Key Takeaways 

• If you are a teen in need of therapy, you might be reluctant to talk to your parents, especially if going to therapy isn’t something that is done in your household. 

• Becoming confident in talking about therapy with your parents can connect you with a new source of support, even if it sounds scary at first.

• If your parents refuse therapy, don’t give up! There are other options, including talking to another trusted adult. 

If you feel depressed or anxious often, you might know that therapy can help. As a teenager, it can be hard to talk to your parents about therapy. If you’ve never brought up the topic before, you might worry about how they will react. Fortunately, many parents understand how important it is to take care of mental health and want to help.  

Preparing for the conversation with your parents

It can be hard to talk to your parents about mental health, especially if it’s something that isn’t discussed openly in your family due to stigma. However, it’s incredibly important to have that conversation with your parents. Ignoring mental health issues can lead to worsening symptoms. Sharing your mental health concerns with your parents is a powerful first step in getting help.

To prepare for the conversation, do some research ahead of time. Arm yourself with some basic facts about the mental health issue you are experiencing. This way, you’ll be able to provide information that explains what you’re going through. This can help your parents better understand. 

Understand why you want therapy

It’s important to understand why you want to have this conversation with your parents. What do you hope therapy will achieve? What type of help are you looking for? 

Do research on types of therapy 

Different therapists offer different approaches, not all of which will be the best for everyone.

Before asking your parents for therapy, do some research on the different types of therapy for teens and what they can help with. Common therapy approaches for teens include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - This type of therapy focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT can help teens identify and change dysfunctional thought patterns. CBT is effective for treating a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. 

• Family therapy - If there is a lot of conflict within your family and it is affecting you, family therapy might help. Use “I statements” (see below) to explain to your parents how you feel. This will help reduce blame and might help your parents be more open. 

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) - If you are struggling with intense emotions, DBT can be especially helpful. It teaches you how to tolerate distress and use mindfulness to cope with emotions. 

Once you have researched this, try to find a therapist who provides the type of therapy you are interested in. 

Find the right time to talk

Don’t talk to your parents when they are busy or in the middle of something else. 

Instead, try to schedule this conversation with them. Let your parents know ahead of time that there is something important that you want to talk about.  Find a private place where you can talk. Leave your cell phone off. 

How to ask your parents for therapy

To ask your parents for therapy, you will want to communicate openly, share your perspective, and address concerns that they might have. 

Start with open communication

Have an honest, open conversation ― one that involves vulnerability. Don’t blame your parents for your concerns or shame them for something they have or haven’t done. Be clear about what you want. 

Explain how you’re feeling

Try to use “I statements” to explain how you are feeling. I statements are a form of positive communication that allows you to get your point across in a nonblaming way. I statements follow a similar format: 

“I feel _____ when _______. I want _______.”

An example of this would be “I feel sad when others comment on my weight. I want therapy to help me cope with these feelings.” 

Address their concerns

Be prepared to answer questions from your parents. Try to be transparent and help them understand what is going on. Don’t dismiss their concerns. Validate their feelings and listen to what they have to say. 

Offer solutions

If your parents are concerned about the financial cost of therapy, for instance, bring up solutions like using health insurance for sessions. Most health insurance plans cover mental health services. Other options include income-based or subsidized therapy practices. You might have to do some research to find out what’s available in your area. 

If your parents worry about transportation to therapy appointments, you can mention that many therapists offer virtual appointments. Whatever their concerns, try to help come up with solutions. 

Tips for handling the conversation 

Understand that difficult conversations can bring up a lot of big feelings. This is normal. Be prepared for it. You might try practicing calming exercises before you talk with your parents, such as the 4-7-8 breathing technique. To do this simple exercise, breathe in for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Then, slowly exhale for 8 seconds. This will help you feel more grounded and calm before the conversation. You can also practice beforehand with a friend or another close family member. 

What to do if your parents say no

What if your parents don’t understand or are dismissive of your wishes? It’s not necessarily a hopeless situation. If your parents aren’t supportive and prevent you from seeking help, find someone else in your life who can support you, such as a trusted adult, teacher, or another relative, to advocate on your behalf.

Therapy is considered a form of health care if you have a mental health condition. You are entitled to basic health care.  The laws regarding minors seeking mental health treatment vary from state to state, but in some states (like Illinois), minors can access mental health care without parents' consent. This is usually limited to a certain number of sessions. You can check the laws in your specific state. 

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text the 988 Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. Crisis counselors are available 24/7. These services are free and confidential. However, if counselors feel that you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or others, they may contact local authorities or 911. 

If your mental health symptoms aren’t urgent or a crisis, you can look into other types of self-care that can help, such as spending time with friends, staying active, and creating a relaxing sleep routine. 

Bottom line

Parents can be a huge support when it comes to mental health. But to get that support, you might have to have a difficult conversation with your parents. This can be scary. But being confident and talking about mental health with your parents may help you get the help you need. 

Take the next step with Emora Health 

A good place to start the search for a therapist is Emora Health. We offer therapy specifically for kids, teens, and young adults. You can conveniently check your insurance on the site. 

Sources 

1. CDC. (2024, July 23). Facts about suicide. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html.  

2. Illinois General Assembly. ‌405 ILCS 5/ Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. (2025). Ilga.gov. https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=040500050HCh%2E+III+Art%2E+V&ActID=1496&ChapterID=34&SeqStart=10100000&SeqEnd=11400000. 

3. 988 Lifeline. (2022). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988lifeline.org. https://988lifeline.org/