A safe, comfortable space to open up—right from home.
Losing interest in social events
Your child may start pulling away from friends, activities they once enjoyed, or time spent outside the house.
Complaining of stomachaches or headaches (especially before big events)
Frequent physical complaints—particularly around school, social situations, or activities—can sometimes be a sign of underlying stress or anxiety.
Decline in academic performance
A noticeable drop in grades, motivation, or focus may indicate emotional or mental health challenges affecting their ability to keep up.
Changes in sleep, eating, or hygiene habits
Shifts in daily routines—sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite, or neglecting personal care—can be signs that something isn’t right.
Excessive worry
Ongoing or overwhelming worry, even about everyday situations, may point to anxiety that’s becoming difficult for them to manage.
Instead of telling your teens and young adults that they need therapy, start by asking how they’ve been feeling and truly listening to their answer. Teens and young adults are far more receptive when they feel heard rather than judged. You might say, “I’ve noticed you seem overwhelmed lately—how have things been for you?” This opens the door without pressure.
Many teens and young adults worry that therapy means something is “wrong” with them. Reassure them that therapy is simply a tool—like tutoring for school or coaching for sports. Share examples of how therapy helps people build coping skills, navigate stress, or talk through difficult emotions. It can also help if you mention times you’ve sought support or learned from others who have; it reminds them that needing help is human, not a flaw.
Teens and young adults value independence, so involve them in the process. Let them help choose the therapist, decide whether they prefer virtual or in person sessions, or identify what they hope to get out of it. Even small decisions help them feel more in control and less like therapy is being imposed on them.
Some teens and young adults react with frustration or dismissal at first. Avoid arguing or forcing the topic. Let them know you’re always available to talk and that the option for therapy remains open whenever they’re ready. Sometimes planting the seed gently is more effective than pushing.
If your teens and young adults are struggling with anxiety, depression, self esteem, or big life transitions, remind them they don’t have to navigate hard things alone. Therapy offers a confidential space to talk freely, something teenagers often crave as they seek more privacy and independence.
Affirm your teens' and young adults' strengths and emphasize that seeking help is a sign of courage, not weakness. Let them know you’re on their side, and you want them to feel supported, confident, and understood. Talking to your child about therapy isn’t always easy, but approaching the topic with compassion and respect can transform it into a meaningful moment of connection. And sometimes, that first conversation is the beginning of real healing.
Depending on where you live, your child can consent to mental health treatment before the age of 18. In some states, teens/young adults can choose to pursue therapy without a caregiver and they can choose whether or not to share their health information.
If your teen/young adult is ever at risk of harming themselves or others, their therapist will follow a very specific set of protocols including contacting you. We encourage you and your child to discuss how much they want to share about their sessions so that clear boundaries can be set. Respecting a teen/young adult’s privacy is a key part of growing up and allows for them to be honest with their therapist. TrueSelf therapists generally encourage youth to share with their caregiver they are attending therapy and as appropriate will encourage family engagement to enhance treatment.