I distinctly remember being in college when it was suggested that I give therapy a try. I had zero interest in that. But I had friends who had standing appointments with their therapists every other week. So what’s the deal? Why do some young people dive headfirst into the therapeutic process while others resist it like a cat being dragged into the bathtub? And most importantly, what actually makes therapy successful for young adults?
Why Should Young Adults Even Consider Therapy?
It’s no secret that young people have had it rough. They’ve lived through countless “once in a lifetime” historical events and face an uncertain future. Anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, and more plague their demo. It’s estimated that over 1 in 5 adults are living with a mental health condition. On top of that, over 50% of young adults with a substance use disorder also have at least 1 co-occurring mental health disorder. That’s a lot for anyone, let alone someone whose brain is still developing.
At this point, dual-diagnosis therapy is nearly a necessity. But it has to be integrated, relevant, and built around real relationships. The right kind of therapy will help build insight, regulate emotions, strengthen coping skills, and understand the “why” behind their choices. When done well, therapy doesn’t just treat the symptoms - it sets you up for a lifetime of success.
Why Some Young Adults Hate Therapy
If you’ve never been to a therapist, the first session can feel weird and awkward. You’re sitting across from a stranger and being asked to divulge your emotions. And if you have any reservations about therapy, the whole process is intrusive and can leave you feeling indignant. That’s why people who are forced into therapy rarely express any appreciation for it.
If a young adult is in therapy because someone else made them go—whether it’s a parent, judge, or school counselor—they’re less likely to engage. Therapy becomes a form of punishment instead of support.
Another reason therapy can flop is when it feels irrelevant. If a therapist launches into clinical jargon, focuses solely on addiction, or avoids talking about things that actually matter to the young adult—like relationships, identity, or self-esteem—they’re going to tune out fast. A good therapist will let the client control the topic while they steer the direction of the conversation.
But the most common reason people don’t like therapy? The therapist just isn’t a good fit. Connection matters—especially for young adults. If they don’t feel seen, heard, or respected by their therapist, they’re not going to open up. Simple as that.
Why Some Young Adults Actually Love Therapy
Now for the flip side. Therapy can be an absolute life-changer if it’s the first time you’ve ever felt truly heard. Too many young adults walk through life feeling misunderstood or dismissed. When someone actually listens without interrupting or minimizing, it’s powerful. A therapist who validates their emotions, reflects their strengths, and holds space for their pain can offer something many young adults have never experienced: unconditional positive regard.
Second, engaging in a process that helps you understand yourself better? Yes, please. This isn’t just about symptom management—it’s about understanding the "why." Why do I feel this way? Why do I keep sabotaging myself? Why do I push people away?
Ultimately, therapy becomes valuable when it provides actual tools. Young adults don’t want vague pep talks. They want skills they can use when they’re anxious, overwhelmed, or tempted to relapse. The best therapists teach coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, communication tools, and boundary-setting techniques.
So…What Makes Therapy Successful for Young Adults?
Successful therapy = safety + relevance + relationship + autonomy.
They need to feel emotionally safe with someone who won’t judge or shame them. The content of therapy needs to feel relevant—focused on real-life issues they care about. The relationship with the therapist needs to be strong, built on trust, authenticity, and empathy. And perhaps most importantly, they need to feel a sense of autonomy—that they have a say in the process, that they aren’t just being “fixed” but are actively part of their own healing.
When those four things are in place, therapy can move from something they dread to something they value—even love.
From Eye-Rolling to Engaged
Whether they start out rolling their eyes or are fully open to the process, therapy has the potential to help young adults understand themselves and build lives that are meaningful, connected, and full of possibility.
And if therapy isn’t enough, dual-diagnosis residential treatment may be the next step. It’s more than just therapy—it’s a full-circle approach to helping your child feel better, function better, and thrive. Give Momentum Recovery a call today to learn more about their gender-specific dual-diagnosis treatment programs.