Psychological counseling is more effective for treating mental health conditions than medication, a majority of Americans surveyed in a new Gallup poll found.
The poll, published May 1, surveyed 2,266 U.S. adults on their views on behavioral healthcare. Of those surveyed, 18% said psychological counseling or therapy is "very effective" for improving mental health conditions. Just 10% said medication is "very effective" at managing these conditions.
Another 35% of those surveyed rated counseling as "effective," while 25% said the same about medication.
Adults who reported a mental health condition in the past year were more likely to rate both forms of treatment as effective or very effective. Of survey respondents who reported having a mental health condition, 58% rated counseling as "very effective" or effective." For medication, 48% rated the treatment as "very effective" or "effective."
Read the full survey here.