How can I get help without having my parents know?

Question

mental illness is a huge taboo in our family, especially with my dad (he's the only living person from his family, almost everyone else has died from various mental decay or suicide). I'm 19, and know I could benefit from seeing a therapist. I think I might be bipolar or something else who knows, thats why I want to get diagnosed. But it's just not an option to talk to my parents about it.

Answer 1

you are 19 you do not need your parent to see a therapist

and the therapist can not tell your parents anything about you even weather or not your even seeing one

it is all privet

Answer 2

It is certainly understandable why you would be concerned. Some mental health problems are genetic, and others are influenced by environment, yet others are chemically based or trauma produced.
You are 19, you don't need your parent's permission to see a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. You do need to have a way to pay for their services. Possibly you might find affordable services through the counseling office at your school. Consider calling your local Community Mental Health center. There may be services available with some counselors that are paid "on a sliding scale-fee". That means, according to your income and ability to pay, the fee is adjusted so that you can afford the services. If you are in a church, some of the larger ones have counseling services with licensed counselors. Sometimes those services can be more affordable, also.
If for no other reason, than to settle your fears, I hope you will pursue your quest, and gain treatment if you have the need.

Answer 3

Your medical records are private, you are an adult now. If you are on your parent's insurance, tho, they will get the bills, or a statement that the insurance paid. I'd talk to a GP about it, that could just be a checkup or whatever. Of if you are in college, there should be on-campus mental health workers there. Or, finally, you could just suck it up and pay for the therapy, there are sliding-scale fees for people who don't have a lot of money. I know some people who should have gotten the counseling when they were your age and blew their money on other stuff, and ended up messing up their lives. So I hope you will find a way!

Also, do you really NEED to protect your parents? Honestly, they are a lot older than you, and a lot tougher than they look. They have already been through a lot of really awful problems and solved them/dealt with them, so they probably will handle this problem of yours just fine. I know there are terrible families tho, I grew up in an incest family, with way more problems than that, even, so if your case is pretty extreme, then you may be right. Then you will need the counseling even more!!! If your parents are mostly normal, though, it is probably better to talk to them about it.

All the best to you!!

Answer 4

If you have a family history around mental illness such as schizophrenia, now is the time to get some help.

It's very common for schizophrenics to start showing the symptoms of their illness at your age.

Since you are 19, you really don't need to ask your parents. Find some support first and then bring it up to them when you have gained the confidence to do so.

Answer 5

You are an adult (by age), so your parents needn't know you are seeking help. You could go to the local health department for resources and referrals for counselings, they usually have mental health services at little or no cost depending onyour circumstances. If you are still covered by your parent's insurance and are worried by this, go to your family physician and discuss your symptoms and concerns with him/her. They can probably give you medication if they feel it is necessary and refer you to conseling. If they feel it is necessary, they may refer you to a psychologist ot psychiatrist. Once your doctor has made referrals and such, you can possibly discuss it with your parents at that time, expaining the importance of following up with the referral and therapy. Especially because of the family history, because mental illness is highly hereditary. Once you have the information and resources, it may be easier to breech the subject with your dad. Parents are more apt to do what's in the best interest of their kids, even if it goes against their own beliefs. They want what's best for their kids, and are willing to set aside their own reservations if it may help their child- especially if you have the infomration and resources to present to them stating why you need the services. Good luck.

Answer 6

U are over 18 so you can make a dr's appointment and drive your self there. Everything is confidential so your records cannot be shared with anyone in your family, even if they were to find out with out your permission. the only ones who access to your records are ins companies and your family dr. unless you are referred to a specialist. If you think you have a mental disorder and it might be bi polar, go get help and don't wait , the longer you do, the worse it can get.

Answer 7

Well, it depends on your insurance. If you have your own insurance, your parents won't be notified. If you are carried under your parents' insurance, it may or may not specify what you were seen for: by which I mean, it may note "psych counselliing", depending on how anal they are, they may notice you were seen for something and ask. No psych therapist can tell your parents why you were seen; call your insurance carrier and ask how it will appear on the bill. If you live in a metro area, there are free clinics or assessments/etc. Google it, and good luck!

Answer 8

You are 19 years old and anything you talk to your dr about is confident just make an appointment for a checkup and when you see the dr tell him your symptoms and he will recommend a dr for you to see. and after that its up to you to act like a grownup. good luck and take care of yourself.