TikTok Can Do a Lot, But It Can’t Be Your Therapist: Why Real Therapy Matters in 2026

Let’s be honest, January is a social media circus.

If you’re like us, your For You Page is flooded with tips on setting the best goals, becoming the best version of yourself, and taking care of your mental health so you can be incredibly, unbelievably well this year.

And honestly? A lot of it isn’t bad. TikTok has made information on mental health more accessible, opened up conversations people were scared to have, and has helped reduce stigma. Many people feel less alone because of it. 

But here’s the thing: TikTok can’t be your therapist. 

Therapy, with a real, live human being, is what can actually help you make progress on the goals and changes you care about this year. Here’s why. 

But It’s on the Internet, So It’s True…Right?

Unfortunately, probably not.

Research shows that up to 84% of mental health videos contain misleading information. And if you look at the top 100 mental health videos on TikTok? More than half include misinformation.

On top of that, only about 9% of creators talking about mental health have clinical training. And one study found that TikToks about depression and anxiety that feature personal stories get more engagement than videos made by mental health professionals.

That doesn’t make TikTok “all bad.” But the algorithm does prioritize engagement over nuance and catchy hooks over clinical expertise. 

And that’s where things get tricky. 

When Advice Sounds Simple, But Isn’t

TikTok is full of mental health “rules,” “skills,” and “truths,” but many of them don’t translate well to real life. We hear this all the time from clients, and we see it on our own For You Pages, too. 

You try to follow advice that sounds clear but ends up being confusing, overwhelming, or simply not realistic. Some of the most common examples we hear and see are:

• Setting boundaries

  Sounds empowering, but complicated, or even unsafe, in some relationships. Clients often ask us, “Okay… but how do I do that with my family?”

  
  

• Attachment theory

  A helpful framework, but online it often becomes a fixed label that causes distress (“Does this mean I’ll never have a healthy relationship?”) or limits growth (“Well, I’m avoidant, that’s just how I am.”)

  
  

• Self-diagnosis

  Quick checklists can make mental health diagnoses feel fast and certain. For some, that can feel validating. But without context, they often oversimplify symptoms and turn normal emotional responses into disorders. One client recently came to us confused, saying, “TikTok says if I cry on my birthday, it means I have ADHD.”

  
  

Advice meant for everyone loses value and, in some cases, crosses into misinformation, when applied to real, complex lives. 

Therapy Works Where TikTok Can’t

TikToks are designed for millions of people, but therapy is designed for you. In therapy, we slow these ideas down. We consider your history, thought patterns, relationships, and challenges, and help you figure out:

• Does that apply to me?

• Is there context missing?

• How could this actually work in my life? 

Therapy is about:

• A Safe Space

  Share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. No likes, comments, or FYP, just a person who’s listening.

  
  

• Understanding Your Patterns

  Notice recurring behaviors, triggers, or relationship dynamics and ask, “Why does this keep happening like this?”
  

• Personalized Skills and Tools Learn strategies that match your mind, body, and daily routine, with guidance on how to use them effectively.
  

• Real Progress Over Time Develop lasting growth through consistent, intentional practice. Small breakthroughs accumulate into meaningful change.
  

• Reliable, Research-Based Information Understand your experiences and symptoms through evidence-based knowledge. Learn which approaches are most likely to actually help.

  
  

Applying TikTok Advice in Therapy

Here’s how we approach some of the common TikTok suggestions in therapy:

• Setting boundaries

  TikTok says: “If she’s rude to you, just set boundaries!”

  In therapy:  We assess your relationship and dynamics, discuss timing, and create a plan to have the conversation effectively and safely.
  

• Attachment theory

  TikTok says: “You’re anxious/avoidant/disorganized, and that will affect your dating life forever.”

  In therapy: Attachment is a starting point, not a life sentence. We explore how your style shifts across relationships, helping you understand and change patterns without turning normal traits (like needing alone time or seeking closeness) into disorders. 
  

• Self-diagnosis

  TikTok says: “If you relate to these four things, you probably have ADHD/PTSD/ anxiety.”

  In therapy: We look at symptoms in context, including when they started, how they show up over time, and what’s actually getting in the way of your life. We talk through whether a diagnosis fits, and what that label does (and doesn’t) mean for you.
  

TikTok as a Sidekick

Every Batman needs a Robin, and that’s how we think of TikTok. It works best as the sidekick to therapy.

It can inspire reflection, spark ideas, and even give quick exercises to practice. TikTok is great for discovering new breathing techniques, grounding exercises, or creative ways to manage stress. When used intentionally, it can support the work you’re doing in therapy, reminding you to practice skills, try new strategies, or reflect on insights you’re already exploring.

You can get the best of both worlds: engaging, accessible ideas on your phone that support the growth happening in your sessions.

The key is knowing how to separate helpful content from noise. 

How to Use TikTok Wisely

Not all mental health content on TikTok is created equal. Knowing how to evaluate what you’re seeing can help ensure it supports your mental health rather than adding confusion, fear, or self-doubt. 

Here are some things to consider: 

Green Flags:

• Acknowledges nuance: "This may not apply to everyone,” or “Here are a few possibilities."

• Cites where information comes from: research, clinical experience, lived experience, or organizations.

• Educates without diagnosis: “Here are common signs…” vs. “If you do this, you have …”

• Encourages additional support when needed.

• Feels empowering, not scary, shaming or overwhelming.

  
  

Red Flags:

• Black-and-white statements: “If someone cancels plans, then they don’t respect you.” 

• Diagnosing you through a screen: “If you relate to this sound, you have ADHD.”

• Guarantees or quick fixes: “Do this and your anxiety will disappear.”

• Creates fear, distrust, or dependence: “Don’t trust therapists,”or “Your parents are toxic if…”

• Leaves you confused, distressed, or doubting yourself.

  
  

If something feels off, contradictory, or overwhelming, that’s usually a sign to slow down, check the source, or talk it through with someone who can help you make sense of it in the context of your life.

Real Information & Support > Viral Trends

At the end of the day, TikTok can be fun, inspiring, and even helpful. For some people, it’s enough to spark reflection and offer concrete skills in the moment.

When patterns feel deeper, more persistent, or harder to shift on your own, therapy can help. This is especially true when online advice leaves you feeling confused, overwhelmed, or unsure what’s true.

Therapy gives you a safe space to be seen, understand your patterns, and build skills that actually fit your life. This year, we believe you can have both: a little inspiration from your For You Page and real, reliable support. 

So keep scrolling (thoughtfully!), and if you're interested in learning more about working with us, Meet Our Team or Contact Us to learn more.