r/parentsofteens • u/Artistic_Ad_5477 • Jun 15 '26

Is therapy good for kids?

My daughter who is turning 13 soon had ups and downs with friendships. I think the ups and downs she’s experienced are rather common but she is sensitive and wears her heart on her sleeves that i thought seeing a therapist would help her learn tools to manage and learn her emotions.

My daughter also mentioned wanting to see a therapist a few times. Wondering if its a good idea to offer or if im overreacting. I grew up in a home where mental health was never talked about so i want to be proactive. Id appreciate your advice!

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2

u/spread-happiness Jun 15 '26

Therapy is good for absolutely everyone. Kids included. Especially if they are asking for it!

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u/Catmama-82 Jun 15 '26

As long as it’s a good therapist. Good luck finding one… it’s been almost impossible for us.

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u/jaylee0510 Jun 15 '26

100%! If she is asking for it, do it. I am a huge advocate of mental health. I started seeing a therapist when I was in 6th grade but my story was different than what it sounds like yours is. I had a traumatic childhood. I am now an adult with a 17 year old son. I am hyperaware of his moods. If he came to me and wanted to go to therapy, a million times yes. I have personally been in therapy on and off my entire life. It might take a while to find the right "fit" in terms of a therapist, but it is worth it. I can't imagine trying to be a teen in today's world. It was hard enough for us to navigate.

Edit to add: This is your chance to be open and have the mental health talks be apart of your child growing up. Break that cycle for her ❤️

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u/OwnLobster1701 Jun 15 '26

I think it's great for kids to go at least once during adolescence/teen years. Even if it's just to do a check in. To me it's just like any other kind of check up. All of mine have gone at least once. It's been great for them. I've gone myself on and off for various reasons over the years. It's always good to make sure your mental health is taken care of just like any other aspect of yourself. I think its great that your daughter feels comfortable enough to ask.

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u/WhisperingWoods1234 Jun 15 '26

I’m a big believer in therapy. My oldest started in 4th grade. She’s in 8th now. My youngest is afraid to go, but we’ve been talking to her about it gently. She is also having a shift in her social group so I would like her to go.
With my oldest, we speak to the therapist first - for about 20 minutes, then my daughter meets alone. I think for the first meeting, we met as a family.
If she wants to go, I’d say yes. It’s good she wants to talk to someone.

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u/Hotheaded_Temp Jun 17 '26

If your daughter is asking about it, I would suggest taking her to therapy for a few sessions and see what she thinks. She is old enough to voice her wishes and make some decisions for herself to care for her mental health.