Questions From Young Adults

Getting Therapy at Joon

What does therapy look like with Joon Care?

Your initial session with Joon is what we call an intake visit. In this appointment you will start getting to know your therapist and discuss your mental health needs and goals. You and your therapist will also collaboratively create a "Roadmap" that outlines your treatment path.

Sessions after your intake are focused entirely on your needs, goals, and preferences! They take place via videoconferencing through the Joon Care mobile app (like a safe, private version of Facetime or Zoom). You'll be welcomed to talk about your stressors and concerns, and importantly, learn effective strategies and skills to improve your well-being and to feel better. How often you meet with your therapist is determined by your needs and preferences - weekly, twice per week, or every other week.

In addition to the therapy sessions, the Joon Care mobile app is a great resource for you between sessions. Your therapist can send you skills and techniques to practice and there are additional wellness resources to explore.

What happens during a parent check-in? Can I ask my therapist not to share certain discussion topics with my parent?

During a parent/guardian check-in, your therapist will provide a general overview of the kinds of skills you’ve been working on together but will not provide any specific details that you’ve shared with him/her/them. For example, if you’ve been talking with your therapist about how to cope with parental pressure regarding schoolwork, your therapist might say generally that you’ve been working on coping skills and motivation for schoolwork. ‍

You can absolutely ask your therapist not to share specific information with your parent and, assuming that information isn’t about any immediate risk to your safety, your therapist will honor your privacy and not discuss those topics with your parents/guardian.

Is parental consent required for therapy?

Different states have different laws when it comes to seeking therapy as a minor. At Joon, if you’re under the age of 18, you’ll need a parent or guardian’s consent to receive treatment. There may be some exceptions to this that you can explore during your free consultation.

Helpful Tips

I'm worried about a friend, what should I do?

Here are some helpful steps:

If you are concerned that your friend is in danger, or might hurt themselves, first tell a trusted adult.
Set aside a time to talk to your friend privately and without interruption. It’s best to talk over the phone or in person versus over text.
Tell them what you see that is worrying you. Maybe they haven’t been texting back lately, have been getting in fights, or have “joked” about hurting themselves.
Tell them that you care about them and are wondering if everything is okay.
Listen to their reaction without judging, and respond once they are completely finished sharing.
Let them know you want to help if you can. If they want your help, you can give them information about teenlink.org or Joon. If they don’t want help, that’s okay! Just listening is helpful!

This article, "How do I support my friend" offers helpful suggestions as well.

Are there community resources that may be able to help me without requiring me to talk to my parents/guardians?

Yes! There are many resources available across the United States. Nationally there are two great resources that are available 24/7. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) and Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) are free and confidential, and a great place to get immediate resources and support.

Many states also have Teen and Young Adult-focused phone, text message, or chat lines where you can get support. They may be staffed by mental health professionals or even teen volunteers who are trained to listen to your concerns and talk with you about whatever’s on your mind – bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, depression or any other issues you’re facing. Calls and chats are confidential.

In Washington State, TeenLink offers phone, text, and chat support. Their phone number is 1.866.TEENLINK (833.6546).
In Oregon, the Youth Line (877-968-8491) offers similar services and connections within your local area.
The California Youth Crisis Line (800-843-5200) provides resources, guidance, and support.
In Texas, the Youth Helpline (800-989-6884) provides statewide connection to mental health professionals and community resources.
In Idaho, connection to the youth-focused resources must first go through the Suicide Prevention Hotline (208-398-4357). Dispatchers will ask you to disclose your general location and you can then be connected to youth mental health line in that region.

What should I do if I'm nervous or uncomfortable asking my parents for help?

It’s totally normal to feel nervous talking about these topics, even with your parents or guardian. Here are a few ideas for making the topic more approachable:

When you talk to your parents, keep it simple, at least at first. You might start by telling your parents how you are feeling, what you would like help with, and that you think therapy might be the right tool to get you there. You can even use the following script if it makes it easier:

“Mom/Dad, I’ve been feeling really (anxious, worried, sad, angry, self-conscious) for the last __ months, and it’s been making (school, homework, getting along with friends/family, sports) super hard for me. I’ve tried a bunch of things to make it better, but I would like to see if going to a therapist could help."

If you have a good relationship with a teacher or your doctor, they can be a great resource for any questions you have that aren’t answered here, or to practice asking for help!

Remember that these are hard topics for everyone to talk about, but that doesn't make it wrong to bring them up. Even if it feels frightening or uncomfortable, if you feel that you need help or support, talking to your parents/guardian is the right thing to do. You've got this!

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