pettersson-Yeo, W., & Mechelli, A. (2014). The effects of psychotherapy on brain function: A systematic and critical review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 40, 101-114.
  • Calati, R., Courtet, P., & Lopez-Castroman, J. (2019). Psychotherapy for suicidal patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 6(6), 511-520.
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  • Luo, C., Sanger, N., Singhal, N., et al. (2020). A comparison of electronically-delivered and face to face cognitive behavioural therapies in depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(8), e17080.
  • Martin, L. A., Neighbors, H. W., & Griffith, D. M. (2013). The experience of symptoms of depression in men vs women: Analysis of the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. JAMA Psychiatry, 70(10), 1100-1106.
  • Seidler, Z. E., Dawes, A. J., Rice, S. M., Oliffe, J. L., & Dhillon, H. M. (2016). The role of masculinity in men’s help-seeking for depression: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 49, 106-118.
  • Seidler, Z. E., Rice, S. M., Ogrodniczuk, J. S., Oliffe, J. L., & Dhillon, H. M. (2018). Engaging men in psychological treatment: A scoping review. American Journal of Men’s Health, 12(6), 1882-1900.
  • Stene-Larsen, K., & Reneflot, A. (2019). Contact with primary and mental health care prior to suicide: A systematic review of the literature from 2000 to 2017. BMC Psychiatry, 19(1), 1-14.
  • Swift, J. K., & Greenberg, R. P. (2012). Premature discontinuation in adult psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(4), 547-559.
  • Vogel, D. L., Heimerdinger-Edwards, S. R., Hammer, J. H., & Hubbard, A. (2011). “Boys don’t cry”: Examination of the links between endorsement of masculine norms, self-stigma, and help-seeking attitudes for men from diverse backgrounds. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 58(3), 368-382.
  • Wong, Y. J., Ho, M. R., Wang, S. Y., & Miller, I. S. (2017). Meta-analyses of the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and mental health-related outcomes. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 64(1), 80-93.

  • HappierFit publishes evidence-based content on men’s health and wellness. Every claim in this article is supported by peer-reviewed research. We are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

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