Mental Health Creators Need To Be The First Line Of Defense Against Mental Health Problems

Therapist and YouTuber Kati Morton explains the roadmap she uses when navigating the demanding world of mental health content creation.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | June 19, 2023

Mental health creators have become a source of inspiration, validation, and solace for millions, providing a sense of community and fostering discussions around mental well-being. But, the ease of establishing yourself as a mental health expert without the necessary qualifications is worrying.

Here is my conversation with Kati Morton, a licensed marriage and family therapist who runs a successful YouTube channel where she provides valuable information about mental health. We discuss the future of mental health content creation, the influence of social media on mental health, and several other topics pertinent to promoting well-being and understanding mental health issues.

As mental health creators gain popularity on social media, there is also a concern about the oversimplification or misrepresentation of complex mental health issues. How can a mental health creator ensure that their content strikes a balance between accessibility and accuracy?

Yes, there is definitely an issue with oversimplification and misrepresentation, especially as the push for shorter content gets more intense. It can be difficult to explain something like a panic attack in 30 to 60 seconds, but that's what social media often asks for.

The best way to combat this is to share small portions of an issue or one tool at a time, and explain that you are doing this. It's not foolproof, but it does allow us to more thoroughly cover complex information and give people time to digest it. And, if we are pulling from a larger study or book, I always try to link those in the descriptions or comments of videos too. That way people can do a deeper dive if they have time.

Social media platforms often prioritize engagement and viral content, which may not always align with the sensitive nature of mental health discussions. How do you navigate the pressure to create content that resonates with algorithms while maintaining the integrity of your message?

It's tricky, but I find that engaging content will always succeed. So, instead of hoping that that next video goes viral, I try to focus on what will resonate and be sharable.

Making the content speak to people through stories and examples (from my audience and myself) is best. This is also why I have a Patreon page (which is a crowdfunding type of site) because that means that my audience can support the educational content I create and I don't have to worry so much about views and shares. It also allows me to create content that I think would be helpful without worrying if it will hit or not.

While mental health creators can provide valuable support and education, some argue that they should not replace professional therapy or counseling. How do you view the relationship between mental health creators and professional mental health services, and what role do you believe each should play?

I believe that being a mental health creator is more about giving people access to information that can help them find a therapist or other mental health professional.

My job as a creator is to arm my audience with knowledge about what they are going through and what the treatment options are so that they can make the best decision for themselves. Mental health creators are on the front lines, ensuring that there's good and helpful information out there so that people will know how to successfully seek and engage in therapy.

Social media platforms have faced criticism for contributing to feelings of comparison, self-esteem issues, and anxiety. How do you address these potential negative effects while promoting mental health and well-being through your content?

I put a lot of trust in my community online and give them a sense of ownership over it. I also utilize many of the tools offered on the back end of most social media sites to ensure that the comment sections don't hurt or harass. I also talk about this issue, and consistently ask my audience to notice how they feel before and after being on social media.

If it's not helping, maybe they need to reconsider who they are following and what they are doing online. Finally, I also offer helpful tools and coping skills that my audience can use if they have fallen into the comparison trap.

With the growing influence of mental health creators on social media, there is a concern about the potential spread of misinformation or unqualified advice. How can viewers differentiate between reliable information and harmful misconceptions? Do you think social media companies have a responsibility to screen content that has to do with mental health?

Check up on who you are watching and see if they have credentials. YouTube now offers a blue bar below all of my videos that says I am a licensed professional, so they are actually checking our licenses and letting the audience know I am verified.

I don't think social media companies are responsible for this, but I do think they need to scan medical and mental health content with more scrutiny to ensure that it's not harmful or false.

I put the majority of the onus on the viewers themselves because we are all capable of double-checking someone's claim and looking at other trusted sites online before jumping to conclusions. We should all be a little skeptical of things we see online before acting on it or sharing it with others.

How do you see the landscape of mental health education and awareness evolving in the coming years?

I think the number of mental health creators will continue to grow. It's definitely grown in the 12 years that I have been online, which means there are a variety of mental health professionals sharing their expertise and experience. I think this also means that mental health content and conversations are more readily available, which is wonderful.

With the rise of AI and virtual reality, I think we could see therapy being given in those spaces, and possibly by AI-driven bots. I don't believe that AI could replace mental health professionals and the person-to-person connection, but I think things are moving toward that. I do think virtual therapy could be beneficial for someone who has a difficult time leaving their house or doesn't have anyone close by who is a good fit, but I will also push for in-person therapy because I believe it's the most effective.