Why High Achievers Ignore Their Mental Health — And the Real Cost
You’re climbing the ladder, hitting your goals, and making things happen.
On the outside, it looks like you’re thriving. But inside? Maybe it feels like you’re barely holding it together. At Healthy Minds NYC, we call this drowning in shallow water where everything seems fine externally, but inside you feel like you can’t get your head above water.
You’re not alone. So many high achievers—CEOs, founders, team leads—ignore their mental health. You’re used to juggling it all, and you’re great at pushing through. But here’s the truth: the costs of neglecting your mental health can be high—personally and professionally.
That’s where executive therapy comes in. Because even the best leaders need a safe space to sort it all out. Let’s unpack why this happens, what executive therapy really is, and how it can help you find the balance and clarity you deserve.
What is an Executive Therapist?
Let’s start by demystifying the term. When we talk about executive therapy, what exactly does that mean?
An executive therapist is a licensed therapist or psychologist who specializes in working with leaders, entrepreneurs, and other high performers. They understand the unique challenges that come with the territory—like balancing massive responsibilities, decision fatigue, and the pressure to always “have it together.”
But executive therapy isn’t just about work. It’s about you as a whole person—your worries, your stress, and the parts of yourself you don’t always show to your team or colleagues.
An executive therapist will:
Help you navigate the intense demands of leadership
Create a confidential space to explore what’s really going on behind the scenes
Support you in finding healthier ways to cope, so you’re not running on fumes
Because no matter how good you are at your job, you’re still human. And taking care of your mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for showing up as the kind of leader (and person) you want to be.
What is the Best Therapy for Executive Dysfunction?
Here’s another question we hear all the time: “What’s the best therapy for executive dysfunction?”
Executive dysfunction is when it feels impossible to organize, plan, or follow through—even if you’re usually a master of efficiency. It’s the brain fog, procrastination, and sense of overwhelm that can leave you stuck, no matter how many to-do lists you’ve written.
For high achievers, executive dysfunction can be especially frustrating—like your brain just isn’t cooperating.
So, what’s the best executive therapy for it?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often the gold standard. It helps you identify the negative thought patterns that keep you stuck and replace them with more helpful ones.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies can also be incredibly effective—grounding you in the present moment and helping you manage stress without spiraling.
Executive Function Coaching within therapy can give you practical tools and accountability, so you’re not just talking about the problem—you’re actually changing how you show up.
The key is finding an executive therapy approach that meets you where you are. You might need a therapist who understands the pressures of your role and can help you bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it.
What is the Highest Paid Therapy?
We’re going to answer this question honestly—because it comes up a lot when we talk about executive therapy: what’s the highest paid therapy out there?
In general, therapies that involve specialized expertise—like executive therapy—tend to command higher fees. This isn’t about price-gouging; it’s about the unique skill set required to work with high-level leaders and the demands of running an executive-focused practice.
Psychoanalysis (think: long-term, deep work) can be one of the priciest therapy types, especially with highly credentialed analysts.
Executive therapy itself often costs more than general therapy because it blends mental health expertise with an understanding of leadership challenges.
Private intensive retreats or in-depth executive coaching packages can run into the thousands for a multi-day experience. For example, we offer a private one-on-one coaching retreat for individuals seeking massive clarity on where they are now, insight on their deepest wiring and desires, and direction on what to do next.
But here’s the thing: while executive therapy might cost more, the investment isn’t just about the money—it’s about the impact. When you’re clearer, calmer, and more balanced, it’s not just you who benefits—it’s your entire team, company, and life.
What is an Executive Functioning Therapist?
This term can be a little confusing, so let’s clear it up.
An executive functioning therapist specializes in helping people develop the skills they need to manage life’s demands—like planning, prioritizing, and managing time. While it often comes up in the context of ADHD, executive functioning challenges can affect anyone—especially high achievers who are under intense pressure.
In executive therapy, your therapist might weave in executive functioning support to help you:
Tame the overwhelm that comes with back-to-back meetings and endless deadlines
Learn to delegate more effectively (yes, even if you’re the type who likes to do it all yourself!)
Build sustainable systems that free up your brainpower for what really matters
An executive therapy session might include exploring the deeper reasons why you’re stuck and also offering practical tools to move forward.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about productivity hacks—it’s about creating a life and leadership style that feels good for you.
The Real Cost of Ignoring Your Mental Health
Now that we’ve unpacked what executive therapy looks like, let’s get to the heart of it: what happens when high achievers ignore their mental health?
Here’s the truth: you can only run on adrenaline for so long.
Ignoring your mental health can lead to:
Burnout—when even small tasks feel exhausting and joyless.
Physical symptoms—like headaches, insomnia, or digestive issues.
Damaged relationships—because when you’re overwhelmed, it’s hard to be fully present for the people who matter most.
Decision fatigue—where every choice feels like too much.
And perhaps the hardest part? Losing sight of yourself—who you are beyond the titles and to-do lists.
Executive therapy is about reclaiming that. It’s about remembering that you’re not just a leader—you’re a person. And you deserve the same care and support you give to everyone else.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I don’t have time for this,” or “I should be able to handle it myself”—pause. Take a deep breath. And know this: even the strongest leaders need support.
Executive therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of wisdom. It’s choosing to invest in yourself so you can keep showing up for your team, your work, and your life.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
You don’t have to pretend you’re fine when you’re not. Executive therapy offers you a safe, confidential space to lay down the armor and just be human—no titles, no expectations, just you.
Ready to explore how executive therapy can support you? At Healthy Minds NYC, our team specializes in helping high achievers like you reset, recharge, and find the clarity you need to thrive—at work and in life. Book a consultation today and let’s start your journey back to balance.
