How to Encourage Teens to Seek Therapy

Breaking the Stigma and Building Trust

Navigating adolescence is challenging—physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. With rising academic pressure, social media influences, identity development, and real-world stressors, it’s no surprise that many teens feel overwhelmed. Therapy can offer vital support, yet many young people hesitate to reach out. So how can we, as parents, caregivers, educators, or community members, help teens feel safe and supported in seeking mental health care?

At Welling Wellness, we specialize in working with teens and young adults across Baltimore and virtually throughout Maryland. Here’s how you can help break the stigma and build trust so your teen feels more open to the idea of therapy.

1. Normalize Mental Health Conversations: The first step in encouraging teens to consider therapy is normalizing mental health. Teens need to hear that emotional struggles are a normal part of life—and that seeking help doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with them.

• Use everyday language when talking about mental health.

• Reassure them that therapy is not just for people in crisis—it’s for growth, support, and self-understanding too.

• Maybe even remind them cool people go to therapy - Celebrities in Therapy

“It’s okay to not feel okay—and it’s okay to talk to someone about it.”

2. Validate Their Feelings (Without Pushing Advice): One of the best ways to build trust is to validate your teen’s emotions without immediately trying to fix them. Teens often feel misunderstood or judged, which can create walls.

Instead of: “You’re just being dramatic.”
Try: “That sounds really tough. I can see why you're feeling that way.”

Validation opens the door to deeper conversations and creates a safe space where teens feel seen and heard.

3. Present Therapy as a Tool, Not a Punishment: Sometimes therapy is offered to teens as a “last resort” or after a crisis, which can make it feel like a consequence. Instead, frame therapy as a proactive and supportive resource—a tool for self-care, stress management, and learning more about themselves.

Just like going to a doctor for your body, therapy is like a check-in for your mind and emotions.

4. Offer Options and Involve Them in the Process: One of the best ways to empower teens is by involving them in the decision-making process. This could include:

• Looking at therapist profiles together

• Asking if they’d prefer in-person or virtual therapy

• Talking about what kind of person they might feel comfortable with (age, gender, vibe, etc.)

At Welling Wellness, we value good-fit therapy—we want teens to feel comfortable with their therapist, not pressured.

5. Address the Stigma Head-On:

Many teens worry about what therapy “means” or what others will think. Remind them that mental health care is normal, and that more and more young people are seeking therapy than ever before.

You can say: “Therapy is not about being broken—it’s about being supported.”

Or even frame it as a strength: It takes courage to talk about your feelings and take care of yourself.

6. Be Patient and Keep the Door Open: Not every teen will say yes to therapy right away—and that’s okay. Avoid forcing them into it, as that can lead to resistance or shut-down. Instead, keep the conversation going with curiosity and compassion. Sometimes just planting the seed is enough. When they’re ready, they’ll remember that you’re a safe person to come to.

Teen Therapy at Welling Wellness – Baltimore & Online for Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia

At Welling Wellness, we offer affirming, trauma-informed therapy for teens in Baltimore and virtually across Maryland. We support teens dealing with:

• Anxiety & stress

• ADHD

• Perfectionism & pressure

• Identity exploration

• Depression & low self-esteem

• Family or school challenges

Our approach focuses on connection, rapport, and collaboration—because we believe therapy works best when it feels safe and authentic.

Ready to Start the Conversation?

If your teen is considering therapy—or you’re looking for guidance on how to support them—we’re here to help. Contact Welling Wellness for a free consultation or to learn more about our teen therapy services in Baltimore and beyond.