How Can I Talk to My Teen About Seeing a Psychologist?

One of the most important messages we can convey to our teens is that seeking help, whether for mental health issues or any other kind of support, is a sign of strength. In a society that often encourages self-reliance, asking for help can feel like admitting defeat or weakness. Recognising the need for support and seeking it out takes courage and self-awareness. 

For teens, this might mean understanding that their struggles with anxiety, mood swings, or the pressures of school and social life aren’t something they have to face alone. Parents can reinforce this message by expressing validation when our teens are open to seeking help. Framing psychological therapy as empowering rather than a last resort, we help reduce the stigma around mental health care. This not only aids teens in handling their current challenges but also encourages a lifelong perspective that seeking help is a wise and courageous choice.

Talking to your teenager about seeking help from a psychologist can be a delicate conversation. Teens might feel defensive, embarrassed, or even resistant to the idea of therapy. With a thoughtful approach, you can navigate this conversation in a way that feels caring and supportive.
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5 Strategies for Helping Your Teen Seek Help‍

Lead with Empathy

Start by acknowledging what your teen is experiencing. You could say something like, “I’ve noticed you’ve been dealing with a lot lately, and I just want you to know I’m here for you.”  This lets them know you’re aware of their struggles and that you care.

Make Therapy a Normal Option

Help your teen see that talking to a psychologist is a normal, positive step. You might say, “Sometimes, it’s really helpful to talk to someone who isn’t family. Lots of people see psychologists when they’re stressed or going through tough times.” Reassure your teen that what they work on with their psychologist is their own choice. Let them know that therapy is about learning useful skills, not only talking about their problems.

Offer Reassurance

Assure your teen that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You might add, “Talking to a psychologist doesn’t mean anything’s wrong with you; it just means you’re taking care of yourself, just like you would with a physical problem.” It may also be helpful to reassure them that their therapy can be confidential, and any limitations to this confidentiality will be discussed before beginning their first session. 

Be Patient and Supportive

Be patient and keep the conversation open. Let them know you’re there to support them whenever they’re ready to take the next step. If your teen is open to it, offer to help them find a psychologist and set up the first appointment. You might say, “If you’re okay with it, I can help look for someone who’s a good fit for you, and we can go from there.”

It’s About Learning Skills

Assure your teen that seeing a psychologist is not just about talking about your problems. It’s also about learning concrete skills for handling the difficult stuff, and these treatments are based on science. If we think about it, a teen’s expectations about seeing a psychologist (and our own!) are likely to come from TV shows or movies. Their experience of seeing a psychologist might be different to what they expect. 
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Accessing a Mental Health Treatment Plan 

Visiting a Doctor

Anyone can access psychological therapy services by first visiting their General Practitioner (GP), Psychiatrist, or Paediatrician. Any of these can discuss and assess your mental health concerns and, if necessary, create a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This plan briefly outlines the specific mental health issues you are facing and provides a referral to a psychologist or other mental health professional.

Medicare Rebates for Sessions

With a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can receive up to 6 sessions with a psychologist that are subsidised through Medicare. After these initial sessions, the GP can review your progress and, if needed, provide a referral for up to 4 additional sessions, for a total of 10 subsidised sessions per calendar year.

What the Mental Health Treatment Plan Covers

The Mental Health Treatment Plan doesn’t just provide rebates for therapy sessions; it also helps outline treatment goals and strategies. It serves as a roadmap, giving the psychologist guidance on how to address your specific needs—whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other issue.


Rosie Moss
Clinical Psychologist Registrar