Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsReasons Your Teen Might Refuse TherapyShould You Force Your Teen to Get Treatment?How to Bring Up the SubjectTalk to Your Teen’s DoctorOptions When Your Teen Refuses Counseling
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Reasons Your Teen Might Refuse Therapy
Should You Force Your Teen to Get Treatment?
How to Bring Up the Subject
Talk to Your Teen’s Doctor
Options When Your Teen Refuses Counseling
Close
Adolescence isn’t always easy, and teens face many concerns and struggles that can affect their mental well-being. Whiletherapy for teenscan be helpful, not every teen is willing to try it. So, what do you do if your child needs help but refuses to go to therapy?
Some teens are happy to go to therapy. They enjoy talking to an objective adult who can assist with some of their problems. However, not all teens are on board with therapy, and convincing a reluctant teen to go to counseling can feel like an uphill battle.
The experience may leave parents asking questions like:Should I force my child to see a therapist? Can I bribe my kid to go? Should I just give up on the idea of therapy?
At a GlanceIf you suspect your teen has a mental health problem, behavior disorder, or substance use issue, treatment is important. There are several things you can do to help your teen get the treatment they need. If your teen refuses therapy, you still have options. For example, you might suggest they try a few sessions before making a decision or offer online therapy as an option. Let’s take a closer look at why some teens may balk at the idea of therapy, and what you can do to help them.
At a Glance
If you suspect your teen has a mental health problem, behavior disorder, or substance use issue, treatment is important. There are several things you can do to help your teen get the treatment they need. If your teen refuses therapy, you still have options. For example, you might suggest they try a few sessions before making a decision or offer online therapy as an option. Let’s take a closer look at why some teens may balk at the idea of therapy, and what you can do to help them.
Therapy can be an intimidating prospect for anyone, particularly if they have no experience with any mental health treatment. Some reasons why a teen might refuse to attend therapy include:
The teen years are also when kids forge their identities and gain greater independence. They may lack the perspective to recognize that they need help and may fear that therapy may undermine their sense of personal control andautonomy.
A teen who feels forced to get treatment isn’t likely to be motivated to change. So even if they get dragged to their appointments, they aren’t likely to talk about their issues—at least not in a productive manner.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t make it mandatory that your teen attend at least a few appointments.
Sometimes, a skilled therapist can help a teen feel more comfortable after a few sessions. And sometimes, a teen who tells you they hate therapy or that they don’t need help might be talking openly to a therapist. Your teen might not want you to know that they actually like therapy.
Of course, there may be times when your teen needs help, regardless of whether they agree. If they’re at risk of hurting themselves or someone else, call 911 or take them to the emergency room. If they’re engaging inrisky behavior, treatment should be mandatory.
How to Bring Up the Subject With Your Teen
If you think your teen might need counseling, the way you bring up the subject is very important. Your first conversation will likely set the tone for your teen’s attitude about therapy.
Don’t imply your teen is crazy or that they’re not smart enough to make good choices. Instead, share why you think counseling is important and how it could be helpful. Ask for input from your teen and be willing to listen to your teen’s opinions.
Say something like, “I wonder if it would be helpful for you to have someone to talk to besides me.” Or say, “I don’t always know how to help you with problems so I wonder if it could be helpful for you to talk to someone who works with teens.”
If you experience therapy yourself, consider sharing that with your teen, which can normalize it and remove some of the stigma.
Understanding the Stigma Around Mental Illness
If further treatment is necessary, a doctor can identify your child’s most appropriate services and treatment professionals. Even if your teen isn’t willing to attend those services, understanding your options and resources is essential.
Even if your teen isn’t willing to listen to your recommendations about how counseling can be helpful, they may be willing to listen to their doctor. Your child’s doctor may be able to explain how counseling works and how treatment could address the symptoms.
The 7 Best Online Therapy Programs for Kids
If your teen refuses to go to counseling, don’t despair. You still have several options about how to get help.
Try Therapy Yourself
Seek counseling on your own without your teen. Often, parent-training can be one of the most effective ways to help teens. A therapist may be able to teach you how to coach your child. If your teen knows you’re going to counseling to talk about them, they might also be interested in going to share “their side” of the story.
Talk to the School Counselor
Speak with your teen’s school guidance counselor. Discuss whether any services are available within the school system to help your child. A teen who won’t meet with a counselor outside of school may be willing to speak with a guidance counselor.
Create a Contract
Create a contract with your teen. If it’s a mild issue that you’re concerned about, create a contract with your teen. Tell your teen that they have to go to a certain number of sessions before they can make a decision about whether to continue treatment.
Consider Online Counseling
Sometimes, teens who won’t speak to someone face-to-face will consider talking to a therapist online.Online treatment isn’t appropriate for every condition, so it’s important to speak to a therapist or your teen’s physician about the potential pros and cons before you begin treatment.
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