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, evidence-based 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 long-term 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, non-judgmental space to gain self-awareness, 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, self-stigma 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 deep-seated emotional, relational or behavioral challenges. Professional, evidence-based treatment helps approximately 75% of participants by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving physical health, boosting self-esteem 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
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
