As stigmas are lifted and people from all walks of life become more vocal about how it has changed their lives for the better, a greater number of Americans recognize the importance of therapy. What’s unfortunate, however, is that tens of thousands continue to go without because of one troubling sentence that they utter; “I don’t have time for therapy”. While you’re among this group, it’s a good thing that you voiced it to Google or ChatGPT and arrived here as a result. Below is an overview of what you may not have considered, which when cleared up, clears the way to get the help you need.
What to Consider When You Think You Don’t Have Time to Optimize Your Mental Wellness Through Professional Therapy
Is Rationalization of “No Time” an Avoidance Technique?
Before we look at practical solutions to your perceived conundrum, let’s first address what may really be going on. The expression “I don’t have time” is a very common rationalization for people who exhibit avoidance behavior. Rationalization is a psychological defense mechanism where individuals create seemingly logical explanations to justify their actions (or inaction) and avoid the discomfort, guilt, or fear associated with the truth, or in this case, therapy.
Conditions associated with avoidance behavior include anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and agoraphobia, but is also a symptom for people who struggle with depression. Avoidance behavior is also observed in individuals who have personality disorders, namely avoidant personality disorder (APD), in addition to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) along with eating disorders. Simply put, the very same mental health issue/s that you may struggle with could be the reason (or related to) why you state that you don’t have the time for therapy. If you suspect that you have one of these issues, an assessment from a professional will confirm or deny the reality, and clear the path to move forward with therapy that focuses on your goals.
Change in Educational and Workplace Culture
Among a large proportion of individuals who abstain from therapy, is the perceived barrier regarding not being able to get the time off from work or school. This was addressed in a recent article titled The Cult of Therapy, which referenced a recent Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) survey indicating that 31% of people allowed this to get in the way of getting the help they need:
This may have been very valid in the past, but it’s important to draw attention to a more fortunate reality of modern time. There has been a fundamental shift in both educational and workplace culture, where the mental health of students and human resources takes a precedence above all else. Motivation is steeped in proof of greater productivity, a desire to mitigate liability risk, altruism, and sensitivity, with degrees varying based upon established organizational culture.
The bottom line, is that many organizations not only allow students/staff to take a “time out” to focus on their mental wellbeing, they encourage it, and may even cover the cost through insurance plans. If the perception is that you cannot not get time off from your responsibilities to engage in therapy, please note that this is not likely the case any longer. For added assistance, please read our guide for How to Talk About Mental Health with Your Employer.
Have You Considered Virtual Therapy?
A significant number of people who suggest that they don’t have time for therapy are looking at it from an in-clinic perspective. There’s certainly some validity to this, as a one-hour session (for example) is not just a one-hour session. Clients must factor in transportation time, checking in with reception, and all else involved in having to be at a specific physical place at a specific time. When it’s all added up, a one-hour therapy session may equate two hours or more. Where one resides can compound time cocerns even further. For instance, access to mental health professionals in many U.S. states is very limited. Take Tennessee for example, where 46% of residents are without access to a counseling clinic in their community. This number is nearly double for Mississippi, where an astounding 80% of all residents live in a community that does not have adequate access to mental health professionals. These numbers vary significantly by state, but the percentages are often in the 20-50% range. The further one has to go to find a therapist, the less likely they will be to bother.
If not having enough time to attend in-clinic therapy is an obstacle for you, we have to ask – have you considered virtual therapy? A wide body of research confirms that therapy conducted by-phone and online can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many common concerns like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. The core components of therapy, such as building a therapeutic relationship and learning new coping strategies, remain consistent regardless of the format. Many individuals find it more convenient and accessible than the alternative (though effectiveness depends on individual preference and consistent engagement) and it absolutely takes less time to integrate virtual therapy into one’s weekly/monthly routine.
Recognizing All Virtual Therapy Services Aren’t Equal
In the section above, we made it clear that virtual therapy can be ideal for those who don’t have the time for in-clinic counseling. However, not all platforms are created equally. Look no further than the likes of BetterHelp, which has been criticized for being arduous and time-consuming in connecting new clients to appropriate therapists.
Kindbridge Behavioral Health is the preferred alternative to BetterHelp and other virtual platforms for the following reasons.
Cutting the Red Tape
The Kindbridge appointment booking system is quick and to the point. You do not have to answer a multitude of pre-qualifying questions so that an algorithm can dictate which virtual therapist is the “right fit” for you. Within one-minute you can set an appointment to speak to an intake specialist (a real person) who will get to know you, gain insight into any underlying mental health concerns, and the goals you have for your journey towards wellness. View more on how we offer fast access therapy.
Flexible Scheduling
You may not have time for therapy during traditional hours that other virtual platforms have available. This is not an issue with Kindbridge. As a new and soon-to-be regular client you are able to schedule dates and times that work around YOUR schedule. Days, nights, weekdays, and weekends – we’re here for you.
Treatment Efficiency Based on Addressing Specific Conditions
One component to the perceived notion of not having time for therapy, is rooted in concern over treatment efficiency. If you don’t experience positive outcomes as the weeks in therapy progress, then time may not have been well spent. This is a common concern when working with select counseling platforms out there, but not with Kindbridge. This is because we have a dedicated team of counselors who specialize in specific mental and behavioral health disorders and issues that are known to cooccur with each. Further, we carefully analyze measurable results to ensure that progress is being made. Below are links to recent treatment outcomes reports for both common mental heath issues in addition to process addictions. The data shows that when you commit to engaging in therapy with Kindbridge, your time is very well spent.
- Treatment Outcomes Report for Depression
- Treatment Outcomes Report for Anxiety
- Treatment Outcomes Report for Stress
- Treatment Outcomes Report for Problem Porn Use
- Treatment Outcomes Report for Problem Gambling (DASS-21 Scores)
- Treatment Outcomes Report for Problem Gambling (Engagement Rates)
You Don’t Have Time to NOT Try Therapy
You say that you don’t have time for therapy? It’s actually the other way around. By not going to therapy, you allow your struggles to steal time for your life. Letting perceived time constraints get in the way can keep you stuck in cycles of unhealthy patterns, unresolved trauma, and emotional distress, which wastes time and energy you could be using for growth. Letting perceived time constraints become an obstacle can also lead to repetitive struggles in relationships, your career, and will ultimately delay healing, mental clarity, and the ability to build a healthier, more fulfilling life. Without therapy you’re essentially spending time managing problems that therapy could be helping you solve, using up mental resources on avoidance rather than resolution, and missing opportunities for true and enduring change.
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