(PS14-88) Cross-sectional Examination of Therapy Knowledge and Preferred Sources Among American Adults Not Receiving Mental Healthcare

Knowledge of psychotherapy is low and differs across sociodemographic groups. People unaware of treatment options may hesitate to seek services, potentially seeing treatment as a one-size-fits-all approach that may not align with their preferences and goals. Providing psychoeducation may increase literacy, and success may hinge on utilizing credible sources. This study 1) examines if participants know about therapy options, and how knowledge differs by sociodemographics; 2) examines differences in participants’ confidence in their ability to describe therapies; and 3) explores preferred sources for therapy information. Data were obtained via probability-based sampling across nine diverse states. Participants were 4,795 adults in the US who reported no prior mental health services. Data were weighted relative to the 2021 American Community Survey. Items were internally developed to examine if individuals know of “multiple types of therapy for mental health difficulties” and their level of confidence in describing differences. They were also asked to select one of several sources they would prefer to “teach” them about therapy. Most participants endorsed knowledge of therapy options (75.7%; n=3,630) but low confidence (median=2.00 [“somewhat unsure”]) in their ability to describe them. Compared to males, females were more likely to endorse knowledge (OR=1.21, 95% CI [1.05-1.39]). Small-sized, but significant, differences were found in confidence: younger adults higher than older adults (w²=.01); more educated participants higher than less educated (w²=.01); Black, multiracial, and those of another race higher than White and Hispanic participants (w²=.02); lowest income (< $10,000) higher than all other incomes (w²=.01). The most preferred therapy information sources were mental health professionals (51.0%), physicians (26.8%), or independent online research (12.0%). Least preferred sources include internet content creators and teachers/professors (both: 0.1% [n = 3]). Results suggest that many people are aware of mental healthcare options but lack the depth of knowledge needed for informed decision-making; messaging from preferred sources should be tailored to the needs of different sociodemographic groups.