Teens are already building resilience as they navigate the ups and downs of their teenage years, and they thrive even more when they have parents and caregivers they trust, like you, showing up for them. Sometimes, supporting your teen also means helping them connect to professional mental health care like a therapist or a counselor. Finding the right kind of care isn’t always easy though: barriers like waitlists, cost, insurance networks, finding the right match, or simply not knowing where to start can make the process of getting started feel discouraging for families. But therapy can be a helpful tool for teens and their families, and it’s worth learning more to explore options in your area.
Here are some common questions and practical solutions for helping your teens get connected to care.
Where do I even start?
If you’re unsure where to start, you don’t have to figure it out alone. One option is to check in with your teen’s school. School counselors, psychologists, and social workers often keep referral lists, and some schools even offer on-site counseling. Your teen’s pediatrician or local hospital can also be an important resource. They may know which local providers specialize in working with young people, and sometimes even know the general status of waitlists. Many parents also rely on friends, neighbors, or local social media groups to ask for referrals and recommendations.
Insurance directories, local mental health clinics, and online platforms like TherapyDen, PsychologyToday.com, or InclusiveTherapists.com can also help find therapists near you.
What if there’s a long wait?
Waitlists can feel discouraging, but they don’t have to stop you from moving forward. Ask providers if they keep cancellation lists so your teen might be seen sooner. And don’t hesitate to reach out to more than one provider at a time.
How can we afford it?
Costs can be a big hurdle that many families face, but there are ways to make care more affordable. Some clinics offer sliding scale fees or reduced rates, and nonprofits or community centers may provide low- or no-cost therapy.
If you have insurance, be sure to verify whether a provider accepts your plan and what your co-pay will be so you know upfront whether it’s an affordable fit. Group therapy can sometimes be more affordable, and telehealth (or virtual care) may reduce both cost and transportation challenges.
How do I know if this therapist is the right fit for my teen?
Finding care isn’t just about who is available; it is all about the relationship, so compatibility between the provider and your teen is important. Start by asking your teen what is important to them: is gender or identity important to them? Do they prefer virtual or in-person visits? Is there any specific topic that they are hoping their provider will specialize in? Many providers will also offer free or reduced fee consultations before starting treatment.
One thing to consider is your teen’s needs. Therapists often specialize in certain areas or use different approaches, and aligning those with your teen’s experiences can make care more effective. It’s also important to check that the provider is licensed and accredited. You can usually verify these credentials through state licensing board websites or professional directories like Psychology Today. Specific credentials will vary on the therapist’s specialty and on your state.
It might take time to find a good fit for your teen. Your child might meet with a therapist or 2 that isn’t the right match, but that doesn’t mean that therapy isn’t the right choice for your family.
If you are concerned about the immediate safety of your child, do not wait to get help. Call 911 (emergency services) or 988 (suicide and crisis lifeline).
How does confidentiality work in therapy?
Confidentiality is an important part of the relationship between a mental health care provider and a client, including when the client is a minor. Your teen will probably be more likely to feel comfortable opening up if they understand what information will be kept private. Every state has different laws related to confidentiality for minors. You can read more about this from the National Center for Youth Law, and you can ask your child’s provider. You should also encourage your teen to talk directly to their therapist about any of their concerns.
How can I stay involved without overstepping?
When your teen starts therapy it’s normal to wonder how to respect their space while also be aware of how it’s going. This can sometimes be a tricky balance to navigate. You can ask open-ended questions like, “Is this feeling helpful for you?” or “Do you feel like your needs are being heard?” These kinds of check-ins let your teen know you care about their experience without pressuring them to share details they want to keep private. Depending on the situation, you can also talk to the therapist about the possibility of doing family therapy, or doing some sessions together.
Try your best to remember that although there may be ups and downs along the way, your willingness to listen, learn, and walk beside your teen will remind them that they don’t have to figure out how to get connected to care on their own.
This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition, including mental health conditions. Action for Healthy Kids recommends seeking consultation with a licensed medical professional. If you are concerned about the immediate safety of yourself or someone else, call 911 (emergency services) or 988 (suicide and crisis lifeline).
