At Birchwood Clinic, we are often asked why we are not super active on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. In a world where mental health content is everywhere, our choice is intentional, and rooted in ethics, clinical responsibility, and respect for the complexity of mental health care.
Mental Health Is Nuanced, Not Soundbite-Friendly
Mental health does not lend itself well to quick tips, viral posts, or definitive statements. Anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and other mental health concerns exist on a spectrum and are deeply influenced by context, history, biology, relationships, and environment. What may be true or helpful for one person can be misleading, or even harmful, for another.
Social media algorithms reward certainty, simplicity, and emotional extremes. Therapy, by contrast, requires nuance, curiosity, and individualized understanding. We believe it is ethically problematic to present mental health concepts as universal truths or to suggest diagnoses, coping strategies, or interpretations without a full clinical assessment.
Client Privacy Is Non-Negotiable
We do not discuss client stories on social media, ever. Even when details are altered or “de-identified,” sharing client experiences online raises serious ethical concerns. Many people can recognize themselves in stories, and others may incorrectly assume a post refers to them. At Birchwood, protecting client confidentiality goes beyond legal requirements; it is foundational to trust and ethical care.
We are increasingly concerned by the trend of therapists sharing client anecdotes online, even when done with good intentions. Therapy should be a private, protected space, not content.
The Rise of Mental Health Influencers Concerns Us
Research consistently shows that a significant portion of mental health content on social media is inaccurate or misleading. Studies have found that more than half of mental health information on platforms like TikTok contains misinformation or lacks clinical grounding. Algorithms tend to amplify content that is extreme, sensational, or overly confident, regardless of the accuracy.
This creates an incentive structure where influencers may feel pressure to make increasingly bold or absolute claims to stay visible. Over time, this can erode ethical boundaries and spread incorrect or oversimplified information about mental health.
The Harm of Self-Diagnosis Trends
We also see the impact of social media trends in our clinical work. Many clients come to therapy convinced they have a specific diagnosis based on content they’ve consumed online. While self-reflection can be valuable, premature self-diagnosis can increase anxiety, reinforce unhelpful narratives, and delay appropriate care.
Mental health diagnoses require careful evaluation, clinical training, and context. Labels can be helpful when used thoughtfully, but harmful when applied incorrectly or without nuance.
Another concern with social media content is that it often tells people exactly what they want to hear, not what they may need to hear. Posts that validate every feeling without context, complexity, or clinical nuance can feel comforting in the moment, but they don’t always support real growth or healing. Therapy is not about constant reassurance or affirming every thought or behavior as healthy, it’s about helping people understand patterns, tolerate discomfort, and make meaningful changes. When mental health content is reduced to bite-sized affirmations designed to gain likes and shares, it risks oversimplifying deeply personal experiences and can unintentionally reinforce unhelpful beliefs rather than challenge them in ways that lead to lasting change.
Our Commitment to Ethical, Evidence-Based Care
Birchwood Clinic prioritizes depth over visibility. We focus on evidence-based therapy, ethical practice, and meaningful one-on-one work rather than online engagement. While social media can raise awareness, it is not always compatible with the values of careful assessment, confidentiality, and individualized treatment.
We choose to invest our time in clinical care, ongoing education, supervision, and creating a therapeutic environment that is thoughtful, grounded, and respectful of each person’s complexity.
If you’re looking for therapy that values nuance, ethics, and depth over trends and soundbites, we’re here to help. Call, email, or book an appointment online to get started.
