Mega Doctor News
If you’ve ever experienced a mental health challenge, you are not alone.
More than one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), while one in 20 experiences a serious mental illness. In addition, approximately 16% of children aged 6 to 17 are affected by a mental health disorder.
“Mental health struggles are far more common than many people realize,” says Leticia Sosa, MSSW, LCSW, LCDC-I., KAP, CLYL, EMDR Therapist, Director of Outpatient Services, South Texas Health System (STHS) Behavioral. “Chances are, nearly every one of us or someone we love has faced a mental health challenge at some point, which is why talking about it and seeking support is so important.”
When it comes to addressing mental health challenges, evidencebased therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are proven to be highly effective.
These therapeutic approaches help treat anxiety, depression, trauma and emotional regulation difficulties by addressing negative thought patterns, behaviors and the way traumatic memories are processed and stored.
“Therapy plays a critical role in helping people address challenges early, before they grow more overwhelming,” says Sosa. “By seeking support sooner, individuals can build healthy coping skills, gain insight and prevent symptoms from progressing into more serious or longterm concerns.”
Therapy is a proactive step toward improving mental health. It allows individuals to process emotions, build coping strategies and navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma or major life transitions.
Therapy also provides a confidential, nonjudgmental space to gain selfawareness, improve relationships and break unhealthy behavior patterns with professional guidance.
Despite its effectiveness, nearly half of U.S. adults living with a mental illness do not receive treatment, according to NAMI, representing approximately 27 million people nationwide.
Stigma surrounding therapy continues to be a significant barrier to accessing mental healthcare. Rooted in misconceptions, cultural beliefs and fears of being perceived as weak or “crazy,” stigma often leads to delayed care, selfstigma and discrimination. This is particularly evident in certain workplaces and minority communities that emphasize stoicism.
As a result, only about 10% to 12% of U.S. adults receive formal counseling or therapy each year, according to NAMI.
Seeking therapy is vital for improving overall quality of life, developing healthy coping mechanisms and addressing deepseated emotional, relational or behavioral challenges. Professional, evidencebased treatment helps approximately 75% of participants by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving physical health, boosting selfesteem and enhancing performance at work or school, according to NAMI.
“Therapy gives people the space, guidance and tools to better understand themselves and what they’re experiencing,” says Sosa. “It can help individuals feel more balanced, more confident and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges, often leading to meaningful, lasting change.”
To help Rio Grande Valley residents understand cognitive behavioral therapy and its benefits, South Texas Health System (STHS) Behavioral is dedicating its latest Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar to the topic.
Broadcast live via STHS’ Facebook page, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, May 7, 2026, the online seminar will explore the core components of therapy, what to expect during a session, when to seek professional help and local resources available to help individuals find the right therapist.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. If you’d like to view previous Let’s Talk Mental Health seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Behavioral |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Mental Health – Understanding Therapy” |
| When: | Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS’ Facebook page |
