When Should My Child See a Therapist?
A compassionate guide for parents who want to get it right—but aren’t sure what the signs really are.
First, let’s begin here:
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to reach out for help.
Therapy isn’t just for emergencies—it’s also for emotional strength-building, learning how to cope, and having a trusted place to be fully seen and heard. Therapy is for asking the question: Do I need a therapist?
Here are some signs that it might be time to seek the guidance of a licensed therapist:
Emotional & Behavioral Red Flags:
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Big emotional swings that seem out of proportion to the situation
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Sudden withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they once loved
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Persistent sadness, irritability, or hopelessness
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Explosive anger or aggression that seems hard for them to control
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Excessive worry or fear that doesn’t go away
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Difficulty sleeping or nightmares that don’t improve
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Saying things like “I don’t want to be here” or “What’s the point?”
Other Warning Signs:
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They may have experienced bullying, trauma, or a major life change (divorce, death, move, etc.)
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Your child may be engaging in self-harm or talking about it
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They are avoiding school, complaining often of physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches with no medical reason
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They are asking questions or making statements about suicide
- Your child is having difficulty problem solving or making decisions
✅ Signs They Might Be Ready for Therapy:
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Your child might tell you they feel “overwhelmed” or like they “can’t handle it”
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They’ve asked to talk to someone else besides you
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They seem tired of being misunderstood
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You feel like you’ve tried your best—but they’re still struggling
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Your gut says something’s not right.
How to Say It:
“I love you so much, and I can tell something’s been hard for you lately. I want to help, and I think talking to someone whose whole job is to help kids feel better could be really good for you.”
“It’s not because you’re broken—it’s because you deserve support.”
“We all need help sometimes and I am not afraid to tell you that I don’t have all the answers.”
“We go to the doctor when our bodies don’t feel quite right. We go talk to a therapist when our minds feel that way.”
“I am going to go with you. We will figure it out together.”
✨ Final Reminder:
Therapy is not a sign of failure.
It’s a sign of strength.
It’s like asking for a guide when the trail gets steep. And there’s no shame in that—only wisdom and love. It is better to seek help than to believe you have to struggle alone.