A Systematic Review Exploring Men’s Perceptions of Their Experiences with Psychological Therapy for Treating Depression in the UK

The under-diagnosis of depression in men is well recognised, yet the reasons remain complex. It is unclear whether psychotherapy, as the first-line treatment for depression in the UK, is perceived as acceptable and effective by men. This review provides the first systematic synthesis of qualitative evidence on men’s perceptions and experiences of psychotherapy for depression in the UK. A PRISMA-guided search across seven databases (PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) identified six studies for inclusion. Thematic synthesis generated three analytic themes: perceived therapeutic benefits, openness during therapy, and perceptions of typing-format therapy, with sub-themes highlighted men’s nuanced experiences. Findings suggest psychotherapy is generally viewed as beneficial for men, with emotional openness and engagement influenced by shared factors (e.g., therapeutic relationship, safe environment) rather than gender-specific barriers. However, compatibility between the individual and therapy format was crucial, with mixed responses indicating a need for personalised approaches. While men do engage with and benefit from therapy, tailoring delivery to individual preferences may improve accessibility and effectiveness. Practical implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed. This review supports calls for more individualised approaches to improve access and effectiveness of psychotherapy for men.