Breaking The Stigma: Let’s Talk About Therapy in the Music Industry

The way we talk about mental health is changing (as it should be!), and more and more artists are opening up about going to therapy. Not just after a breakdown, but as part of staying grounded, protecting their creativity, and actually enjoying the careers they’ve worked so hard for. This shift is making real waves in the industry, slowly replacing the “just push through it” mindset with one that values rest, self-awareness, and sustainability.

However, for many artists, especially men, BIPOC creatives, or those overly locked into hustle culture, talking about therapy can still feel uncomfortable or even intimidating. And that silence can make things even worse. This article is here to help break that silence. Whether you’re curious about therapy, looking for a therapist who understands the music grind, or just trying to figure out how to talk about it without oversharing, here’s everything you need to know…

Breaking The Stigma: Let’s Talk About Therapy in the Music Industry

Confronting The Stigma

Even as the conversation around mental health evolves, the stigma around it still exists. It’s like there’s this unspoken rule that artists are supposed to be resilient no matter what. You’re expected to be on 24/7, to pour your soul into your art, and act like nothing can shake you.

For male artists, vulnerability is often equated with weakness. For BIPOC creatives, cultural expectations or generational beliefs can make therapy feel unfamiliar, taboo, or even off-limits. And for touring artists, the reality of being in a different city every night, far from a stable support system, only adds to the pressure.

The idea that therapy is something you only turn to when things fall apart doesn’t help either. It keeps people quiet, even when they’re struggling. And when no one talks about it, it creates the illusion that everyone else is fine, which makes it even harder to ask for help.

But therapy isn’t just for the breakdowns. It’s about finding tools to manage the highs and the lows, process what you’re going through, and show up fully for yourself and your art.

Think of Therapy as ✨Creative Maintenance ✨

Therapy isn’t about fixing something that’s “wrong” with you. It’s about maintaining your mind and staying mentally well enough so you can keep creating from a healthy place. For artists, your mind is your most valuable instrument. And just like you’d tune your guitar or rest your voice, taking care of your mental health is just another essential to treat with care.

Creative blocks, impostor syndrome, burnout, anxiety about performances/releases… these aren’t rare occurrences in the industry, but they’re not things you have to deal with alone either. Therapy gives you a space to work through all of it, from navigating the pressure to constantly produce to managing the emotional rollercoaster that can come with chasing numbers, complicated team dynamics, or even just social media in itself.

It also gives you tools you can actually use in your day-to-day life, like grounding techniques before a show, strategies for dealing with rejection or self-doubt, or setting boundaries with your team. Not only that, but it can help bring you some much-needed clarity when you feel stuck or lost. Think of it less like a last resort and more like a regular tune-up that helps you stay in sync with yourself.

——

📚 Check out these extras…

How to Protect Your Mental Health on Social Media as an Artist

The Rise of Micro-Markets: Why Going Global Starts Local

How To Manifest The Life You Want as a Musician

How to Track Royalties and Payouts as an Independent Artist

——

Real-Life Examples: Artists Who’ve Spoken Up

One of the most powerful things helping break the stigma around therapy in our industry is hearing other artists talk about it openly. Whether it’s in interviews, on stage, or even in their lyrics, these stories remind everyone that mental health challenges don’t disqualify you from success; they’re often part of the journey.

• Take Kendrick Lamar, who built an entire album (Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers) around the inner work he’s done in therapy. Tracks like “Father Time” and “United in Grief” directly confront generational trauma, shame, and healing. He’s made it clear: therapy isn’t weak, it’s transformative.
• J Balvin, one of the biggest names in Latin music, has also been incredibly open about his struggles with anxiety and depression. He’s spoken about how therapy and medication have helped him stay afloat, especially during the height of his career when everything looked perfect from the outside.
• Hayley Williams (from Paramore, duh) has talked about how therapy helped her unpack burnout and personal trauma that she had been carrying for years, some of which influenced her solo work.
• YUNGBLUD, Kehlani, Porter Robinson, and many others have also used their platforms to normalize seeking help.

These artists sharing their experiences doesn’t just help fans… it encourages other creatives to speak up, feel empowered, and do the same. It opens up a dialogue that changes the industry as a whole, for this generation and future generations to come.

How To Find a Therapist Who Gets the Music Lifestyle

Finding a therapist can feel like a big step for anyone, and finding one who actually understands the music industry is a whole other story. Late nights, inconsistent income, touring schedules, creative blocks… It’s a lot. And not every therapist is equipped to handle that reality.

When you’re ready to start the search for someone, look for therapists who specialize in working with creatives, performers, or people in high-pressure industries. You can even ask them directly if they’ve worked with musicians before or if they’re familiar with the kinds of challenges you face. That question alone can save you time and help you find a better fit. We’ve got a couple of resources in our tool belt to help guide the way. For example, consider checking these out:

📌 Backline: One of our favorite resources for musicians, Backline offers mental health resources specifically for music industry professionals, including a case management system to match you with a therapist who gets it.

📌 Black Men Heal / Therapy for Black Girls: Culturally competent resources that center around BIPOC mental health.

📌 LatinX Therapy: A growing directory and podcast platform focused on mental health in Latinx communities.

📌 Inclusive Therapists: Highlights practitioners who are neurodivergent-affirming, LGBTQIA+ competent, and culturally responsive.

Even if the first therapist you meet isn’t the right fit, that doesn’t mean therapy isn’t for you. Just like in music, chemistry matters. Although it takes some extra effort, don’t be afraid to try a few before settling into one that works. A great therapist can truly change your entire life for the better.

Worried about the cost? You’ve got options! Many therapists offer sliding-scale pricing based on income, and some platforms are specifically built around affordability. Open Path Collective, for example, connects people with therapists offering sessions as low as $40–70. University psychology clinics often offer reduced-rate sessions with graduate students in training (supervised by licensed professionals). Backline also provides free virtual support groups, and organizations like Black Men Heal offer free sessions for qualifying individuals.

It may take a little research, but affordable care is out there, and you deserve support that fits your life and your budget.

In Conclusion…

Studies show that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year, and artists face unique pressures that can make those numbers even higher in the music community. Despite this, many hesitate to seek help because of the stigma or simply not knowing where to start.

From Avicii to Mac Miller, mental health has touched every corner of our industry. These stories remind us that no one is immune to the pressures and challenges that come with a life in music. But here’s the good news: therapy is becoming more accessible, more accepted, and more understood as a vital part of creative health. At the end of the day, prioritizing your mind is one of the best moves you can make… not just for your music, but for you.

We believe everyone should have the resources to reach out without judgment and move forward with confidence. If you’re looking for additional options, check out “Mental Health Resources for Musicians in 2025” for even more resources.

Never be afraid to ask for help. If you need it, we’re here to give it. ❤️‍🩹