A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:How can I get psycological help without my parents knowing? I have anxiety attacks and problems with depression but I'd really like my parents not to know my business...Is there any way I can get help without them knowing? A school counselor is not an option and I don't have a driver's liscense. Reply to this Question
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male
reader, idoneitagain  +, writes (2 July 2008):
There are some options. A doctor may be able to advise you through the public health system on some options in your area. Also, if there are any colleges or schools that offer psychology or counselling studies near you, they may have free counselling services or information about services. Thirdly, you could tell your parents that you would like to speak to someone, and have them support you through this, without telling them your business. In other words, if it has to do with something specific you don't want them to know about, you could tell them you aren't sure what the root cause is of your issues, but that you would like some help fixing them. It might be difficult for you to tell your parents that you need help, but if you can it is most often helpful to have your parents on your side when you are struggling with issues. Dealing with troubles on your own is one of the things that can make them so umbearable, if you can tell people who love you, it can be part of the solution. Good luck.
A
female
reader, pashanoodle +, writes (2 July 2008):
 Hi Anon,
I'm in Australia too...and I think you do have options to access supports - depending where in Aus are you?
Send me a private msg if you like and we can go from there!
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A
male
reader, ChiRaven +, writes (2 July 2008):
 In most cases you probably can't. You are still a minor, and except in certain circumstances (abortion in some jurisdictions, for example) clinicians must have your parents' consent in order to treat you.
To make sure this is the case, you can call your local community referral agency. This is the agency associated with the local United Way that makes referrals to the appropriate affiliated organizations that provide direct services. They should be able to tell you exactly what the situation is in your area, and whether there are any resources in your area that might work for you. I assume that cost is also an issue here. Try calling the United Way and asking where you can go for a referral. Then talk the situation over with them.
But don't pin a lot of hope on this. I think you're probably going to have to trust your parents or your school counselors on this eventually if you're going to get help. Not the best situation, because you show VERY good judgment in recognizing that you do need help. But we live in a very imperfect world, and you are at one of the most difficult of all ages ... facing adult problems but denied adult resources and rights to deal with them.
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