Break the Silence: How to Talk to Your Parents About Therapy
Talking to your parents about therapy might feel awkward—or even a little scary.
You might worry they'll "freak out," ask too many questions, or simply say "no." It's completely normal to feel anxious about this topic.
But remember this: They can't help if they don't know what you need.
So, let's take a few minutes to prepare for this important conversation. Because, you never know.
Your parents might surprise you. They may be more understanding than you think. 😊
Your pre-talk checklist
Prepare what you want to say
Have some resources ready
Know your support options
Step 1: Timing is everything
When you're ready to talk, choosing the right moment can make all the difference. Try to find a time when your parents are calm, relaxed, and not distracted by other responsibilities.
Pro tip:
Try saying something like: "Mom/Dad, could we talk about something important after dinner tonight? I need your help with a big decision."
Best times to talk:
A quiet moment after dinner
A peaceful weekend morning
During a relaxed car ride
While taking a walk together
⚠️ Times to avoid:
⚠️ When they're working
⚠️ During rush hour
⚠️ While doing chores
⚠️ If they seem stressed or tired
Step 2: Keep it simple
Start by being honest and direct.
You don't have to share everything—just enough to help them understand why therapy could be helpful for you.
Check out the quick and easy conversation starters below for inspiration👇.
For anxiety:
"I've been feeling anxious lately, and I think therapy could help me find ways to deal with it."
"I want to learn better ways to manage my stress. I think a therapist could really help with that."
For depression or mood:
"Sometimes I feel down, and I'd like to talk to someone who can give me tools to feel better."
"I don't always know how to handle my feelings, and I think a therapist could give me tools to make things easier."
For general support:
"I have a lot on my mind, and I think talking to someone outside of family and friends might help."
"I just feel like I need some support right now, and talking to a professional could make a difference for me."
Step 3: Be ready for questions
When you open up about therapy, your parents will likely have questions—and that's actually a good sign.
Their questions might feel overwhelming, but they usually come from a place of love and concern. The trick here is to be prepared.
Common questions you might hear:
"Is everything okay?"
"Why do you need therapy?"
"Did we do something wrong?"
"How much is that going to cost?"
"Can't you talk to us instead?"
Remember:
Stay calm
You don't need to have all the answers
You're not obligated to share more than you're comfortable with
Their initial reaction doesn't define their final response
Let your parents ask away. Their questions might provide an opportunity for deeper discussion.
Here’s some more prompts to help.
Gentle responses you can use:
"I'm still figuring things out. But I know this feels like the right step for me."
"I value our relationship, but this is different. I want to try counseling."
"This isn't about anything you did wrong. It's about me taking care of my mental health."
Step 4: Be patient with their reactions
Just like any big conversation, your parents' first reaction may not be their ‘final answer.’ People often need time to process unexpected news, and that's perfectly normal. Listen to the words they use, but more importantly, be aware of their emotions.
Emotions your parents might experience:
Initial surprise or shock
Worry or concern
Confusion about what therapy means
Uncertainty about how to help
Relief that you're taking care of yourself
Things to keep in mind:
Hesitation often comes from a place of deep concern, not disapproval. You’re doing the right thing
Therapy is more common today, than it was when your parents were growing up. They may need time to adjust their expectations
Your parent’s cultural background might influence their response
What to do if the first conversation doesn't go as planned
Give them space:
Let them process their feelings
Take a few days to step back
Allow emotions to settle
Make room for more productive talks later
Keep communication open:
Avoid pushing for immediate acceptance
Show you're willing to continue the conversation
Demonstrate patience and maturity
Stay committed to your goal
Share resources thoughtfully:
Offer information from trusted sources
Share articles about teen therapy
Provide parent guides about mental health
Explain how therapy helps teens
Use "I feel" statements in follow-up talks:
"I know this is unexpected."
"I shared this with you because I trust you."
"I'm asking because I need your support."
"This is something I believe could help me."
"I really feel like talking to someone could help me."
"Could we discuss it again when you're ready?"
Next steps
If your parents say yes:
Thank them for their support
Ask about their preferences for finding a therapist
Offer to research options together
Discuss practical details like scheduling
If they need time:
Set a specific time to discuss it again
Gather helpful resources to share
Stay open to their questions
Consider asking another trusted adult for support
If they say no:
✦ Stay calm and thank them for listening
✦ Ask what concerns them most about therapy
✦ Suggest talking again in a few weeks
✦ Reach out to your school counselor for guidance
When you need extra help
If your parents don't support therapy right now, there are still ways to get help.
Your school counselor, teachers, or other trusted adults can offer support and might help you discuss this with your parents again.
24/7 confidential support services (All free):
Final thoughts:
Starting therapy is a significant step, and talking about it with your parents is brave.
Whether they understand right away or need more time, stay true to what you need. Taking care of your mental health matters.
Remember, this isn't just a one-time conversation. This is the beginning of your journey to better mental health. No matter how your parents respond, there are people who care and want to support you.
