Therapists are already in short supply : Facing increased demand , six out of 10 practitioners have stopped seeing new patients , according to a2022 American Psychological Association survey . Inthat environment , the chances are slim that aman looking for help will find another man to deliver it .

That ’ saconcern because many people prefer acounselor who shares their background and life experiences . “ There are just some clients that will do better or feel more comfortable working with amale therapist , and there just aren ’ t alot to choose from ,” says Michael Tozzoli , CEO of West Bergen Mental Healthcare , aregional behavioral health provider . Tozzoli ’ sgroup sees about 2,000 clients ayear at offices in Ridgewood and Ramsey . Heestimates 85 % of his staff ofmore than 200 therapists are women . When West Bergen hires amale counselor , it ’ snotable , the CEO says .

“ When we are hiring , wealways look at amale resume that comes in quite carefully because it ’ scertainly an underrepresented group and agroup that is needed ,” hesays . “ When we hire aguy , there ’ salittle bit of athumbs up , like , ‘ Hey , wedid it !’”

Just 25 % of licensed psychologists are men , according to the APA . The demographics are even more lopsided when it comes to professionals under 30 . In 2020 , amere 5 % ofthese young psychologists were male , according to Psychology Today magazine .

MEN REACT TOTHEIR PROBLEMS MORE VIOLENTLY

Rates of anxiety and depression have risen faster for women than men in the wake ofthe COVID pandemic , the

MICHAEL TOZZOLI

World Health Organization reported last year . But men are more prone to react to their troubles violently , according to other studies . Men make up 49 % of the population , but they account for nearly 80 % of all deaths by suicide in the U . S ., according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Among men dealing with mental health struggles , “ There may be more domestic violence and more expression of anger that ’ snot healthy ,” Tozzoli says . Divorce is more common and “ You have also less success in the job arena as well . High emotional intelligence and ability to understand other people ’ s feelings is highly correlated with success in the job market , and that holds men back , without question . Isee it all the time .”

Mental health experts see alack of male psychologists contributing toa dangerous cycle : The shortage means fewer men feel comfortable getting help . And fewer interactions with male mental health professionals means fewer males go into the field , further perpetuating the gender imbalance .

The industry does “ agood job of dealing with people who come in for therapy ,” says Tozzoli . But he worries about the people “ who don ’ t come in

the door or pick up the phone .”

Men who end psychiatric treatment often blame a “ lack of connection or understanding with their therapist ,” Connecticut psychologist Jett Stone wrote in aFebruary column for Psychology Today , citingAustralian research from 2021 . The gender imbalance is “ an overlooked gap that impacts us all in an age when American men are in crisis ,” he warned . “ While male therapists are not superior , they are valuable practitioners and should be an option for prospective patients who deserve choice .”

Avariety of cultural and economic factors have branded mental health as a “ feminized ” field that struggles to attract males , Stone added . They include the high cost of attaining educational degrees compared with the relatively low salaries and earning potential ofthe positions . There ’ salso aperceived lack of prestige , Stone said .

HIGHER PAY , MORE RESPECT

There ’ salot of discussion in the field about the need for more racial and ethnic diversity . But gender balance among social workers , psychologists and psychiatrists is less discussed , Tozzoli says . Almost 90 % of graduates from social work programs that confer master ’ s degrees were women in 2019 , henotes . The industry needs to reflect more on “ what we can do to break the barriers down to get more people in ,” Tozzoli says .

Raising salaries in counseling professions that have traditionally attracted more women would help , says Debra Wentz , the president of the New Jersey Mental Health Institute , which represents practitioners in the state .“ It ’ s an area that needs to be worked on ,” she says .“ There have been no particular campaigns , like ‘ Be aman and come into this field .’ Any position that pays well and gets respect will attract people .” ■

DANIELLE PARHIZKARAN

64 2023 EDITION ( 201 ) HEALTH