When Politics Undermines Mental Health: Why Expertise Matters Now More Than Ever

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a troubling trend: elected officials and political influencers with no background in psychology, psychiatry, or social work publicly dismissing, discrediting, and in some cases actively attacking mental health and substance use care. Their words carry weight—not because they’re correct—but because they’re amplified through platforms of power. And that has dangerous consequences.

As licensed mental health professionals, we feel an ethical responsibility to speak plainly and compassionately about the harm these statements can cause—and to remind our communities that real care is built on knowledge, science, and lived experience.

The Problem with Political Misinformation

Too often, politicians speak about mental health as a talking point rather than a reality that affects millions. They use stigmatizing language, misrepresent diagnoses, or suggest that mental illness is simply a matter of willpower, weakness, or moral failure. Some even go so far as to claim that mental health treatment is “overused,” “too accessible,” or “part of the problem.”

Let’s be clear: these claims are not based in fact. They are not grounded in research. And they are not coming from licensed professionals trained to understand the complex biology, psychology, and social factors that contribute to mental health and substance use issues.

In short—they don’t know what they’re talking about.

Expertise Matters

Mental health is a science. Treatment is not guesswork—it is evidence-based and grounded in decades of research, clinical experience, and ethical care. Licensed professionals go through years of education, supervision, and continued training to responsibly assess and treat mental health and substance use disorders.

We do not diagnose from political podiums.

We do not shame people for their struggles.

We do not turn pain into political currency.

When public figures make sweeping statements about therapy, trauma, medication, or addiction without even the most basic understanding of these issues, they spread misinformation that discourages people from seeking the help they need. That is not leadership—it’s negligence.

Why You Should Still Seek Help

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, or any mental health concern, please know: you are not weak. You are not broken. And you are not alone.

Mental health care is not a luxury or a political issue—it is a human right.

Licensed therapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists are here to support you, not to judge you. We’re trained to meet you where you are, to provide care that is confidential, evidence-informed, and tailored to your unique story.

The loudest voices are not always the most informed. Listening to political figures over trained professionals when it comes to your mental health is like trusting someone with no medical degree to perform surgery. It’s not just unwise—it can be harmful.

We See You. We Hear You.

At Rubicon Therapeutic, we believe in affirming, inclusive, and compassionate care for every individual. We are here for those who have been dismissed, misunderstood, or stigmatized. We are here for those navigating a mental health crisis in a world that sometimes denies its very existence.

We urge you: do not let fear, shame, or political noise stop you from seeking support. You deserve to feel better. You deserve to be heard. And you deserve care from people who actually know what they’re talking about.