When and how to seek psychological support
Thinking about outside support isn't only for a crisis. Sometimes it's prevention, or support that arrives in time.
2 min read
When to seek help
- When the signs have gone on for more than two weeks without improving.
- When they affect several parts of their life.
- When they express hopelessness or hurt themselves.
- When you feel you can no longer support them through this on your own.
Which professional can help
Type
Therapist who works with teens
What it's for
Works directly with your teen
Type
Child and adolescent psychiatrist
What it's for
When there are symptoms that may need a medical evaluation
Type
Family therapist
What it's for
When what's happening in the family is part of the distress
Where to start
- Your teen's doctor or pediatrician, as a first point of contact.
- Their school counselor.
- A community health center or a public hospital.
How to bring it up
How to say it
Instead of
"You're going to a therapist because something's wrong with you."
Try
"I want you to have a place to talk about how you feel with someone who can help you."
Instead of
"There's no need to think about getting help yet."
Try
"If this keeps going, we can also think about what kind of support would help."
Present the appointment as a form of care, not as a punishment or as proof that they "have a problem."
For the first appointment, bring notes on
- How long the distress has been going on.
- What specific signs you're seeing.
- Whether something may have triggered it.
- Whether there's any mental health history in the family.
A question to take with you
In the home where you grew up, what was said about people who asked for help?