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Need to ask my family to pay for therapy but I'm too scared they'll say no?

12 Answers
Last Updated: 08/03/2020 at 4:46am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Stacy Overton, PhD.

Counselor

I am an enthusiastic life-long learner and also a professor of counseling. I have a passion for peoples stories and helping to guide and empower the human spirit.

Top Rated Answers
ImpossibleCube
November 14th, 2016 10:42pm
Take it step by step. Try not to anticipate their answer, and once in front of the matter at hand, deal with it in it's own time. Step by step :)
brianna07
February 20th, 2017 4:20am
I'm so sorry you are in this situation love. But remember, it can't hurt to ask! My suggest is to write down a list of what you want to say (not quite a script, but a reference sheet could help) and try your best to show them why you do need therapy. If they're not willing to pay, many health care providers will at least partially cover therapy. I wish you the best of luck!!
DiamondBlossom
November 14th, 2017 12:05pm
Prepare yourself. Calmly sit down with them and explain why do you need therapy and why do you think it would be a good choice. Don't hesitate to ask openly for their support.
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2018 11:50pm
It doesn't hurt to ask your parents if they can pay for therapy because most times they'll say yes if its beneficial to you to talk to one and get the help you needed the most on.
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2018 11:56pm
You never know until you ask. Explain your situation and the benefits you expect to get out of therapy.
Anonymous
March 27th, 2018 8:15pm
you're family cares about you and your health. tell them how you honestly feel and they'll probably let you.
Anonymous
March 29th, 2018 10:59pm
If your family can afford it and they respect mental illness, then it should be okay to ask them. If you ever need courage to do it, know that whatever you do you're still part of the family, and the worst that could happen is they say "no". Even with a denial, there is a supportive 7cups community behind you!
Zed17
May 14th, 2018 2:26pm
Explain to them why you think this is something you need, without proportioning any blame. If they are unsure then talk about ways you can pay them back - odd jobs, babysitting younger family members etc
insightfulFlamingo28
July 9th, 2018 4:02pm
Parents usually want the best for their children. If something is troubling you, you should tell your parents in a calm and respectful manner. Make sure that the setting is right as well (not when they are busy). If you are too scared to confront them, you could write a letter explaining your thoughts, or an email. Once you send it to them expressing your concerns and need of therapy, chances are they'll consider letting you go. Don't worry, therapy is very helpful for those who need it
HelpAndHealing
August 7th, 2018 12:12pm
It's great that you want to seek help in order to feel better. I understand your fear, but not asking at all guarantees that they won't pay for it. If it's scary trying to talk to them alone, maybe talk to a friend/other relative and ask them to come with you for moral support. If you're in school or university there are often free services available, so it is worth enquiring about these. Some employers also offer short term counselling etc, and some areas offer free counselling (although there is often a waiting list). Find out your parents' thoughts and then you can start exploring other avenues if you need to :)
Anonymous
November 6th, 2018 6:16pm
It’s okay to be scared to ask for help. It’s a very vulnerable thing and it can be hard to open up like that, especially to family. You know what you need but by not wanting to take action you’re taking away the possibility for it to happen. If you talk to your family and ask about therapy there’s is always a possibility that they will say no but if you don’t talk to them, there is a 100% chance that you won’t see a therapist. Sometimes it’s worth taking a risk in order to get a big reward.
Anonymous
August 3rd, 2020 4:46am
i know it's scary to ask for therapy, but it's important. sit your family down and gently tell them what you're struggling with and that you think that therapy can help. tell them that you would be really appreciative if they payed for it, and point out all the good things that come from therapy. asking them for help is being mature and i'm proud of you for being brave enough to ask for help on here! if they agree to, congratulations, but if they don't, you can always use our 7 Cups free listeners. we will always be here for you. then, you can try again. good luck with this