Inside the Minds of Gen Z: What India’s Young Adults Want from Therapy

A 2023 survey by ITC in India reported that 47% of Gen Z and millennials are currently in therapy or on medication. Over the past decade, online searches for psychiatrists in Delhi alone have nearly doubled.

Mental health conversations are no longer confined behind closed doors. With each new generation, we are seeing a massive shift in mental health standards and what’s considered healthy or toxic. A 2023 survey by ITC in India reported that 47% of Gen Z and millennials are currently in therapy or on medication. Over the past decade, online searches for psychiatrists in Delhi alone have nearly doubled. Clearly, the stigma is fading, but expectations from therapy are evolving fast.

So what exactly are Gen Z clients looking for when they step into a therapist’s office? And how are new mental health startups like Betterplace Health rising to meet that demand?

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They Want Therapists Who “Get It”

Gen Z isn’t afraid to open up about their struggles. They want to feel seen, heard, and understood. Ms Ayushi Paul, a clinical psychologist at BetterPlace Health, tells us that Gen Z often seeks therapists who understand modern struggles, from internet culture to complex relationship dynamics. They want to talk to someone who understands how larger challenges, such as the climate crisis and the economy, can affect their mental health.

They’re Not Here Just to Talk—They Want Tools That Work

Even though they’re open to talking, they’re not here just to vent. Ms Sulagna Mondal, a clinical psychologist at BetterPlace Health, tells us that they’re proactively asking for solutions—what to do, how to manage their overpowering thoughts, and how to control their symptoms.

She notes that they are well-informed and do their own research. They want structured sessions with proper goal setting, actionable tools and techniques, and progress monitoring to track their growth in real time. For them, therapy is useful when it helps them function better in their daily lives.

They Prefer Personalised Care

Gen Z knows that cookie-cutter treatment plans don’t work. They understand that every person is different, and they experience conditions in their own unique way. Dr Akul Gupta, a consultant psychiatrist at BetterPlace Health, tells us they create 100% personalised treatment plans that target each person’s specific needs and challenges, helping them recover faster.

Cultural Safety and Non-Judgment Matter

This generation has grown up questioning everything from norms and media to toxicity, burnout, and their very purpose in life. Ms Ayushi adds that many enter therapy with deep questions about their identity, family dynamics, gender, or sexuality. However, they won’t open up if the therapist feels dismissive, out of touch, or judgmental. They want therapists who understand Indian realities and respect their personal values.

Therapy Isn’t Just for “Problems” Anymore

For Gen Z, therapy isn’t about treating disorders or managing a crisis. It’s about personal growth and becoming self-aware. Ms Sulagna regularly counsels younger Gen Z who seek guidance and support, noting that they don’t wait for emotional breakdowns before visiting a therapist. They’re proactive and view mental health like physical fitness.

They’re more likely to say, “I just want to understand myself better,” or “I think I have some things I want to work through”. For them, therapy is a tool to reflect, grow, and stay emotionally agile—as normal as going to the gym or eating healthy.

The Future of Mental Health Is Young, Digital, and Honest

This generation is rewriting the rules. They’re seeking therapy not because of a diagnosis, but to understand themselves better, break cycles, build boundaries, and live more mindfully.

They want therapists who truly get them—people who understand their emotions, explain things clearly, and respect their background. They’re not looking to “fit in”; they want a space where they can explore themselves and feel open enough to be themselves.

For Gen Z seeking counselling in Delhi, the challenge isn’t finding a clinic; it’s finding the one that truly understands their world and speaks their language.

Because for Gen Z, therapy isn’t just treatment. It’s a tool for becoming the kind of adult they want to be.