It’s natural to worry about your child as they enter adulthood. If you’re noticing changes in their behavior, mood, or general well-being—such as withdrawal, anxiety, or difficulty adjusting to new responsibilities—it’s common to want to step in and help. However, the transition to adulthood can be overwhelming for many young people, and seeking help is often the first step they need to take to regain stability.

Here’s how you can support your adult child through this process:

• Start with empathy: Let them know you’re there for them without judgment. Offering a compassionate and open ear can go a long way in encouraging them to open up about what they’re feeling.

• Explore options together: If your child is open to therapy, offer to help research therapists or mental health resources. Knowing that they don’t have to do it alone can make the process feel less daunting.

• Respect their autonomy: While it can be difficult, try to respect your child’s autonomy as they navigate their own journey. Offer suggestions, but allow them the space to make the final decisions about their care.

• Encourage professional help: Therapy can be a powerful tool in helping your child develop coping skills, explore their feelings, and work through challenges. If you're not sure how to bring up therapy, gently suggest it as a way to better understand their emotions and develop strategies for coping.

It’s natural to wonder why your child would seek therapy when they have you. As a parent, you’ve been their go-to source of support for years, and it can feel confusing—or even hurtful—when they turn elsewhere. But in emerging adulthood, one of the key developmental tasks is differentiation—the process of moving from dependence to independence to interdependence.

This doesn’t mean your child doesn’t love or trust you. In fact, it’s a sign of healthy growth when they seek outside perspectives to process their experiences. Therapy provides:

• A neutral space – Unlike family relationships, therapy offers an unbiased environment where they can explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of disappointing or burdening anyone.

• A place to develop independence – Young adults are learning how to manage emotions, make decisions, and navigate relationships on their own. Therapy helps them develop these skills without relying solely on parents.

• Support for things they may not know how to say yet – Sometimes, it’s easier to process difficult emotions with a therapist first before bringing them into family conversations. Therapy can actually strengthen parent-child relationships by helping them communicate more clearly and confidently.

Your role as a parent is still deeply important, but part of this season of life is about your child learning how to stand on their own while staying connected to you in a new, healthy way.

As parents, we may not always understand why our adult children want to go to therapy, especially if they appear to be managing fine on the surface. However, therapy is not just for “fixing” big problems—it’s also a tool for gaining clarity, improving mental health, and learning how to navigate the complexities of life, relationships, and career.

Here’s what you can consider when your child asks for therapy:

• Therapy is not a sign of weakness: It’s common for young adults to seek therapy as they face challenges like navigating independence, identity, or relationships. Therapy can offer valuable insight and growth during this critical time of self-discovery.

• It’s a healthy coping mechanism: Therapy helps people develop better coping skills for dealing with anxiety, stress, conflict, and emotional distress. Your child might simply want to invest in their mental health as part of their ongoing development.

• Therapy is confidential: Understand that therapy is a safe and confidential space. What your child discusses with a therapist stays between them and their therapist, so you don’t need to worry about personal information being shared without permission.

• Be supportive: If your child is asking for therapy, it’s a sign that they are taking an active role in their mental health. The best way to support them is to express understanding and reassurance. Let them know you’re proud of their willingness to seek help, even if you don’t fully understand the process.

Most college counseling centers provide short-term, solution-focused therapy, which typically means there are session limits. I often see a model of around six sessions per semester, and there is no guarantee that your child will see the same clinician from semester to semester.

This model works well if your student has one specific, boundaried issue they’d like to process. However, if they have ongoing concerns, desire more in-depth processing, or want continuity in seeing the same therapist at a frequency that feels right for them, connecting with a community provider is often the better option.

Additionally, if your student needs to explore academic accommodations related to mental health or requires documentation for:

• Satisfactory Academic Progress (for financial aid),

• Appeals for academic probation or suspension,

these documents are generally required to come from a provider outside of the university system. In these cases, establishing care with a community therapist can provide the necessary support and documentation.

Investing in therapy can feel like a big financial decision, and it’s understandable to wonder if it’s worth the cost. While therapy is an expense, it’s also an investment—one that can support your child’s well-being, growth, and ability to navigate life’s challenges with resilience.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Mental health impacts everything. When your child is struggling emotionally, it can affect their academics, relationships, and overall quality of life. Therapy helps them develop coping skills that can make a lasting difference.

• Short-term investment, long-term benefits. The tools and insights gained in therapy don’t just help in the moment—they equip your child for years to come. Learning how to process emotions, set boundaries, and navigate challenges is invaluable.

• It may actually save money in the long run. Untreated mental health concerns can lead to higher healthcare costs, academic setbacks, or lost job opportunities. Addressing these struggles early can prevent bigger challenges down the road.

• It provides consistency and depth. Unlike college counseling centers or quick-fix solutions, private therapy offers ongoing, tailored support at a pace that fits your child’s needs.

If you’re unsure whether therapy is the right step, I’m happy to answer questions and help you and your child determine the best path forward.

Experience matters when it comes to supporting college students, and I bring nearly a decade of it. I’ve worked at four different universities in roles spanning academic affairs, residence life, counseling centers, Behavioral Intervention Teams, as well as in Title IX and Student Conduct. This diverse experience gives me a deep understanding of both the emotional and logistical challenges your child is facing.

Many therapists can provide support for mental health struggles, but not all therapists understand the unique stressors of college life. I do. I’ve sat with students navigating:

• Roommate conflicts that make home life feel unbearable.

• Health clinic challenges when they don’t know where to turn for medical or mental health support.

• Academic stressors, like communicating with professors when they’re falling behind or need accommodations.

• Financial aid worries, whether it’s unexpected tuition costs or navigating appeals.

• Career pressures, internship searches, and the anxiety of not knowing what comes next.

• Social struggles, from feeling disconnected on campus to finding meaningful friendships through clubs and organizations.

In addition to this, my background in Title IX and Student Conduct has equipped me with specialized knowledge about the policies and support systems in place for students experiencing sexual harassment, discrimination, and conflict with peers or faculty. This experience allows me to provide a more comprehensive approach for students facing difficult interpersonal or institutional challenges, ensuring they’re aware of their rights and resources.

I’ve walked alongside students through all of it, and I know how to help your child navigate these experiences with confidence. Therapy isn’t just about internal work—it’s about giving your child the tools to engage with their world in healthier, more empowered ways.

Beyond therapy, I also partner with universities, meaning I can serve as an advocate if your student needs additional support accessing campus resources, academic accommodations, or mental health services. Parents often worry: Will my child be able to handle all of this on their own? With the right support, the answer is yes. And I’d be honored to be part of that journey.