What do I do if my parents wont let me see a therapist?

What options are available to me?

1. Find support. There are online and offline support groups, where people with similar experiences get together and offer advice and support.
2. Look for alternatives to professional therapy. You can make an appointment with your school counselor.
3. Try some self-care.

Can minors be committed?

You can petition a court to have your child committed. You can call the police when your child is acting out and if the police view your child as a danger, they might have your child committed. This is a risky strategy, though, because the police might also choose to simply arrest your child.

Can teens get treatment for depression without parental permission?

In most states, teens under 18 require a parent’s permission to receive treatment for depression. There are some exceptions, but in most cases, a child cannot get treatment on their own.

Should physicians talk to parents about depression and treatment?

When we – children, parents and physicians – view depression like other illnesses, more people will be helped. We as physicians should be working to prevent neglect from occurring by talking to parents about depression and treatment, providing education and addressing their concerns.

How can I convince my parents to let me go to therapy?

Tell your parents you’d like to try a month of therapy to see if it’s helpful. Sometimes if you take the initiative, parents are more likely to take the issue seriously! A little self-disclosure: When I was a teen, this is ultimately the route that I had to take to access help.

Why do teens experience depression longer than their parents know?

In my experience, teens experience depression for much longer than their parents are aware. There are several reasons for this, including the stigma of mental illness, and teens not being forthcoming because they blame themselves for feeling depressed and don’t want to upset their parents.