I think you're doing the best thing a mother can do - what happens if his behaviour leads him to dropping out of college and not being able to get a job? You are right to be concerned as clearly something isn't quite right - i won't go into possible diagnoses as i'm not a psychiatrist nor are other people here so it wouldn't be fair but you're going with your gut instincts and i think eventually that will pay off. The fact that your son has finally decided to go would say to me that he too is concerned to some degree and wants to change for the better. I would capitalize on that as much as you can - it's hard to come across as anything but patronizing to an 18 year old but carry on encouraging him as best you can. Maybe go out for dinner after you've had the session or take him to a mall or something that will help him associate getting treatment with also doing something fun. Sounds basic and probably a bit childish but aren't we all children at heart? This would probably also give him the chance to open up to you a bit more and discuss what his therapist thinks might help him the most. I just wish my mum would take me out for ice cream after i have groups

I'm working on it! All the best.