Dr. Hammer discusses the results of a 2020 experimental study (link: dx.doi.org/10.1037/tep0000314) that looked at whether disclosing a (1) history of depression and/or (2) seeking personal therapy in one's personal statement when applying to a counseling psych or clinical psych graduate program would lead psych faculty to rate that applicant as less suitable/qualified for the program.
This was a fascinating study because it provides real data to address a common question that many applicants have. On one hand, our experienced with mental illness and seeking help can be an important part of our story, and one we might think could be a good thing to share in our personal statement. On the other hand, we may be worried about being stigmatized/judged by faculty members evaluating our application, as some faculty might worry about what those disclosures mean for our competence/emotional stability/ability to complete a graduate program. Dr.Hammer provides a brief summary of the study, including the background of the professors in the sample and what the key conclusions were, and what it means for students trying to decide if they want to include their mental health history/treatment history in their personal statement.
For the record, Dr. Hammer personally thinks it is fine when an applicant who wants to work with him discloses a history of mental health concerns/seeking psychological help, provided that applicant makes it clear that those mental health concerns, if still present, are well regulated/managed and will not significantly impair the student's ability to thrive in the graduate program.
Visit Dr. Hammer's website (DrJosephHammer.com/) for more resources on psych grad school and counseling psych.