15 TV Shows with the Most Realistic Depictions of Therapy Sessions

For a long time, TV shows used therapy as just a quick plot point or a joke. Now, things are changing. Writers are starting to show therapy with more accuracy and respect, often working with experts to get the details right and ensure ethical behavior is portrayed. This helps reduce the stigma around mental health by realistically showing the challenging but worthwhile process of going to therapy. Several recent shows have been particularly good at capturing what it’s really like to seek professional help.

‘In Treatment’ (2008–2021)

This HBO series follows Dr. Paul Weston, a psychotherapist, through his everyday appointments. Its unusual structure lets viewers observe the gradual process of therapy over several sessions, without needing immediate resolutions. The show realistically portrays the complex relationships that develop between a therapist and their patients, and emphasizes that therapy is a process of conversation and requires time, not instant solutions.

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

As a critic, I’ve always been fascinated by the dynamic between Dr. Jennifer Melfi and Tony Soprano. This show really digs into Tony’s panic attacks, but it’s so much more than that. What struck me most was how realistically it portrayed the struggles patients face when forced to look at the darker parts of themselves. Dr. Melfi is incredible – she keeps things strictly professional, even though, let’s be honest, she’s dealing with a dangerous man. The series doesn’t shy away from showing just how tough it is for someone with Tony’s personality to actually change and make real progress in therapy. It’s a brilliantly observed and compelling portrayal of the therapeutic process, and the challenges inherent in treating someone who fundamentally resists self-reflection.

‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019)

Celeste Wright starts therapy to deal with her troubled and abusive marriage to Perry. The therapist quickly recognizes signs of domestic abuse that Celeste is trying to cover up or explain away. These moments highlight how a good therapist can carefully help someone understand a difficult truth they’ve been avoiding. The show pays close attention to the small, unspoken signals therapists observe to truly understand their patients.

‘The Patient’ (2022)

This gripping thriller centers on a therapist, Alan Strauss, who is kidnapped by a serial killer. The killer surprisingly doesn’t want to escape, but to be cured of his desire to kill. The show focuses on the complex relationship between therapist and patient, realistically portraying how therapy works – even in this incredibly extreme situation. Alan tries to use understanding and support to calm the killer, all while dealing with his own personal sadness. Ultimately, the series questions how much therapy can actually accomplish when someone seems unable or unwilling to change.

‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–2023)

Dr. Sharon Fieldstone joins AFC Richmond to provide therapy for the players and, ultimately, the coach, helping them address their emotional struggles. The show realistically portrays the initial hesitation and guardedness many people experience when starting therapy. Ted initially uses humor to avoid dealing with his own pain, but Dr. Sharon skillfully helps him confront it. She’s portrayed as a highly capable and professional therapist who maintains clear boundaries and won’t let anyone distract her from her work.

‘Mr. Robot’ (2015–2019)

In the show, Elliot Alderson goes to therapy with Krista Gordon to deal with his anxiety and feeling disconnected from reality. The series realistically portrays how people often don’t fully open up or are completely honest with their therapists. Krista is remarkably patient and determined as she tries to understand Elliot, who is deliberately concealing parts of his life. Even with a fast-paced cyber-thriller happening around them, the show treats the therapy sessions as a private and secure space.

‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ (2015–2019)

Rebecca Bunch deals with significant mental health challenges and is eventually diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. The show realistically portrays her therapy with Dr. Akopian as an important part of her progress, not a quick fix. It openly discusses the challenges of taking medication and the effort involved in managing difficult emotions. Dr. Akopian consistently helps Rebecca see things more clearly and question her own often-unrealistic perceptions.

‘Wanderlust’ (2018)

Joy Richards is a therapist who specializes in helping couples, but she’s secretly struggling with problems in her own marriage. The show gives a realistic and often uncomfortable portrayal of what happens in couples therapy – the pauses, the fumbling attempts to communicate, and the messy realities of emotional connection. It also reminds us that therapists aren’t perfect; they experience the same life challenges as the people they’re trying to help. The conversations feel natural and unscripted, much like the way real relationships unfold.

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023)

As a total movie and TV buff, I’ve been really drawn to Devi Vishwakumar’s story. She starts seeing Dr. Ryan after her dad unexpectedly passes away, and she even deals with some temporary paralysis right after. What I love is how the show manages to be funny and really honest about how hard it is for a teenager to deal with serious grief. Dr. Ryan is such a great therapist – really calm and understanding, which is exactly what Devi needs as she’s juggling high school, family, and everything else. The therapy scenes feel so real, showing how it’s not just about fixing problems, but about acknowledging how you feel and gently guiding you when you’re acting on impulse.

‘Monk’ (2002–2009)

Adrian Monk regularly sees doctors, first Dr. Kroger and then Dr. Bell, to help him deal with his serious obsessive-compulsive disorder and fears. These therapy sessions are a key part of the show’s structure, demonstrating how Monk manages his challenges each week. The doctors are incredibly understanding and use practical methods to help him live his life. This offers a compassionate portrayal of long-term mental health conditions and the need for continuous support.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

Randall Pearson begins therapy to manage his increasing anxiety and tendency towards perfectionism, following an emotional breakdown. The show depicts his initial reluctance to seek help, and how he ultimately embraces the therapeutic process. His therapy sessions specifically address the stigma surrounding mental health within the Black community. The story presents therapy not as a weakness, but as a vital resource for coping with life’s challenges.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

Jean Milburn is a sex therapist who works from home and openly discusses intimacy, helping to remove the shame often associated with it. The series offers a realistic look at sex therapy, accurately explaining common sexual problems and relationship difficulties. Jean treats her clients without judgment, emphasizing the importance of open communication. Ultimately, the show demonstrates how sexual health and emotional well-being are closely connected.

‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)

Lucifer Morningstar is in therapy with Dr. Linda Martin, working through his complicated relationship with his father and reflecting on his experiences as the ruler of Hell. Surprisingly, Dr. Linda treats him like any other patient, applying common psychological principles to his fantastical stories and self-centered behavior. She remains calm and professional, even when he reveals incredible truths about the supernatural world. The show uses these therapy sessions in a smart way to examine big ideas like whether we truly have free will and the importance of accepting ourselves.

‘Tell Me You Love Me’ (2007)

This series realistically portrays three couples working to fix their relationships with the guidance of therapist Dr. May Foster. The show uses extended scenes and awkward pauses to make viewers truly feel the characters’ struggles. It intentionally avoids typical dramatic music and fast editing to maintain a genuine, clinical atmosphere. Many viewers and critics praise the show for its honest and often painful depiction of the challenges of long-term relationships.

‘Shrinking’ (2023– )

Jimmy Laird is a therapist struggling with loss who starts being unusually honest with his patients, even if it means bending the rules. The show doesn’t shy away from the fact that this is unprofessional, but it also looks at the pressures and exhaustion many therapists experience. It finds humor in Jimmy’s behavior while realistically showing the fallout when professional lines are blurred. The other characters emphasize how important it is for therapists to have support from colleagues and supervisors.

Please share your favorite on-screen therapy moments in the comments.

2025-11-29 04:16