Can a Child Refuse Therapy?

Young people nowadays are becoming harder to deal with due to several reasons. Many parents cannot provide them with the proper treatment for their problems. Leaving aside the financial aspects, it is not easy to convince a teen to receive therapy. When you add the pressure from social media platforms and peers, you can see why it might take a lot of courage, planning, and consideration to make a child open up. Although some kids are vocal about their mental and physical health problems, many others are shy and reluctant. Openness among the family is one of the keys to knowing what is going on with everybody. But what if a parent decides on their own what therapy a teen must receive? Can the child refuse it, or are they forced to accept it against their will? That is what we will talk about in this article.

Reasons Why Child Has a High Chance to Refuse Therapy

If you’re wondering if a child can refuse therapy, the answer is not a simple yes or no. It all depends on the situation and location. In some cases, minors are allowed to give their consent to medical treatments regarding drug abuse, mental health, and abortions. However, this rule varies from one state to another. With the rise of marijuana, teen marijuana treatment has become more popular, and adolescents are often likely to refuse this teen treatment because they feel marijuana is not a problem. A psychiatrist might also play a considerable role in determining if a minor has the capability to consent to a certain medication. Learn the correct way to do a teen intervention and the benefits.

Some children enjoy going to therapy, while some simply hate it. Before convincing or forcing your children to commit to a therapy session, you must exercise caution. When you think that something is affecting your child’s mental health, it is safer to know why they might want to refuse therapy first.

1. Your child is afraid of the therapy process.

This is one of the most common reasons. What does the therapy entail? How long will it take? Will it take a substantial amount of their free time? Will they be able to go to school while medicated? These are only a few of the many questions that a child might ask. That is why informing them about these things right from the start is vital. A concise explanation of what would happen will give them enough time to think about and prepare for it.

• Your child is ashamed of going.

A teen is most likely in a stage where they are trying to look cool in front of their friends, and they might think that therapy would ruin that goal. It is important that your child knows that the whole process would be confidential. A teen might believe that their friends would ridicule them once they knew about the therapy. Getting embarrassed is normal, but it is important to never let your child think that they are mentally ill. Boosting their confidence is one of your goals as a parent.

• They can’t fully control their feelings.

Since committing to therapy sessions seems like a major decision, your teen might feel anxious, afraid, or shocked. Teens are very secretive about their feelings nowadays. As a parent, you should remind them that they are not alone, that you will be with them throughout the whole process.

• Your child thinks that therapy will not be effective.

It is common for teens to not fully believe in doctors, especially when it comes to their mental health. Depression is not just a moment of sadness that will pass with time. You cannot simply wait and let it consume your teen. As per World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading causes of illnesses, disabilities, and self-harm in adolescents.

• Your child is defensive.

After telling your child that they need counseling or treatment, they might get defensive and be in denial. Since you might be making assumptions, it is important to ask for the help of an expert before concluding that your child is at risk of having mental and physical health issues.

• There is a stigma attached to therapy.

Having mental issues and getting therapy is a mark of disgrace for some people. This stigma needs to disappear. For some, it might be a sign of weakness, but those who truly understand the process know that it is a sign of strength. People who are suffering from anxiety and depression need to brave it out throughout the therapy sessions. These medication programs are likely to involve confessions, exercises, and other physical therapy treatments.

• The therapist and your child are not a compatible match.

It is of the utmost importance to find the best expert for your child. Determining your child’s problem and choosing a doctor who has expertise in that field is not the end of the search process. Teens who need therapy are fragile, and the doctor must be someone who makes them feel safe and validated. Approval and acceptance come from the people closest to your teen, and their doctor will play an essential role in their recovery. If things are not working out, do not hesitate to find another therapist.

What Are Your Options as A Parent In Case of Teen Therapy Refusal?

It is not the end of the world if your child refuses to accept therapy. There are other options to explore. You do not need to physically force your child into therapy unless absolutely necessary. A teen who is forced will feel resentful and be more reluctant to change their behavior. It is better to talk to your child about it so they can mentally prepare for it. Here are some things you can try:

• Research About Online Counselling

You should find ways to make your teen feel comfortable when talking with an expert. Some therapy sessions might not need physical contact, and this is where online counseling comes in. Many children dislike talking to strangers face-to-face. During this time, the doctor or expert can discuss the pros and cons of the treatment with your teenager in the comfort of their home.

• Negotiate With Your Teen

Before letting your teen initiate treatment, you should know how many sessions it would take. Tell your child that, after a number of sessions, you can both decide if continuing the treatment would be beneficial or not.

• Talk to Those Who Monitor Your Teen

Your child’s teacher, school dean, or guidance counselor could help you learn about your child’s issues. Your teen can act like a different person when they are not around you, and they might even be confiding in someone about their problems.

• Seek Parent-Training

It might sound harsh, but consider the possibility that you might not be doing enough for your kid. You should not be ashamed of this. Maybe you are too busy with work and have not been able to spend enough time with your kid. Ask a counselor for help on how to make your child open up and tell you about their issues.

• Find the Best Schedule For Your Teen

One of the hardest things when it comes to therapy is managing your child’s time. All the work they have to deal with might overwhelm them. Focusing on their studies and talking to an expert requires a lot of effort. During this time, you should help them manage their meals, their sleep schedule, and many such things.

• Be an Example To Your Teen

Your family should provide a good foundation for your children. As such, you can go to family therapy sessions. This will not only improve your family’s determination but will also let your child know that their family is committed to their mental health.

In the end, whether or not your kid would want to deal with a teen treatment program is up to them. Some might enjoy doing so, while others might refuse, even after trying all sorts of tactics. Whatever the case may be, we hope this article was informative and that you now feel better equipped when it comes to seeking help for your children.

Harper Harrison

Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.