Exploring the importance of seeking therapy, particularly for young people, and how to challenge the societal stigma surrounding mental health care.

Written by: Kylie Watts, BA

In a world where mental health is still often misunderstood, the idea of seeking therapy can be daunting, especially for younger generations. Hollywood and the media have long portrayed therapy in ways that don’t always reflect reality, leading to misconceptions and a societal stigma that continues to affect how we view mental health care. While attitudes are slowly changing, many young people still hesitate to seek the help they need. Overcoming this stigma can start at home, where families have the power to create a culture of openness and acceptance around mental health. 

Here are some thought-provoking questions and tips on how you can help normalize therapy and reduce stigma within your own family.

• How does your family talk about therapy and mental health?
  • In recent years, mental health conversations have become more common and more positive, especially in the media. This shift has encouraged younger generations to be more open about their mental well-being. However, many children still receive negative messages about therapy from the adults around them. Take a moment to reflect on how your family discusses mental health. Are your conversations helping to reduce stigma, or are they reinforcing outdated beliefs?

• What messages is your child receiving about therapy?
  • Beyond everyday conversations about mental health, how does your family approach the topic of therapy? If you’ve ever sought therapy yourself, do you talk openly about it with your child? Being open and honest about mental health shows your child that seeking support is a healthy and normal choice. We all play a role in normalizing therapy.

• Mental health care IS health care
  • One of the most important things to emphasize to your child is that therapy is simply another form of health care. Just as we go to the doctor for physical health, therapy supports emotional and mental health. Helping your child understand that taking care of their mental well-being is just as crucial as caring for their body can reduce the stigma surrounding therapy.

• Therapy is NOT One-Size-Fits-All
  • Many portrayals of therapy in the media focus on extreme cases, such as suicidal thinking, emotional crises, or inpatient treatment in hospitals. In reality, most therapy takes place in outpatient settings, such as the Ballard Clinic, where it’s personalized to fit each individual’s unique needs and can often start in a proactive way when there are mild areas of concern. Therapy is a tailored, flexible process, which means there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. There’s room in the therapy community for everyone, no matter their background, struggles, or experiences.

If you’re considering therapy for your child or simply want to start a conversation about it, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the Ballard Clinic. Our compassionate team of therapists is here to help you navigate these important discussions and to support both you and your child on the path toward mental wellness.