Think of it as jumping into a cold lake/pool. Its scary/shocking/frightening, but once you get in, you adjust to the temperature and things are just fine. And sometimes mental health centers can have some "creepy" clientel. Make sure to bring yourself a book to read while you are waiting to hide behind to distract yourself and keep others from engaging you in conversation.

as for your parents, are you over 18? im assuming since it sounds like you already have the appt. have your t help you come up with a way to tell your parents you are getting help. i went the first time when i was 18 and that scenario didnt go well. i tried to keep it a secret. the mh place called to cancel an appt even tho i told them never to call my house. my parents sat me down and said, so youre going to counseling, huh...i answered yes. "its nothing we did, is it?" i said no. and i never went back to couseling again i felt so violated. but you could simply explain to your parents that you are having difficulties coping with....... and decided to get some cousneling to gain a better understanding about what you are going through and some skills to deal with it.

good luck...