Why Therapists Hate (and Love) Mental Health TikTok
Written By: Cassy Schraft, LPC
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok (or other social media platforms), you’ve likely come across videos offering mental health tips, hacks, education, and memes. But what do therapists really think of this?
Spoiler: We’ve got mixed feelings!
Therapists have a love-hate relationship with TikTok’s mental health content. There are moments when we’re cheering and thinking, “Yes! This!”—and others when we’re inwardly cringing, rolling our eyes, or groaning aloud.
TikTok is a great platform for providing accessible mental health content and reducing stigma, but it also comes with some significant drawbacks. Here’s what therapists really want you to know about the mental health content you encounter on social media.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Why We Love It
Reducing Stigma
TikTok and social media have become powerful tools in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Information can be shared widely, making it easier to normalize conversations about mental health. By bringing visibility to these issues, we can challenge the myths surrounding therapy, mental health disorders, and open doors for more discussion. When we talk about mental health openly, it helps those struggling feel less isolated and more informed about their options.
Despite the risks of parasocial relationships (where followers develop one-sided connections with creators), people tend to trust content creators. When a trusted creator shares their experience, it can make others feel seen, less alone, and even offer hope.
Accessible Information
TikTok serves as an entry point for learning about mental health in a way that’s easy to digest. Short videos packed with tips and educational insights can inspire people to make lifestyle changes or seek treatment. Many mental health content creators on TikTok share evidence-based advice on various topics, from diagnoses to effective treatment options—and they often add humor with “therapist reacts” videos or recreating relatable therapy moments, making mental health more relatable and approachable.
Self-Reflection and Connection
Consuming mental health content encourages users to reflect on their own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. This can lead to new insights and self-awareness—empowering people to take control of their well-being. It also fosters a sense of community. When a creator shares something that resonates, it helps people feel less alone in their experiences.
Why We Hate It
Oversimplification
One major critique therapists have is the oversimplification of complex mental health issues. Therapy is nuanced, and mental health conditions can't always be explained in 60 seconds. Boiling down these topics into quick, digestible content can perpetuate misinformation and set unrealistic expectations. For example, "quick fixes" for deep-rooted issues aren’t practical or helpful for many who struggle with complex conditions.
Misinformation
Not all mental health content on TikTok is created by professionals. Anyone can upload videos, and speaking with confidence can make even incorrect information seem credible. One of the dangers here is the rise of self-diagnosis, especially when content creators share anecdotal experiences or suggest that certain behaviors or symptoms point to a specific diagnosis. For example, videos like “10 Signs You Didn’t Know Mean You Have Autism” often take personal experiences and present them as universal truths, which may not be backed by scientific evidence or diagnostic criteria. This can lead people to incorrectly label themselves, often based on incomplete or inaccurate information.
It also leads to therapeutic terms being overused and misused. These words have become buzzwords in our society. The mis- and overuse of words like "narcissist," "gaslighting," and "trauma" can devalue the real experiences of people genuinely affected by these issues.
Unqualified Educators
TikTok creators are often not qualified to give mental health advice. While it’s great that creators share their personal experiences, it’s important to recognize that speaking about one’s own journey does not equate to being an expert on the topic. Therapists and other mental health professionals undergo years of education, training, and ethical licensure to ensure they provide competent, ethical care. When unqualified influencers offer mental health advice, it blurs the line between entertainment and professional guidance.
Encouraging Mental Illness as "Trendy" or a Way to Fit In
One of the concerning trends we see on TikTok is the idea that mental illness is something that can be “trendy” or even required to fit in. In some cases, videos that highlight specific mental health conditions, such as “Eight Signs You Have Dissociative Identity Disorder,” or “How to Tell You Are On the ADHD Spectrum” can lead people to believe they need to be mentally unwell in order to relate to others or be part of a certain community.
While it’s great that mental health discussions are becoming more mainstream, it’s important to remember that mental health conditions are not a trend or a ticket to social acceptance. Some of these videos, while well-meaning, may unintentionally encourage self-diagnosis or reinforce the idea that one must fit into a specific mental health category to feel valid or understood.
What We Want You to Do About It
Know the Difference Between Entertainment and Education
We don’t want you to stop using TikTok, but we do want you to be cautious. Know the difference between entertainment and education. While TikTok content can be fun and relatable, it should not be treated as professional advice. Always remember that no social media tip or hack is a substitute for personalized care from a licensed professional.
Social Media is a Supplement, Not a Replacement
TikTok can be a great place to find a sense of community, inspiration, or self-reflection. But no amount of social media advice can replace professional services like therapy or psychiatry. Mental health support from trained professionals is personalized and based on evidence-based practices that cater to your individual needs.
Don’t Take Everything at Face Value
If you follow mental health content creators, check their credibility. A trustworthy mental health content creator will make their credentials clear and won’t pressure you into buying products or services from them. Always fact-check advice you come across, especially if it’s based on anecdotal experiences. Just because something sounds good doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Be cautious of information that seems too good to be true and think critically about what you consume.
What We Want for the Future of TikTok
The Future of Good
Like it or not, social media isn’t going away anytime soon. TikTok has the potential to be a force for positive change—if used responsibly. What we hope to see is better regulation and more transparency on these platforms. Content should be clearly attributed to trusted sources, and there should be better accountability for the accuracy of mental health advice.
Conclusion
While TikTok and other social media platforms have their drawbacks, they also present an opportunity to continue breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. As mental health professionals, we recognize the power these platforms have to start important conversations and connect people to resources. But it’s crucial for viewers to approach this content with a critical eye and understand the difference between entertainment, personal anecdotes, and expert advice.
In fact, as a therapist, there are times when I actually recommend that clients turn to TikTok. For example, in my work as an EMDR therapist, I’ve found that hearing about the experiences of others can serve as an excellent educational tool. EMDR therapy is a unique and sometimes unfamiliar approach to counseling, and for clients, listening to others share their journeys can help prepare them for the process. It can demystify therapy and provide comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their experiences.
In the end, social media can be a valuable tool for raising awareness, but it cannot replace professional help. If something you see on TikTok resonates with you, consider it a starting point to explore further—whether that means doing more research, seeking guidance from a trained professional, or simply reflecting on how it relates to your own experiences.
Let’s continue using these platforms to promote understanding and support while staying mindful of their limitations. The conversation about mental health is ongoing, and it’s one we should engage with responsibly.
