Finding care for a mental health condition can be scary when you don’t know what to expect, and myths about mental health treatments can be distracting.
Many people may delay or avoid getting care altogether, even when safe, effective options are available. These can include psychiatry, therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and Spravato® (esketamine.) Some may also avoid help because they worry they will be treated differently.
Only by separating fact from fiction can the process of seeking help feel less overwhelming and more approachable.
What fuels myths about mental health treatments?
Mental health care can feel mysterious because it deals with thoughts, emotions, and brain chemistry. These things aren’t straightforward or easy to see like physical health issues. Because of this, it’s easy for misinformation to take hold. Here are some of the most common forces that keep these myths alive and prevent people from seeking the support they need.
- Stigma around mental health While this is slowly shifting, the cultural baggage that has long associated seeking treatment with “being crazy” still lingers.
- Fear of the unknown around mental health People often fear what they don’t understand. If a treatment involves the brain, electricity, or medication, patients may simply assume it’s invasive, dangerous, or permanent.
- Negative stories spread faster than facts One bad story about a mental health treatment can overshadow thousands of successful outcomes. Social media can further amplify these extremes.
- Complexity of mental health care Unlike a broken bone, there isn’t always a simple cause-and-effect explanation for mental health treatments.
Together, these factors create an environment where myths can thrive, making it harder for people to trust mental health care professionals or even take the first step toward treatment.
The good news is that accurate information, open conversations, and personal stories can help break down these fears. Understanding what keeps myths about mental health alive is the first step toward building trust in the care process.
Common myths about psychiatry and medication management
Psychiatry combines medical expertise with a whole-person approach that uses tools like medication management, innovative therapies, and lifestyle guidance to support long-term wellness.
Psychiatry plays a vital role in helping people manage serious mental health conditions, yet it is often clouded by stigma and misconceptions. Additionally, some people simply aren’t clear on what psychiatrists do.
These are some of the most common myths about mental health related to psychiatry and medication.
Myth |
Truth |
| “Psychiatrists only want to prescribe pills.” | Psychiatrists take a whole-person approach and may recommend treatments such as therapy or medication. It all depends on the needs of each patient. |
| “If I start medication, I’ll be on it forever.” | Many people use medication for a period of time and taper off under the supervision of your psychiatrist. This depends on each patient’s condition and experience. |
| “Psychiatric medication will change my personality.” | The goal is to reduce symptoms and help you feel more like yourself. Tools like pharmacogenomic testing and new medications are designed to work better with patients and avoid unwanted side effects. |
Common myths about therapy
Therapy is a structured, evidence-based process that can give anyone strategies to better manage their thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
Even though it is a powerful tool for growth, healing, and support, it is still often misunderstood. Some people are unsure of what happens during sessions. Others simply haven’t found the right provider. Still others are unsure how therapists differ from psychiatrists.
Good therapy takes time and it doesn’t always click right away. The right provider and approach can make all the difference and are key to meaningful progress.
These are some of the most common myths about mental health related to therapy.
Myth |
Truth |
| “Therapy is only for people with severe problems.” | Therapy can help anyone, including people dealing with stress, grief, life transitions, or wanting personal growth. |
| “If I go to therapy, it means I’m weak.” | Seeking therapy is a sign of strength and self-awareness. |
| “Therapists just listen and nod without offering real help.” | Therapy is collaborative, structured, and often based on proven techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT.) |
Common myths about transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
TMS is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment for depression and other conditions. Yet, because it involves magnetic pulses and the brain, it is often misunderstood or confused with more invasive treatments.
In reality, TMS is a safe, well-researched therapy that uses gentle stimulation to help create healthy pathways in the brain and improve mood without anesthesia, memory loss, or downtime.
These are some of the most common myths about mental health related to TMS.
| Myth | Truth |
| “TMS is painful or invasive.” | TMS is noninvasive and usually feels like a light tapping on the head. Most patients find it painless. |
| “TMS is like electroshock therapy (ECT).” | Unlike older treatments such as ECT, TMS does not require anesthesia or cause memory loss; it uses magnetic pulses, not electricity, to stimulate brain cells. |
| “TMS isn’t safe or proven.” | TMS is FDA-cleared and has been safely used for over 15 years with strong evidence for depression and other conditions. |
Common myths about Spravato
Spravato (esketamine) offers a breakthrough option for people living with treatment-resistant depression or suicidal thoughts. However, its connection to ketamine and the use of a nasal spray have led to confusion and hesitation.
The truth is, Spravato is FDA-approved, administered in a controlled medical setting, and designed to provide rapid relief — sometimes within a few hours — as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
These are some of the most common myths about mental health related to Spravato.
| Myth | Truth |
| “Spravato is the same as street ketamine.” | Spravato is a medically supervised, FDA-approved nasal spray version of esketamine, which is related to ketamine but has a distinct chemical composition. |
| “Spravato makes you hallucinate or lose control.” | Some people may feel dissociated or “spaced out.” This is temporary, closely monitored, and part of the treatment process. |
| “Spravato is unsafe or addictive.” | When used as prescribed under medical supervision, Spravato has a good safety profile and is not considered addictive. |
Myths about mental health treatments can make taking the first step toward care feel daunting, but the truth is that safe, effective options are available.
Whether it’s therapy, psychiatry, TMS, or Spravato, these treatments are designed to provide support and relief — not fear. By challenging misconceptions and sharing accurate information, we can make mental health care more approachable and encourage more people to get the help they deserve.
Key takeaways
- Myths about mental health care come from stigma, fear, and misinformation. These can prevent people from seeking the help they need.
- Therapy is not just for severe problems. It’s a structured, evidence-based process that helps people manage thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
- Psychiatry is more than just medication. Psychiatrists take a whole-person approach, often combining therapy, lifestyle strategies, and medication when needed.
- TMS is safe, noninvasive, and effective. It’s not the same as electroshock therapy and has been FDA-cleared for depression and other conditions.
- Spravato is FDA-approved and carefully monitored. It is not the same as street ketamine and offers rapid relief for treatment-resistant depression or suicidal thoughts.
Looking for mental health care services near you?
Pacific Mind Health offers medication management, therapy, and interventional treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato (esketamine) at our Los Angeles offices. Our experienced clinicians provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you feel better.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation and start your mental health journey today.
