[kuru]

i need a therapist. but i dont know how to bring it up

yesterday my brother got into trouble again and is in jail, and my dad is stressed out. on top of that, i dont know if we even have the money. i dont know what to do.

[WishfulThinker66]

First of all, how old are you?

If you are in school you have some great options. Even better, if you are aged 16 or older (in most jurisdictions) your right to make your own health and medical decisions is guaranteed by law.

Assuming you are still in school secondary or post secondary you have some resources. Most schools will have a guidance counselor. Of all the help that a counselor can offer you one of the most important ones is that if you wish they can be your advocate - they can talk to your parent(s) on your behalf. They can also make appointments for you. School boards these days usually have psychologists on retainer too.

Another option is for you to contact your family doctor and have a chat with them about therapy. They can make a referral for you and some suggestions of what to do in the interim. Your parent(s) may not approve but they legally can't prevent you.

My suggestion is the Guidance Counselor. He/she can help you with ideas to speak to your dad yourself and offer you a great deal of support.

[kuru]

Originally Posted by WishfulThinker66

First of all, how old are you?

If you are in school you have some great options. Even better, if you are aged 16 or older (in most jurisdictions) your right to make your own health and medical decisions is guaranteed by law.

Assuming you are still in school secondary or post secondary you have some resources. Most schools will have a guidance counselor. Of all the help that a counselor can offer you one of the most important ones is that if you wish they can be your advocate - they can talk to your parent(s) on your behalf. They can also make appointments for you. School boards these days usually have psychologists on retainer too.

Another option is for you to contact your family doctor and have a chat with them about therapy. They can make a referral for you and some suggestions of what to do in the interim. Your parent(s) may not approve but they legally can't prevent you.

My suggestion is the Guidance Counselor. He/she can help you with ideas to speak to your dad yourself and offer you a great deal of support.

I'm 15 and I'm online schooled...

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by kuru

I'm 15 and I'm online schooled...

Even online schools have guidance counselors.

[kuru]

i dont know where to find them

[saidso]

you could try calling them to ask. or ask one of the tutors you have contact with.
you don't have to give you name or personal information, just ask generally if they have a guidance counsellor and how you can contact that person . if the person who answers the phone is an admin and doesn't know, ask to be put through to someone who can answer this. tell them it's confidential. if you don't talk to someone who you feel comfortable with, you can always hang up, and try back later.
or look through their website - but methinks phoning is the option you can do without your parents tracking you. be reassured that you are not the first online student ever to ask for this information ((((kuru)))) even if you feel like that.

[WishfulThinker66]

Double check the age of independence regarding health in your state. Some are as low as 14.

"The Tennessee REDLINE (1-800-889-9789) is a toll-free information and referral line coordinated by TAADAS and funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health Substance Abuse Services."

TAADAS – The Tennessee REDLINE

Teen & Youth Help Hotline | Teenage Advice, Crisis & Depression Helpline

Again, you doctor is a valuable resource.

I believe an online school would still be required to offer some sort of guidance program.

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by saidso

you could try calling them to ask. or ask one of the tutors you have contact with.

you don't have to give you name or personal information, just ask generally if they have a guidance counsellor and how you can contact that person . if the person who answers the phone is an admin and doesn't know, ask to be put through to someone who can answer this. tell them it's confidential. if you don't talk to someone who you feel comfortable with, you can always hang up, and try back later.

or look through their website - but methinks phoning is the option you can do without your parents tracking you. be reassured that you are not the first online student ever to ask for this information ((((kuru)))) even if you feel like that.

Yes, this.

My oldest takes his studies online. I'm familiar with the programs and schools out there.
There are support staff available for such schools. Your parents must have gone through an enrollment process? And the state must approve even Homeschool has accountability measures, though homeschool and online are different.

[Taylor27]

Ask your online teachers if they have a counsellor to help you. They should have one you can talk to online.