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5 Celebs Who Refuse to Go to Therapy (and 15 Who Swear By It)

In today's world, where everyone from your next-door neighbor to the mailman seems to be talking about therapy, it's no surprise that celebrities often find themselves at the center of the discussion. Hollywood, with all its glitz and glamour, is known for producing more than just movies and TV shows—it's a breeding ground for drama, scandals, and, sometimes, emotional breakdowns. Yet, not everyone in the spotlight is eager to lie on a therapist's couch and pour out their deepest secrets. Some celebrities openly shun the idea of therapy, preferring to handle life's challenges on their own, for better or worse.

On the other hand, there are those in the entertainment industry who have embraced therapy, crediting it as the secret to their sanity amidst the chaos of fame. These stars aren't shy about sharing how professional help has guided them through personal crises, relationship issues, and the pressures of being constantly in the public eye. They name-drop their therapist so often that they refuse to take real accountability...

This article dives into the contrasting attitudes towards therapy among celebrities, highlighting five who flat-out refuse to go and fifteen who swear by its benefits. Whether you're skeptical about therapy yourself or just curious about how these stars handle their issues, you'll find plenty of interesting tidbits that might just change your perspective—or reinforce it.

Taylor Swift Refuses

Taylor Swift Refuses

Pop princess Taylor Swift, whose songs include lyrics like, “I dream of jumping off of very tall somethings, just to see you come running,” claims she’s never been to therapy. In 2019, Swift told Rolling Stone that it takes a long time to “download somebody on the last 29 years” of her life, so instead, she and her mother “talk endlessly.” Though she deals with stalkers and death threats, the singer says, “I just feel very sane.” 
 

“I've never been to therapy,” she continued in The Rolling Stone interview. “I talk to my mom a lot, because my mom is the one who's seen everything. God... my mom has seen it all. She knows exactly where I'm coming from.”
 

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Kim Kardashian Refused

Kim Kardashian Refused

In early 2024 Kim Kardashian stated that, while she hasn’t been to therapy, she relies on her friends for emotional support. “Honestly, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my friends, like I have the best friends and they're super supportive," she explained on a 2024 episode of The Kardashians on Hulu. "

"I think that's probably why I've never seen a therapist, [it] is because I have the best friends in the entire world, and they mean everything to me." However, with the encouragement of big sis Kourtney, Kim finally decided to see a therapist in late 2024. She admitted she was excited at the potential to have better relationships with her children and those around her. 

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Kanye West Refuses

Kanye West Refuses

Rapper and fashion designer Kanye West is always in the news for his shocking behavior, but it’s not at all surprising that he has not been to therapy. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016, West has refused professional help or medication, instead turning to spirituality with his 2019 album JESUS IS KING. That same year, the rapper announced he was a born-again Christian.
 

In an interview with Charlamagne, West said the following: “Nah, I use the world as my therapist. Anyone I talk to is my therapist. I will pull them into the conversation of what I'm feeling at that point and get their perspective...  I’m not saying that therapists are bad, I’m just saying that I like just talking to acquaintances, friends, family, and you know, I keep them on the phone for 45 minutes at a time talking through things, so it’s kind [of] narcissistic, talking about my problems, using their energy, even like, them being a sounding board, and talking through it.”

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Oprah Winfrey Refuses

Oprah Winfrey Refuses

The Oprah Winfrey Show, which ran from 1986 to 2011, was a daytime talk show that covered a wide range of topics, including relationships, society, health, and more. On the Drew Barrymore Show, Winfrey shared, “I had all my therapy on the show in front of everybody. And you know, when I first started in 1986 with the national show, nobody was going to therapy. Even speaking about therapy on television was taboo, and now everybody has gone to therapy.”

She continued, “So I did my therapy in front of everyone at a time when people were still adjusting their consciousness to the idea of accepting somebody else being able to counsel you about your life."
 

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Kurt Cobain Refused

Kurt Cobain Refused

The tragic story of the late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain is a troubling tale of substance abuse, mental health, and a self-destructive lifestyle. In the singer’s short life, he experienced multiple drug addictions, overdoses, and brushes with death until his suicide in 1994. 

Unfortunately, Cobain never sought therapy. In the documentary Montage of Heck, ex-girlfriend Tracy Marander states that she encouraged Cobain to see a therapist, but he likely refused because of financial constraints. In his last days, the singer had escaped from a rehab facility after just 2 days. 
 

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Kourtney Kardashian Swears by It

Kourtney Kardashian Swears by It

Kourtney Kardashian has shown a lot of support for therapy in recent years. She recently revealed that for the past 3 years, she’s been attending therapy religiously. “I didn’t start a self-awareness journey knowing what I was doing. I started therapy through a toxic relationship and then learned so much about myself, about my family, about why I do certain things, about our childhood wounds, about how they show up in intimate relationships, generational trauma.” 

On Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kourtney was seen touting her love for therapy and encouraging her sisters to follow in her footsteps. In a cover interview for Health, the reality star, who has discussed her struggles with anxiety in the past, said: “For the past three years I’ve been going to therapy. Once a week I go to a double session. I look forward to it every week! Having that awareness, I find that I can almost catch things before they become a bigger deal.”

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Reese Witherspoon Swears by It

Reese Witherspoon Swears by It

Legally Blonde star Reese Witherspoon has had a lifelong journey with therapy. Suffering from anxiety and depression, the actor sought professional help at 16, just 2 years after she debuted in the 1991 film The Man in the Moon.
 

Recently, Witherspoon has begun talking more about her mental health journey, specifically, how it changed for her after the births of her children. Experiencing postpartum depression, she felt that there was “no guidance or help.” Witherspoon hopes that her experiences will help destigmatize mental health and encourage people to seek therapy. 
 

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Kristen Bell and Dax Shepherd Swear by It

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepherd Swear by It

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are strong advocates for therapy, viewing it as a practical tool for relationship growth. They liken therapy to working with a trainer at the gym or following a recipe, emphasizing that it's a valuable resource. Bell elaborates, "You do better in the gym with a trainer; you don't figure out how to cook without reading a recipe. Therapy is not something to be embarrassed about."
 

They believe that, just as we seek expert advice to improve our skills in other areas, therapy offers crucial guidance for enhancing communication and connection in relationships. Their perspective underscores that seeking help is a proactive and positive choice for nurturing a healthy partnership.
 

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Jennifer Aniston Swears by It

Jennifer Aniston Swears by It

Jennifer Aniston has found therapy to be a fantastic boost to her daily routine, including meditation and writing. She shares, “I’ve really gotten a lot out of therapy,” noting how it helps her handle the unique pressures of fame with ease. “I meditate every day — and sitting quietly, writing."
Therapy complements her efforts to stay grounded and positive.

Living in the spotlight brings both perks and challenges, and Aniston embraces therapy as a key tool in managing them. “Just being a public person, there’s a lot of amazing things that come with that. But there’s also a lot of tough stuff because we’re only human, and we tend to walk around with bulls-eyes on our heads.” She appreciates the support it offers in navigating the ups and downs of her public life, reinforcing the importance of mental health care in enjoying a fulfilling career.

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Prince Harry Swears by It

Prince Harry Swears by It

Prince Harry has become a vocal advocate for mental health, sharing his personal journey with therapy. He credits therapy with helping him cope with the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, and other challenges he's faced. In a 2023 interview with Good Morning America, Harry emphasized the positive impact therapy has had on his life, saying it has empowered him to tackle any obstacle.


 

His openness about seeking help has helped break down stigmas surrounding mental health and encouraged others to prioritize their well-being. "For me, therapy has equipped me to be able to take on anything," Prince Harry says in the documentary The Me You Can't See.

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Michelle and Barack Obama Swear by It

Michelle and Barack Obama Swear by It

Michelle and Barack Obama have openly shared how therapy played a significant role in strengthening their marriage. Initially, Michelle sought couples therapy to "fix" Barack, only to realize she had her own issues to address. This experience was a turning point, teaching her that her happiness wasn't solely her husband's responsibility. 

As Michelle put it, "I had to learn how to fill myself up and how to put myself higher on my priority list." She emphasizes that even the best marriages require work, and therapy helped them understand and grow together, strengthening their relationship.

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Jon Hamm Swears by It

Jon Hamm Swears by It

Jon Hamm, best known for his role as Don Draper in Mad Men, is a vocal advocate for therapy. He has been attending therapy sessions for over two decades, a practice he highly recommends. Hamm's journey began after his father's death, which left him feeling paralyzed and adrift. Therapy provided him with the tools to navigate this difficult time and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

During his time filming Mad Men, Hamm also struggled with alcoholism. Therapy played a crucial role in helping him overcome this addiction and maintain sobriety. His experiences have made him a passionate believer in the power of therapy, and he often encourages others to seek help when needed.


 

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Demi Lovato Swears by It

Demi Lovato Swears by It

Demi Lovato has been open about her struggles with addiction and mental health. The singer has attended inpatient treatment programs five times to address her substance abuse issues. In addition, Lovato has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. “I think the glimmer of hope was when I started putting in the work and I started to, whether it was work, a program, or talk to my treatment team and build relationships there," Lovato shared with Rolling Stone
 

Despite facing numerous challenges, Lovato has found solace and strength in therapy. She has shared that a turning point in her recovery came when she began actively working on her well-being, whether through therapy, support groups, or building relationships with her treatment team. Lovato's journey serves as an inspiration to others who are battling similar issues.

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Catherine Zeta-Jones Swears by It

Catherine Zeta-Jones Swears by It

Catherine Zeta-Jones, renowned for her roles in The Legend of Zorro and Wednesday, has been open about her experiences with mental health. The actress was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2013 after her husband, Michael Douglas, was diagnosed with throat cancer.

Zeta-Jones has credited therapy with helping her manage her condition and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In an interview with People magazine, she shared, "I've learned that therapy is not a weakness. It's a strength. It's about being honest with yourself and getting the help you need." Zeta-Jones's journey has inspired many to seek support for their mental health challenges.

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Jennifer Garner Swears by It

Jennifer Garner Swears by It

Jennifer Garner, known for her roles in films like Alias and 13 Going on 30, has been open about her experiences with anxiety. After her divorce from Scott Foley in 2003, Garner sought professional help to navigate this challenging time.

In an interview with People magazine, Garner shared that therapy was instrumental in her healing process. She explained, "I knew that this was either an opportunity for growth or I would sink. So I went to work on it. I started therapy." Garner's journey highlights the importance of seeking support during difficult times and the positive impact that therapy can have on mental health.

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Brooke Shields Swears by It

Brooke Shields Swears by It

Brooke Shields, a renowned actress and model, has been open about her experiences with postpartum depression. After the birth of her second child, Shields sought professional help to address her symptoms. Shields's treatment plan included a combination of therapy and medication, along with rest and support from loved ones. She has credited therapy with helping her understand her condition and navigate the challenges of postpartum depression. 

As Shields shared, "Without therapy, I wouldn't have understood as much, and I think that without medicine, I would not have been clear enough." Her journey has helped to raise awareness about postpartum depression and the importance of seeking treatment.

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Halle Berry Swears by It

Halle Berry Swears by It

Halle Berry is a strong advocate for therapy. Her journey began at a young age, stemming from the trauma of witnessing an abusive alcoholic father. In an interview with Yahoo!, Berry shared, "My mother at 10 years old knew that I needed to get into some therapy... Things that, you know, 10-year-olds shouldn't have to see." 

Therapy provided her with tools to process these experiences and navigate the challenges of growing up in a difficult environment. Berry continues to utilize therapy, even as she faces new hurdles like menopause.  Her openness about therapy highlights its importance not just for childhood struggles but throughout life's challenges.

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Jim Carrey Swears By It

Jim Carrey Swears By It

Jim Carrey, the comedic genius, has been open about his struggles with depression and ADHD. Growing up in a poor family, Carrey sought solace in comedy and found success at a young age. However, the pressures of fame and personal challenges led him to seek professional help. Carrey sought advice from a doctor and was prescribed Prozac to manage his depression.

While he has expressed interest in spirituality and mindfulness, he acknowledges the role therapy has played in his journey. As Carrey has shared, "It doesn't stay long enough to immerse me and drown me anymore." His openness about his mental health has inspired many to seek help and find their own paths to well-being.

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Robert Downey Jr. Swears by It

Robert Downey Jr. Swears by It

Robert Downey Jr., a renowned actor known for his roles in the Iron Man franchise, has been open about his struggles with addiction. In the 1990s, Downey Jr. faced a downward spiral that culminated in his arrest and imprisonment in 2000. Through a combination of therapy, medication, and support, Downey Jr. was able to overcome his addiction.

He has credited therapy with being instrumental in his recovery. As he shared in an interview, "Therapy is great, therapy just works. You just go in and... sit down and you go, 'His fault!' And then start from there... I fell apart like 10 years ago and now everything is fine." Downey Jr.'s journey serves as an inspiration to those who are struggling with addiction.   
 

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Jennifer Lopez Swears by It

Jennifer Lopez Swears by It

Jennifer Lopez, a multifaceted star known for her music, acting, and dancing, has been open about her journey to self-love. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lopez shared that she began therapy as a way to understand herself and her emotions better. "I remember when I was going through therapy at the beginning, you know, kind of in my late 30s and there was a lot of talk about loving yourself," Lopez said. "It took time and it's a journey and it's still a journey for me."

Therapy has played a significant role in Lopez's personal growth. She has discussed how it has helped her to develop a healthier relationship with herself and to prioritize her well-being. Through therapy, Lopez has learned to love herself unconditionally and to embrace her imperfections. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others who are seeking to improve their own mental health and self-esteem.

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