Gen Z's Therapy Dilemma: Can Coaching Fill the Void?
Gen Zers are nearly 3 times more likely than older generations to seek therapy.
They have much less stigma and more acceptance when it comes to talking about feelings and prioritizing mental health care. And under the strain of a “permacrisis,” Gen Z is feeling more stressed than ever before.
But for many Gen Zers, the therapy they’re seeking is out of reach.
Even though virtual services have made therapy easier to access for some, it can still be hard to find an in-network therapist or afford a co-pay. And for people whose insurance doesn’t cover mental healthcare, or who aren’t insured, it can be even harder. Gen Zers have reported that finding and affording treatment feels unattainable.
Coaching — which costs less than therapy and doesn’t require a diagnosis or insurance coverage — might be able to bridge the gap.
A mental health coach uses research-backed techniques to help you build self-awareness, discover your values, and cope with stress. Coaches can also help you better understand yourself and create a plan to overcome challenges.
Here are just a few of the many areas where coaches can help:
Work or school stress
Friendships
Romantic relationships
Healthy communication
Setting boundaries
Daily routines
Managing stress
Social anxiety
Breakups
Moving
Finding motivation
Dealing with difficult emotions
Clarifying values
Intentional living
You should still seek out a therapist if you’re looking for support with a clinical diagnosis (like anxiety, depression, or disordered eating), have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or want help with managing mental health medication.
But for most everyday challenges, mental health coaches, like the ones at Wave, are highly trained and ready to support you. Wave’s high-quality mental health coaching draws upon the same science-backed approaches (e.g., CBT, DBT, ACT) as traditional therapy. Wave mental health coaches don’t make diagnoses, but they do provide skills and guidance to help you thrive, regardless of diagnosis. All Wave coaches are board-certified by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching. For a fraction of the cost of therapy, coaching can help you build awareness, embody your values, and better cope with life’s ups and downs.