Bringing up therapy with your teen can feel intimidating—especially if you’re unsure how they’ll respond. Many teens associate therapy with stigma or fear it means something is “wrong” with them. As a parent, you play a key role in normalizing mental health support and helping your teen feel safe enough to take that first step. In this post, we’ll explore how to approach this important topic with care, clarity, and compassion.
Why Teens May Hesitate to Try Therapy
Teens often struggle with the idea of therapy due to:
- Fear of being judged or labeled
- Worries about confidentiality
- Misconceptions that therapy is only for “serious problems”
- Embarrassment about needing help
By understanding their hesitations, you can tailor your approach in a way that makes therapy feel like a strength—not a weakness.
How DBT Helps Teens Regulate How to Encourage Your Teen to Consider Therapy
Normalize Mental Health Conversations
Start by treating mental health like any other aspect of well-being. Say things like, “Just like we go to the doctor when we’re not feeling well, it’s okay to talk to someone when our emotions feel overwhelming.” This helps remove the stigma.
Use resources from sites like Mindhues that focus on making mental health approachable for teens and families.
Use Gentle, Non-Judgmental Language
Avoid framing therapy as a punishment or something they “have” to do. Instead, offer it as a supportive option:
“You’ve been going through a lot, and I think talking to someone might help. Therapy doesn’t mean something is wrong—it’s a tool people use to take care of themselves.”
Validate their feelings and listen without pushing.
Share Personal or Public Examples
If you’re comfortable, share your own experience with therapy or stories from trusted figures who’ve spoken openly about mental health. This can help teens feel less alone and more open to the idea.
Celebrities like Selena Gomez and Simone Biles have publicly discussed the value of therapy—examples that may resonate with teens.
Offer Choices
Let your teen be part of the decision-making process. Ask questions like:
- “Would you feel more comfortable talking to a man or woman?”
- “Would you prefer virtual sessions or in-person?”
- “Do you want to look at therapist profiles together?”
This helps empower them and reduces feelings of being forced.
What Parents Can Do to Make Therapy Feel Safe
Reassure Them About Privacy
Explain that therapy is confidential. While you may be informed if there’s a safety concern, most sessions are private. This assurance builds trust.
Refer to The Child Mind Institute for parent guides on how therapy works and what to expect.
Offer Practical Support
Help with logistics: book an appointment, find a therapist who specializes in teen mental health, or offer to drive them to the session. Some teens may even want you to sit in for the first few minutes for reassurance.
Respect Their Pace
Some teens might need time before they’re ready. That’s okay. Let them know you’re here for them and that the door to support is always open. Continue checking in with warmth, not pressure.
Model Emotional Wellness
Teens learn by watching. When you talk openly about your own feelings or model self-care, you send the message that mental health is important for everyone—not just those in crisis.
Creating a Supportive Path Forward
Helping your teen consider therapy isn’t about fixing them—it’s about showing them that they’re not alone and that support is available. With patience, understanding, and open communication, you can help break down stigma and guide your teen toward the help they need.
Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. There are many resources available for both teens and parents navigating this journey together.
Contact Midhues today to schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate therapists.
