A recent social media post from J.D. Haltigan, PhD, a researcher known for his critical views on academic and cultural trends, has sparked discussion regarding the efficacy and potential downsides of widespread mental health awareness initiatives. In a tweet, Haltigan stated, > "What a ridiculous thing to do Governor. It will only worsen the situation. Therapeutic culture (aka 'mental health awareness') has run amok with iatrogenic consequences. The petulance in our universities is one consequence." This critique emerges as governors across the United States increasingly prioritize behavioral health.
Dr. Haltigan, an academic with a background in psychology, has previously voiced concerns about what he perceives as an overemphasis on certain cultural ideologies within educational institutions. He has been a vocal critic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statements in university hiring processes, even filing a lawsuit against the University of California Santa Cruz, arguing such requirements infringe on academic freedom and compel adherence to specific beliefs. His current tweet extends this critical lens to the broader "therapeutic culture."
Indeed, analyses by organizations like The Pew Charitable Trusts and Brookings Institution reveal a significant focus on mental health by state leaders in 2025. According to Pew, 32 governors referenced mental health in their early 2025 addresses, signaling a bipartisan commitment to addressing the growing behavioral health needs of their constituents. These initiatives often involve substantial investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and treatment access, particularly for youth and vulnerable populations.
The specific "ridiculous thing" Haltigan refers to remains unstated in his tweet, but his criticism aligns with a broader skepticism towards certain governmental interventions in youth well-being. For instance, New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced plans to introduce legislation in her FY26 Executive Budget to restrict cell phone use in K-12 education, following prior actions to protect children on social media. While aimed at improving youth mental health, such policies could be viewed by critics like Haltigan as examples of "therapeutic culture" that, in his view, may lead to unintended "iatrogenic consequences" and foster "petulance" within academic environments.
Governors like Wisconsin's Tony Evers, who declared 2025 the "Year of the Kid" with a $300 million investment in youth mental well-being, and Ohio's Mike DeWine, who launched initiatives to remove employment barriers for individuals with mental health challenges, exemplify the widespread governmental push. Haltigan's commentary, however, underscores a contrasting perspective that questions the fundamental approach and potential societal impacts of these well-intentioned mental health awareness campaigns, particularly their influence on the development and behavior of students in higher education.