Common Myths About Therapy (And What You Actually Need to Know)

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially when there’s so much misinformation out there. Whether you’re a college student exploring online therapy for the first time, or a young adult wondering if therapy is “worth it,” it’s easy to get caught up in outdated ideas.

As a therapist working with young adults and college students across California, I hear these therapy myths all the time and I’m here to clear them up.

Myth #1: “You only need therapy if something is seriously wrong.”

Reality: Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis. It’s for anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or going through a major life change, which includes a lot of college students and young adults.

Whether you’re navigating a breakup, dealing with burnout, or just trying to figure out who you are, therapy can help.

Myth #2: “Therapy is just talking about your childhood.”

Reality: Sure, your past might come up, but only if it’s relevant. Most therapy today focuses on your present challenges and your goals for the future. Sometimes it can be helpful to explore past experiences or past situations to see if/how they might be impacting your current situation or your current feelings.

We might talk about identity, anxiety, relationships, burnout, or how to set boundaries, or whatever you’re bringing into the (virtual) room.

Myth #3: “My therapist will tell me what to do.”

Reality: This one’s super common, but let me break it to you. Therapists aren’t advice machines. Therapy is a space to explore your thoughts, clarify your values, and build confidence in your own decisions. You’re the expert in your life, we help you sort through the noise. Therapy is a collaborative experience, so you are still highly involved and expected to make the decisions.

Myth #4: “Talking to friends is the same as going to therapy.”

Reality: Having friends you can lean on is so important. But therapy offers something different. It’s confidential, unbiased, and focused entirely on you. A therapist is trained to help you recognize patterns, challenge limiting beliefs, and work through things friends may not know how to support.

Myth #5: “My therapist is secretly analyzing me.”

Reality: Nope. We’re not judging your every word or trying to psychoanalyze your coffee order. Therapists listen with compassion and curiosity. We’re here to understand, not to diagnose you in five minutes flat.

Myth #6: “Therapy is too expensive.”

Reality: Therapy can feel like a big investment, but it’s also an investment in your long-term well-being. Many therapists (like me!) offer online therapy for college students in California using student insurance plans or sliding scale rates. There are more options than ever to make therapy accessible. If I don’t take your insurance, no worries! We can check your out-of-network reimbursement rate here: (Don’t worry, it’s free).

Myth #7: “I’ll be in therapy forever.”

Reality: Therapy isn’t a lifelong commitment (unless you want it to be!). Many people come in for short-term therapy during a hard season and check back in when life throws another curveball. Others find it helpful to talk things through on a deeper level every week. You’re in the driver’s seat.

Myth #8: “Therapy is only for older adults.”

Reality: Actually, so many college students and 20-somethings are going to therapy right now, especially since the pandemic. Therapy is becoming a normal part of self-care, just like going to the gym or journaling.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, identity, social pressure, or burnout, you’re not alone.

Final Thoughts!

I hope I have cleared up some of your questions or concerns about therapy by now. Have any more and want to chat? Reach out here!