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I want to see a therapist. How do I tell my parents?

248 Answers
Last Updated: 06/10/2022 at 3:14pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Danielle Johnson, MSED, Community mental Health Counseling, LMHC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Sometime situations and feelings can be so strong that we struggle to function. You are not alone! My practice is flexible and open-minded and tailored to your personal needs.

Top Rated Answers
lovelyFlower35
March 28th, 2018 12:51pm
First I would research the information you'll need a head of time, then I would prepare a speech to tell them so they understand what you're going through and why you need therapy this bad. Its not a phase its my life.
courageousPower79
March 29th, 2018 3:51am
I think you should tell them how you genuinely feel.Believe me your parents would understand.Tell them that you need to seek some help.If you are not comfortable in telling verbally write it down and give the letter to them or text them.
Caringheart23
March 29th, 2018 7:52pm
It can be difficult to tell them especially if you don't talk about feelings often. But you can tell them you've been feeling down lately and you don't think you can deal with it alone anymore. Just the fact you want to see a therapist means you wanna make change. I'm sure your parents want the best for you and they will understand. Maybe you'll be surprised by how supporting they reacting will be :)
QueerChristianTeen2004
April 12th, 2018 3:18pm
Tell them that thou haven't been feeling very good emotionally. Explain that a therapist a is doctor for your mind.
Anonymous
April 12th, 2018 6:40pm
Mom, Dad, I have been struggling a little bit and I feel the best option is to see a therapist so I can get the best care.
Anonymous
April 15th, 2018 8:52am
I had a hard time finding the courage to tell my parents too, but the best thing to keep in mind is the fact they are your parents- they are the ones who gave you your life, and they do care about you.... If you feel as if you need to see a therapist than you just have to take them aside, maybe at night, once there are no distractions and just let them know there are things you need to talk about in a non-judgemental, confidential area :) best of luck
Anonymous
April 24th, 2018 11:40pm
Getting your parents to agree to you seeing a therapist may seem tricky, but if you use your words and express you want professionals help they will listen.
Anonymous
April 25th, 2018 5:24am
Simply talk to them. Your parents care about you more than you know and they definitely want the best for you
JustCallMeGus
April 27th, 2018 4:31pm
It sounds like you might have some worry or fear (maybe anxiety) about how your parents will react to you seeing a therapist. It also kinda sounds like you are seeking their support in making this decision. I could be wrong and it really may just be a courtesy informing them. The cool part is, whatever you decide to do, you get to tell them only as much as you are comfortable with. What I mean is, when I was in a similar situation, I told my parents the nature of my troubles and what I was doing about it. I was very fortunate that they really were super supportive and understanding. I could have simply told them that I'm struggling and that I've decided to see a therapist to see if that will help. And then ask them if they'd like to know more after I try it out. There are a lot of options. Maybe you'd like to talk with one our listeners first, try out a few things to see how it sounds to you, and then take that back and start talking to your parents. We're here with you, hey!
Monique89
April 28th, 2018 8:12pm
You sit them down and say Ive been feeling (sad, depressed, anxious) and I think it would help me if I got some professional help.
liam1537
May 1st, 2018 5:31pm
Maybe consider writing a note or sitting them down at the dinner table, sometimes a parent will think it's because they did something wrong, and get defensive. But it's the opposite, you trust them enough to tell them that you want therapy, so just be true and you will be okay
TylersLife
May 2nd, 2018 11:53pm
You need to sit down with them and just tell them. Have a conversation about what’s going on in your life that makes you feel the need to see one. They should understand and help you find one who you work well with.
specialear
May 3rd, 2018 4:11pm
Tell your parents that you need to talk to them about something important to you. Once you have them sat down and ready to talk, let them know that what you're about to say should not worry them. Then tell them you have been feeling like you need to speak to someone that has an outside perspective. If it is important to you to see a therapist I'm sure your parents will understand this and allow you to see a professional.
Unfazedcouchpotato
May 10th, 2018 12:22pm
You shouldn’t be scared to tell your parents. They love you a would support you in anyway. They’ll understand.
Anonymous
May 13th, 2018 9:13pm
Explain to them your thoughts and also hear them out too to get the perspective of both sides. And good luck! :)
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2018 12:38am
Sit down with them, talk them through exactly how you are and how you have been feeling and explain to them that you think it’s in your best interest to see a therapist
Anonymous
May 24th, 2018 8:56am
Well, you'll have to explain them why do you need one, first. What all you're going through and now, it's become too much for you to handle, So, consulting a therapist would be a wise approach
medlgbtoutandproud
May 24th, 2018 1:44pm
Start by telling your parents how you are feeling and you think that seeing a therapist will help you feel better and understands what you are going through. Explain to them that they are not being pushed away, but sometimes you feel comfortable talking to a stranger and a qualified stranger might be able to keep an open mind and help you with your situation as well as improve yourself to be a better person. Besides that, explain to them that seeing a therapist might not only help yourself but also helps in strengthening the relationship between you and your parents.
enlightenedHeart75
May 30th, 2018 6:48am
Just sit your parents down when they are free, and let them know that you would like to see a therapist they will completely understand.
apositivepsych
May 30th, 2018 7:04am
First of all am glad that you have made a choice of seeing a therapist :) I know the dilemma of telling parents. You may start describing the problem you are facing and letting them know that a professional assistance will be of lot of help to resolve the problem. Try to speak to them in a calm manner. They may or may not take time to understand the issue. If they do, nothing like that! Incase, they are unable to understand then give them some time. Few days and they will understand. Am sure this helps. Take care. :)
Anonymous
May 30th, 2018 10:01am
if you want to talk to a therapist you could tell a staff member at your school and they could tell your parents if that would be easyier or you could tell your parents whats wrong and that you belive you need to see someone to talk to
BeforeSunrise94
June 14th, 2018 6:24am
I think you need to tell your parents of your problems if you can. Then tell them that you want to see a therapist because of those problems. I'm sure your parents will be supportive of you trying to help yourself. On the other hand, I don't think you need to tell anyone that you want to or are seeing a therapist.
Sken24
June 17th, 2018 2:46am
It is best to be open and honest with your parents. Ask them to sit down with you to have an honest talk about how your feeling and explain that you feel it would help you to see a therapist. Parents are usually more than happy to help their children through confronting or difficult times.
Anonymous
June 22nd, 2018 5:19pm
Parents usually want what is best for us. For this reason, if you want to see a therapist, tell them and try to explain your reasoning. If you do that, chances are they'll understand your points and help you get one.
AlyssaHxo
June 23rd, 2018 8:10pm
Tell your parents you want to see a therapist! Your their child they will do anything to help you! Don't be afraid to go to your parents for help!
Anonymous
June 27th, 2018 2:22pm
You should probably sit them down and have a calm discussion with them. You can tell them, for example, that you feel like you are not doing so well at the moment (if you want, you can explain what you're feeling and how it's affecting your everyday life, maybe explaining some behaviours that they have been noticing as well). Then tell them you think seeing a professional is appropriate for you to receive the adequate support that you need and deserve. I'm sure you'll do great and good luck
YourPersonalPal
June 29th, 2018 11:56pm
I would just tell them, I know it’s much easier said than done but that’s really the best way to do it.
LanLaLand
July 8th, 2018 11:25pm
You tell them the truth about what you feel in regards to emotional/mental health. If you think there are problems that they can't help you with, since they are your parents they will most likely try their best to help you
Anonymous
July 18th, 2018 6:27pm
Just tell them, the more you think the more you make it complicated. Better keep it short and simple, say it if you need them else just do it by yourself. You don't need to ask permission for taking care of yourself from anyone. if its for the good the go for it. Your self care is more important.
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2018 7:43am
You can be subtle and test out the waters before jumping straight into the question then you can ask away. And if your parents are fine with it then, yay! If not, then you can always have a talk with a school counselor or talk to a therapist online on here that is totally for free.