I’m a Christian, So Why Do I Need Therapy? Stigma, Faith, and Healing

“I have depression, I am almost sure, and I have researched a little, all points begin by speaking about it.” – Old Journal Entry

This is something I’ve heard before and, honestly, even thought myself: Since I identify as a Christian, why am I struggling with my mental health? Shouldn’t my faith be enough to carry me through? Does this mean being a Christian isn’t right for me?

What makes it harder is that it’s easy to go through life without even realizing how much we’re struggling. We can be so distracted by our daily routines or external expectations that we don’t take the time to check in with ourselves. And because mental health isn’t talked about enough, it might not even cross our minds that what we’re feeling is normal—or that we need support.

As Christians, we might also feel a sense of shame in asking for help. There’s this unspoken idea that if we truly had faith, we wouldn’t be struggling at all. We might think:

• “If I just prayed more, I’d feel better.”
• “My relationship with God should be enough.”
• “What will people think if they find out I’m seeing a therapist?”

But here’s the truth: Asking for professional help is an act of faith itself. 

It’s an act of courage and trust, acknowledging that God can work through others to bring healing and guidance.

Let me walk you through my thought process.

Faith and Mental Health: Are They in Conflict?

The Bible often encourages us to seek understanding and wisdom. Proverbs tells us:

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”

—Proverbs 18:15 (NIV)

Reflecting on our inner world—the loneliness, emptiness, and darkness within—is part of the human journey. Doing this in the light of our faith can be powerful, and doing it with the personal help of a therapist can be even better.

Religious leaders are incredible guides, but they’re generally not trained to help us navigate the complexities of mental health. Their training often focuses on spiritual matters, administrative duties, delivering sermons, and providing pastoral care. While there’s some overlap, they aren’t a substitute for a professional therapist.

Qualities we might expect to find in religious circles—like nonjudgment, empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity—can sometimes be missing. After all, religious leaders are human too, often stretched thin or focused on other responsibilities. A therapist, however, is specifically trained to offer these qualities. Their role is to meet you where you are and help you navigate your struggles in a safe, supportive environment.

Andrew Solomon, in The Noonday Demon, reflects on the weight of stigma, saying, “Anxiety in depression is this feeling like you have a terrible secret, and everyone’s going to find out, and you don’t even know what the secret is.” It’s not just the social stigma we contend with—it’s also deeply personal. The secret feels shameful only because we believe it is.

But Jesus himself shattered social stigmas during His ministry. He touched the untouchable, healed the rejected, and dined with sinners. He even said:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”

—Matthew 9:12 (NIV)

So don’t let social stigma hold you back from seeking what you need. Therapy, like faith, is about stepping into vulnerability and finding strength in it.

Biblical Support for Seeking Help

The Bible actually encourages seeking counsel and wisdom from others:

• “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

—Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

• “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”

—1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

• “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

—Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

These verses highlight the importance of community and seeking support. Therapy is a form of wise counsel and support, a way to gain insight and understanding with the guidance of someone equipped to help.

Should Your Therapist Be Someone of Your Own Faith?

This is a personal decision, and it depends on what you need to feel safe and supported.

Therapists Who Share Your Faith

Some people prefer a therapist who shares their beliefs. This can feel like a safe choice if you’re worried about being judged or having to explain your faith-based perspective. A Christian therapist can help you integrate your spiritual journey into your mental health work seamlessly.

They can incorporate prayer, scripture, and faith-based principles into your sessions if that’s what you desire. It can be comforting to know that your therapist understands the nuances of your faith.

Therapists with a Different or Neutral Background

Others feel more comfortable with someone outside their faith. This can give you space to explore doubts or grievances about your faith without fear of bias. Their objectivity can bring fresh insights and a perspective that complements your spiritual growth.

Sometimes, an external viewpoint helps in uncovering blind spots and challenging assumptions that we might hold within our faith communities.

What Really Matters

The most important thing is finding a therapist you feel safe with—someone who makes you feel heard, understood, and free to share yourself fully. A good therapist, regardless of their faith background, is trained to be nonjudgmental and supportive.

When you feel safe, therapy becomes a space where you can uncover the root of your struggles, find the center point of your challenges, and grow into a stronger, more authentic version of yourself.

Faith and Therapy: Working Together

Being a Christian and seeking therapy are not in conflict. In fact, they can complement each other beautifully. Therapy doesn’t replace your faith—it works alongside it, helping you better understand yourself and navigate the challenges of life.

Remember the story of Elijah in the Bible. After a great victory, he fell into deep despair:

“He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said.”

—1 Kings 19:4 (NIV)

God’s response wasn’t to chastise him for his lack of faith. Instead, an angel provided food and rest for Elijah, addressing his physical and emotional needs before sending him on his next mission.

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weak faith. It’s a sign of courage, of trusting that God’s grace is big enough to work through many avenues—including therapy.

Embracing Personal Growth as a Christian

Personal growth is a deeply Christian idea. The Apostle Paul encourages us:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

—Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Therapy can be a tool for this transformation, helping us to renew our minds, heal old wounds, and break unhealthy patterns. It’s a way to steward the mind and heart God has given us.

Final Thought

If you’ve been on the fence about therapy because of your faith, ask yourself: What’s holding you back? Is it fear of judgment? A sense of shame?

Remember, faith and therapy are partners, not adversaries. They can work hand in hand to help you discover your truest self and find healing and wholeness.

Jesus said:

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

—John 10:10 (NIV)

Embracing therapy can be a step toward that abundant life—a life where faith and mental health support each other, allowing you to flourish in all areas.

Don’t let misconceptions keep you from the help you need. Reach out, take that step, and trust that God is with you on this journey.

Psycheverse: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

—2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)