Generation Z, commonly called Gen Z, encompasses all those born between 1997 and 2012. Their view on mental health has broken down stigmas and shifted the perception of therapy. Gen Zers are aware of mental illnesses and disorders and are seeking treatment to help cope with or treat their condition.
Many Gen Zers are aware that mental health can impact one’s career and relationships with friends or loved ones. As a result, Gen Z is boosting the mental health industry with the demand for professionals in an already existing staffing shortage. Pacific Oaks College’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program are designed to prepare future therapists to tackle the Gen Z mental health crisis.
The MFT programs teach students how to treat mental, emotional, and relational disorders while emphasizing a holistic approach. The marriage and family therapy degree programs blend theory with hands-on experiences through required fieldwork in diverse communities. Our graduate will consider the patient’s life experiences, culture, and social content.
Why Gen Z Faces a Mental Health Crisis
The mental health crisis is the overwhelming number of people who are affected by mental illness. According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, there is a generational gap in those willing to go to therapy, and mental illnesses are more stigmatized in older generations, such as Gen X, whereas younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Z, are more accepting of mental illness. Not everyone seeks help, but even those who do experience the effects of the mental health staffing shortage. There are not enough mental health professionals to adequately staff every community and provide the needed services.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) reveals the percentage of those who have received treatment or gone to therapy compared to other generations:
- 37% of Gen Z
- 35% of millennials
- 26% of Gen X
- 22% of baby boomers
- 15% of the Silent Generation
Gen Z is the most likely generation to seek therapy treatment, with 37% already receiving professional help.
There has been a negative stigma around therapy and receiving mental health help. It is only now being challenged by Gen Z. This generation is working to reshape the war on mental health but is fighting their own to overcome cognitive, emotional, and relational issues.
Gen Z mental health statistics:
- According to Harmony Healthcare IT’s report, two out of five Gen Zers go to therapy, and 53% have received professional mental health services at some point in their lives.
- The Harmon Healthcare IT study also shows that anxiety levels among Gen Zers are at a concerning 61% who receive a medical diagnosis for anxiety.
What Percentage of Gen Z Is Depressed?
Research by the Walton Family Foundation states that 42% of Gen Zers struggle with depression and feelings of hopelessness, which is nearly twice the rate of people over the age of 25, at 23%. Depression is a leading cause of disability in the world, and for children under 18 years old, it is the most common cause of hospitalization.
Top Reasons Gen Z Reports Higher Stress Levels
The Harmony Healthcare IT report highlights common types of anxiety in Gen Z; this includes anxiety about the future, finances, work, social activities, as well as relationships. Much can be attributed to the country’s economic status, comparing average salaries and cost of living to the older generations. Many Gen Zers feel they are falling behind due to these external factors, increasing their feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Another trigger point for Gen Z, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is the national news topics that the news channels choose to share. The APA shows that Gen Z is more likely to be stressed by national news discussing mass shootings, suicide rates, climate change, sexual harassment and assault, and immigration separation and deportation than adults overall. These sensitive topics have grown in awareness to combat the commonalities of these incidents. However, it can trigger negative feelings based on personal experiences. For example, more than 383,000 students have experienced gun violence since Columbine in 1999, heavily impacting and reshaping Gen Z’s mental health.
Sources of Stress for Gen Z
- Future uncertainty
- Finances
- Work
- Social activities
- News topics
Are Mental Health Professionals in Demand?
Due to Gen Z’s mental health crisis with a significant increase in depression and anxiety, the demand for qualified mental health professionals has increased significantly. Active and future therapists must understand Gen Z’s unique challenges and use empathy and innovation in their approach.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for marriage and family therapists is rising, with a projected growth of 13% from 2024 to 2034—an average of 7,700 job openings annually.
Although MFTs explore the context of their patients’ relationships and psychologists focus more on the individual, there is also a growing need for psychologists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% increase in job openings for psychologists, about 11,800 annually from 2024 to 2034.
Become an MFT and Help the Mental Health Crisis
Gen Z’s increasing awareness of mental health issues, actively breaking negative stigmas, and seeking therapy culminates in a growing demand for mental health professionals. Pacific Oaks College’s Marriage and Family Therapy programs meet this need by training future therapists using a holistic, culturally aware approach.
Our MFT program combines evidence-based theories with hands-on practical experience to best prepare our graduates for making an impact on Gen Z’s mental health crisis. We emphasize compassion, empathy, and up-to-date research to create effective therapy to address Gen Z’s unique challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gen Z Mental Health
What are the most common mental health issues for Gen Z?
Many Gen Zers go to therapy for stress, anxiety, and depression. The data shows that 61% have been diagnosed with anxiety and 42% with depression.
What are the biggest environmental stressors that cause Gen Z anxiety?
Gen Z has reported having anxiety due to the future, finances, work, social activities, and news topics.
How is Gen Z changing the conversation around therapy?
Unlike older generations, starting with millennials and now Gen Z, the younger generations are more open to mental health concerns and are therefore more willing to seek help, such as therapy.
