How to Convince Your Teen to Go to Counseling

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 in risky behavior, treatment should be mandatory.

If your teen refuses to go to counseling, there are still options:

• 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 teen. 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.

• Speak with your teen’s school guidance counselor. Discuss whether there are any services 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 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 talk to a therapist or your teen’s physician about the potential pros and cons before you begin treatment.

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If you are struggling with your troubled teenager and you have exhausted your local resources (including trying talk-therapy), learn more about how residential treatment can help your  teen. Contact us today for  a free consultation.