Can you do therapy as a teenager? Yes. On your own? Maybe. It depends on a few different circumstances. Let's explore them.

Do I need my parent’s permission to start therapy?

The first question is, can I get my parent’s permission for this? Now, it is important to note that just because you get their permission to attend therapy does not mean you're giving them permission to know what you're talking about in therapy. That is a very important distinction that teenagers may get fearful about. Of course, nobody wants their diary read and it's the same for therapy. So, a teenager can attend therapy but they may need their parent’s permission to actually start therapy. The only time that this would change is if The teenager is in danger. Whether they're in danger of harming somebody else or themselves. Then the therapist has a duty to warn and keep the teenager safe.

One of the big reasons a teenager would need their parent’s approval is insurance. You are likely under your parents' insurance and will need to use it. Unless the teen has money of their own that they can use for private pay in therapy, you will probably need your parent’s approval to attend.

That could be tricky for some families because some parents don't understand. They may not recognize the importance of therapy. They may even feel personally attacked because you want to attend therapy. In those instances, it can be beneficial for the teenager to speak to a guidance counselor at their school or their primary doctor. The guidance counselor will know more about the rules depending on your state about counseling for teenagers your age.

For example, in NJ you need to be at least 16 years old before you can start therapy without your parent’s consent. However, in Pennsylvania, you can be the age of 14. You would do this with a doctor's consent. P.s. There's actually a bill that tried to lower this to the age of 13.

If you want to find the age to start therapy without consent in your state, Google/Search for “Age to start therapy without parents’ consent in my state”

If I have my parent’s consent to start therapy, do I need to share information with them?

It can vary by state but likely not. A therapist at most may have to inform the parent if you are attending therapy or not If a parent asks how they're doing therapy. Or as mentioned above, They would need to inform the parents if there are any safety concerns for the teenager. Such as suicidal ideation or homicidal thoughts.

Everything else can be kept private in the sessions without interference from the parents. Some therapists may choose to not work this way, And it could change depending on psychological laws by state. So you would need to ask the therapist before starting.

If you choose to start sharing information regarding therapy sessions with your parents, you are free to do so! You're free to talk about it with whomever you would like to.

How do I get started on therapy as a teenager?

One easy way to get started is by reaching out to a therapist and asking questions about starting therapy in your state at your age.

You can also ask your guidance counselor at school or a doctor. Some doctor's offices have a portal or an app that you can get in contact with the doctor through messages. If you have a primary care doctor, simply call the office or wait until your next doctor's appointment and ask them about this. Or simply call the office and ask them if you could speak to the doctor about starting therapy in your state.

I know there have been a lot of more vague answers in this post but it can really vary depending on state by state. At thriving Minds Therapy, we work with people in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. So if you are in that state and would like to ask questions about starting therapy as a teenager, getting contact with us.