When you hear the words “talking therapy,” you probably imagine a safe space where problems are shared, worked through, and resolved. And for many people, that’s exactly what happens. But new research has revealed something surprising—and worrying: young adults aren’t benefiting from NHS talking therapies in the same way older adults are.
What the Study Found
A team led by UCL analysed over 1.5 million cases of people who received NHS talking therapy between 2015 and 2019. The results were striking:
- People aged 16–24 were 25% less likely to reliably recover than those aged 25–65.
- They were also 17% less likely to show reliable improvement.
This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reality for thousands of young people who turn up to therapy full of hope, only to feel it hasn’t quite “worked.”
Why Might Younger People Struggle More?
The reasons are complex, but here are a few possibilities:
- Life transitions: Younger adults are often navigating education, first jobs, relationships, and identity formation—all at once.
- Different communication needs: Traditional therapy models may not fully resonate with younger voices or digital-native ways of expressing themselves.
- Systemic pressures: Social media comparisons, financial insecurity, and housing uncertainty weigh heavily on younger generations.
What This Means for Parents and Carers
If you’re supporting a young adult, this research might feel discouraging. But it doesn’t mean therapy doesn’t work—it means therapy needs to adapt. Younger people may benefit from:
- Blended support models that combine talking therapy with practical tools (like CBT exercises, journaling, or mindfulness).
- More tailored interventions that meet them where they are, rather than expecting them to fit a rigid model.
- Community connection alongside therapy, so they don’t feel like they’re “facing it all alone.”
Actionable Strategies You Can Try
While the NHS and therapy providers adapt, here are some things you can do right now to support a young adult in your life:
- Encourage micro-conversations. Instead of sitting them down for a big “chat,” ask gentle, daily check-ins: “How’s today been for you?”
- Normalise ups and downs. Remind them that not feeling “fixed” after a few therapy sessions doesn’t mean failure. Growth takes time.
- Introduce alternative outlets. Creative expression, journaling, or physical activity can often unlock progress that words alone can’t.
- Be present, not perfect. Sometimes the best support isn’t advice—it’s simply being alongside them without judgment.
Final Thoughts
The research makes one thing clear: we can’t use a one-size-fits-all model for mental health. Young adults face unique challenges, and their therapy needs to reflect that. By listening, adapting, and providing multiple avenues for support, we can help them find their own way forward.
💬 If you’ve had experience supporting a young adult through therapy, what worked for you? Share your thoughts below—you never know who might need to hear your story today.
