8 MCU Superheroes Who Should Have Really Been in Therapy

Whether you're wielding an Infinity Gauntlet or just a supercharged hammer, the mental toll is enormous. Yet, somehow, all these larger-than-life beings in the Marvel Cinematic Universe seem to miss out on one crucial aspect – mental healthcare.

Tony Stark (Iron Man)

Where do we start with Stark? Beneath the flashy suits ( both literal and figurative) is a man grappling with daddy issues, imposter syndrome, PTSD, and narcissism. Despite his genius-level intellect, Stark's inability to deal with his personal traumas led him to create killer robots, kickstart Civil Wars, and munch on too many cheeseburgers. A good therapist could've probably saved the world a lot of trouble and Tony a lot of heartache (pun intended).

Thor

The God of Thunder may have a big hammer, but he's also got a big heart – and a fair share of emotional baggage. He's faced immense loss (including his mother, father, brother, and entire homeland) and existential crises. Let's not forget his unhealthy reliance on alcohol to cope in 'Avengers: Endgame'. If there's ever been a poster child for the benefits of grief counselling in Asgard, it's our dear Thunderer.

Bruce Banner (The Hulk)

His jade-jumbo alter ego is a literal manifestation of uncontrolled rage. While Dr. Banner may be a master in gamma radiation, he's a novice in handling his emotions. Intermittent Explosive Disorder, anyone? Couple sessions with a good therapist would have been less costly than, say, a one-way trip to Sakaar.

Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow)

Trained as a ruthless assassin from a young age, Romanoff has a past darker than the depths of Vormir. She's contended with guilt, identity crises, and a constant battle to reconcile her past. A few sessions on the therapy couch discussing her Red Ledger would've done wonders (and maybe saved us all from that heartbreaking sacrifice in Endgame).

Peter Quill (Star-Lord)

The lovable rogue of the cosmos, Quill has quite the case for therapy. After being abducted by aliens moments after his mother's death and then raised by less-than-ideal space pirates, Quill has attachment issues to say the least. Add to that a serious case of Footloose obsession and we've got a recipe for therapy gold.

Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch)

Oh Wanda, where do we start? The trauma of war-torn childhood, experimental procedures, the death of her twin brother, the dissolution of her synthezoid boyfriend – twice! The lady's seen more than her fair share of loss and grief. Perhaps if Wanda had sought therapy sooner, Westview could've been just a quaint New Jersey town and not a sitcom-reality nightmare. And don't even get us started on the whole Multiverse of Madness disaster.

Stephen Strange (Doctor Strange)

As brilliant as he is arrogant, Strange's journey from acclaimed surgeon to Sorcerer Supreme was fraught with ego, recklessness, and the refusal to accept his limitations. After his accident, he spiraled into obsessive behavior and, let's not forget, a bit of a time-loop addiction. Maybe instead of seeking sorcerers, he should've sought a good psychiatrist.

Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier)

Poor Bucky's troubles run deeper than the Mariana Trench. The trauma of war, decades of brainwashing, an identity crisis, survivor's guilt – the list goes on. If anyone screams 'get thee to therapy' in the MCU, it's him. Sure, Wakanda did some wonders, but can it replace a good shrink?