How can I ask my parents to take me to a therapist?

Question

I'm going through a major crisis in my head right now. What's the best way to ask my parents for a therapist without them knowing why I really need to go? I can't tell them the real reason, as I don't really know how I feel yet...

Answer 1

well....observe yourself, are you a bit compulsive? do you worry too much about what people think of you? do you have anxiety over going places or meeting new people? Take a look at yourself, I am sure there are other issues in your life that make you imperfect, use those issues as a reason instead of the real reason. You could tell them that you feel depressed sometimes and sad and you don't know why or else you would have talked to them about it. Maybe you could tell them that a friend of yours is in counseling and he seems really happy and you want to see what that is about because you have not been feeling happy lately.

Here is another thing...you may not need a therapist. You can always go on the net and search out help groups. I know that in my area there are a bunch of help groups for almost everything. I recently took a friend of mine to a help group because she lost her newborn baby 10 years ago and has not been able to get over it, so if you get on the net you can find something and maybe they can help you, and you will be around other people that are having the same issues as you are and you won't feel so alone and isolated.

If you need help searching, I will help you search I am pretty good with google. My email is "[e-mail]"

Good luck!

Answer 2

A lot of times schools have guidance counselors that can help you through hard times. I see a therapist at my university for some personal problems, and its completely free there and the people are helpful. Otherwise, try bringing up the subject when you have planned what you want to say. Maybe talk to your mom and have her look into different options. She knows you have a lot on your plate, so hopefully she will be willing to help you out. Otherwise, a good friend that is trustworthy and able to listen may help you out a lot. Sometimes its good just to talk about your feelings or frustrations with someone you are comfortable with. Im not sure you can see a therapist on your own, as you are at such a young age and may still need parental permission for such a thing.

Answer 3

Honesty is always the best policy. Even if it is embarrassing, I know they are "The Parents" but I will promise you one or both of them have experienced similar crisis. There could be financial issues you are not aware of so do not be discouraged if they say No.
School councilors are pretty smart too.

but try this - Where ever --diner table or just before bed tell them:
"I am having this crisis within myself and I want most of all to do the right thing. Would it be horrible of me to ask if you would help me make arrangements to see a therapist?
I'm really uncomfortable discussing this with you."

Answer 4

Does your insurance cover mental health visits? That's what you need to find out first, because if not, then you have an expense in the making.

There are clinics attached to large teaching hospitals affiliated with medical school in almost every city. You can contact them and see if they have a low cost option for you. You can also talk to your school counselor, minister, or spiritual advisor.

There are also hotlines for particular illnesses or situations that you can contact, I would google for those.

Frankly, I would hope that your parents trust you well enough to just help you, without knowing alot of details. I think you should just tell them that you are struggling with some things and would like to talk to a someone to help you sort them out. If they really won't co-operate (and some parents would feel threatened although they shouldn't), try to make something up that sounds like something they would like to hear. I don't usually suggest that kids lie to their parents, but if you are struggling with something that may impact the rest of your life, then you need to do what you need to do to get the help you need. When you figure it out, you can then apologize for lying to them, and tell them the real reason.

Good luck. Remember alot of times what seems overwhelming at the time will naturally ease into something you can handle later on. Life isn't always what we think it will, or what we think it should be, but we usually learn to cope and be happy.

Answer 5

Go with the depression angle, tell them that you can't sleep and that you're feeling so depressed about your life. You don't even need to get into the specifics, but if they ask, just say that you worry about the war all the time, or the future, because of global warming or oil or something.

I wouldn't say friends, unless you don't have any, because that brings up troubling possibilities of your parents talking to other parents.

I never like lying, but understand that you need the insurance to pay and so they will find out, so in this case I understand a bit. I would suggest that you find someone to talk to that's safe, and not a therapist.

I wish you the best, and hope it's not as bad as you think.

Answer 6

Maybe you could talk to a guidance counselor at school. Tell them you are going through something and you would like to see a therapist about it but you don't want your parents to know about the issue. Maybe they can help you talk to your parents. If your parents are like mine though, they won't stop bugging you until you tell them (or make up a good story).

Answer 7

Don't ask. Tell them what you need. If you are unable to do that, contact a school nurse who will give you more options and help to involve your parents. Also, you can contact local mental health providers who can connect you with or without your parent's help. They would be found in the yellow pages. If you're desperate, suicide prevention responders will know who you can call.

Answer 8

They're probably going to need to know what's going on in order to know what kind of therapist to take you to.

But I'd suggest that you tell them a couple of minor reasons and avoid the real topic whatever it is. You're probably going to have to give them SOMETHING though.

Answer 9

one of the best things to do is see your regular, family doctor first... they will refer you after you have talked with them about your issues... your parents NEED NOT go into the examination room with you, and the doctor is not allowed to divulge your conversation to them (unless you are a danger to yourself or others).

if you see a therapist the same rule applies -- they can't tell anyone about your discussion.....

i guess you could tell your parents you're feeling depressed or whatever.... if you have understanding parents, i'm sure they'd want to help, anyway. right?

take care and i hope things work well for you! hugs

Answer 10

Just tell then you are going through a tough time right now and you would like to see some professional help. Tell then also you would like no questions as of you by them because you would like to see where it is going. They should understand. I know mine would.