Countless studies have shown that psychotherapeutic treatment works. The effects have been measured in terms of improved social functioning, relief from anxiety, reductions in depression, and in just about every other way that improvement and effectiveness can be defined.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General: “Mental disorders are treatable … the evidence for treatment being effective is overwhelming … the inescapable point is that studies demonstrate conclusively that treatment is effective.”
Consumer Reports magazine concluded similarly. In their extensive study, which relied largely on self-reports from patients, 9 out of 10 Americans reported positive benefits. Consumer Reports gave psychological health care a solid endorsement, and noted that treatment by more highly qualified therapists – such as psychologists – was more likely to produce benefits.