The state of the nation's mental health: Counselling Directory's 2026 report

YouGov survey commissioned by Counselling Directory looks at the mental health of the nation, confidence in coping, desire for human connection and perceptions surrounding therapy

In January 2026, Counselling Directory commissioned a YouGov survey which asked the UK population about their mental health. The survey of 2,093 UK adults explored mental well-being, confidence for the year ahead, sources of emotional support and attitudes towards AI in mental health.

Key findings

The survey highlights several trends: a significant number of adults facing emotional lows alone, a preference for human connection over digital tools and a gender gap in mental health confidence. Additionally, the data uncovers barriers to support, ranging from financial concerns to misconceptions surrounding therapy.

Many adults turn to no one when feeling emotionally low

Concerningly, many adults are turning to no one for support. Nearly one in four UK adults (24%) say they turn to no one when they feel lonely or emotionally low. 

This is particularly prevalent among men (27%) and those in the 45-54 age bracket (31%) – often called the "sandwich generation", juggling responsibilities for both children and ageing parents while neglecting their own wellbeing.

Human connection creates the most meaningful connection

Even in this increasingly digital world, real connection remains important. Four in five UK adults (80%) say face-to-face communication creates the most meaningful emotional connection, underlining the strong desire for human-led mental health support.

Only 4% of UK adults say they use AI chatbots for mental health support, although this rises to 12% among 18-24s and 11% among 25-34s.

Women lean on friends first to manage emotional well-being

Many women consider friends their key point of support; more than four in 10 women (42%) say they turn to friends when they’re feeling emotionally low, compared with just 27% of men.

Romantic partners also play a significant role, with around a third of women (34%) saying they turn to their partner during difficult moments. 

Confidence in the ability to cope

Confidence for the year ahead was low amongst many people. Only 35% of adults say they feel confident in their ability to manage their emotional well-being and stress levels over the coming year.

There's a gender disparity in well-being confidence, too. Men are nearly 50% more likely than women to feel equipped to manage their emotional health.

This gender gap could also be seen among those expressing the highest levels of confidence: 18% of men say they feel extremely confident in managing their emotional well-being and stress, compared with just 8% of women.

Regional UK differences amongst Scots were noted

Responses in Scotland were higher than the UK average. A third of Scots (33%) say they turn to no one when they feel lonely or emotionally low, highlighting the scale of emotional isolation across the country. This represents a 37% increase compared with the national average (24%).

Barriers continue to prevent people from seeking help

Adults were asked about the times they didn’t seek mental health support despite feeling that they needed it. The most common barrier listed was not thinking their problem was "serious enough" (22%). In addition to this;

• 19% said they could not afford help
• 16% said NHS waiting lists were too long
• 11% reported a fear of judgment or stigma 

Preconceptions surrounding therapy and costs

UK adults were asked if they had ever attended therapy. It was found that 39% have attended therapy at some point (5% currently, 34% in the past). Women are significantly more likely to have attended (45% vs 33% men). 25-34 year-olds have the highest therapy experience at 52%.

There's a wide range of cost expectations: 23% think therapy costs £50 or less per session, while only 10% estimate it costs more than £100. Notably, 22% don't know the cost at all.

According to Counselling Directory's database of therapist fees, the national average cost per session in January 2026 is £60.60. Many therapists also offer concessionary rates for those on lower incomes.

Summary

The data shows that people want connection, and while the world has become increasingly adapted to AI technology, this isn’t always preferred amongst those seeking support. Concerningly, there is still a fairly high proportion of people still coping alone.

This disconnect between awareness and action – knowing human connection is meaningful, but choosing to cope alone – provokes the need for further conversations and public awareness of why reaching out is important.

Editors notes

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,093 adults. The fieldwork, commissioned by Counselling Directory, was undertaken between 6th and 7th January 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).