How old?

[Ryukie]

I'm 16 years old and still self harm on and off. I just wondered how old you have to be to go to the doctors to talk about it-without them telling your parents? Or do they have to?

Also, can you request counselling from the doctors? Because my school counsellor is really inadequate and when I've talked to her before she's been unprofessional and told me things my brother and sister said to her in confidence.

I can cope at the moment, but I'd rather go and get this sorted now rather than when I'm in the middle of exams or in the run up to them.

[Kaius]

They only really tell your parents about it if they deem you a full hazard to yourself and/or others. If you're there willing to get help then I don't think they're likely to tell your parents unless you're showing suicidal tendencies as well. I don't think theres a proper age limit but you should be alright seeing as you're 16. By 15 my parents were not allowed to ring up for test results for me due to confidentiality so im guessing the same will go for your appointments. Good Luck

[Ryukie]

Thank you (:

[FullyAlive]

Whilst you should be able to see your doctor confidentially with no problem. But as for requesting counselling, you may need parental permission. My mother knew why I was being reffered but your parents wouldn't necessarily have to know why. But my doctor said she did need to make my mother aware of what was happening.

I believe if it's of significant risk to your well being for your parents to know then they'll work around that, but it does generally make the whole process longer and more complex.

Personally I'd advise telling them, even if its not telling them why, just that you do want to see someone. Although it was difficult to begin with its a lot easier for me with my mother knowing as oppose to sneaking around.

[Kronk]

Yeah you should be fine at 16 and honestly at 14 I can't do any of that so I've learned contact sports like football hockey and lacrosse help blow off some of it as you can hit them as hard as you can while they do the same and when you do get marks no need to hide them cause well, "their sports wounds"

[Aubrie]

It depends on your local laws. Most places only require it if you plan on committing suicide/hurting someone else.

I don't think you can request therapy through the doctors. They can give you numbers to call, but I don't think there's a psychiatrist on staff. Maybe at some, I don't know.