Supportive Strategies for Encouraging Mental Health Care

Watching someone you love struggle with their mental health can be painful—especially when they’re not getting the help they need. Whether it’s a partner, child, sibling, parent, or friend, initiating a conversation about therapy can feel intimidating. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, being met with resistance, or overstepping boundaries.

At City Behavioral Health, we believe that these conversations—when approached with empathy and care—can be transformative. This guide offers compassionate, research-backed strategies to help you open the door to healing for someone you care about.

1. Start from a Place of Care, Not Critique

Lead with empathy, not judgment. Instead of saying, “You need help” or “You’re acting irrational,” try:

“I’ve noticed you’ve been having a hard time lately, and I care about you. I wonder if talking to someone might help.”

This centers the conversation around your love and concern—not their “problems.”

2. Choose the Right Time and Setting

Avoid bringing up therapy during an argument or emotional high point. Choose a quiet, neutral time when your loved one is more likely to feel safe and open.

Make sure there’s enough time for a real conversation—don’t start five minutes before you both have to be somewhere.

3. Use “I” Statements to Avoid Defensiveness

Language matters. Focus on your perspective rather than making assumptions. For example:

• “I’ve been feeling worried about how much you’ve been withdrawing lately.”
• “You’re being distant and it’s not normal.”

“I” statements reduce the chances of your loved one feeling attacked or blamed, which can quickly shut down the conversation.

4. Normalize Therapy as a Tool, Not a Last Resort

Many people still view therapy as something for when things are “really bad.” Help reframe it as a proactive, strength-based step toward wellness.
You might say:

“Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis—it can be a way to learn more about yourself, gain new tools, and feel more in control.”

At CBH, we support this perspective by offering therapy not just for crisis intervention, but for self-discovery, emotion regulation, and life transitions.

5. Share Personal Experience (If Appropriate)

If you’ve benefited from therapy yourself, sharing that can help reduce stigma and make the idea less intimidating. Something simple like:

“I used to feel unsure about therapy too, but it really helped me figure out what was going on and how to cope.”

Even if you haven’t done therapy yourself, you can mention someone you know who has, or reference how common therapy is becoming.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, over 20% of U.S. adults received mental health treatment in 2020. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/

6. Be Ready for Resistance—and Be Patient

It’s common for people to react defensively or say they’re “fine.” Your role isn’t to force change—it’s to plant a seed.

You can respond with:

“I understand it might feel uncomfortable. I just wanted you to know I’m here to support you, whenever you’re ready.”

At City Behavioral Health, we emphasize collaborative care, which often begins with willingness—not perfection. Many clients begin therapy unsure or hesitant and later find it deeply helpful.

7. Offer Tangible Support

Sometimes the logistics feel more overwhelming than the idea of therapy itself. Offer to help them:

• Research therapists (CBH’s website is a great place to start)
• Understand how insurance or out-of-network reimbursement works
• Make the first phone call or send an inquiry email
• Accompany them to the first appointment, if appropriate

8. Know When to Step Back

Ultimately, the decision to seek therapy has to come from them. If they’re not ready, that’s okay. Pushing too hard can backfire. Continue to show love, set boundaries when necessary, and let them know the door remains open.

Therapy Can Be the Turning Point

Talking to a loved one about starting therapy may be uncomfortable—but it can also be the first step toward real change. At City Behavioral Health, we welcome new clients with warmth, professionalism, and a commitment to personalized, judgment-free care.

Whether your loved one needs individual therapy, family therapy, or a more structured program like The Nimble Track, our team is here to support them—on their terms and in their time.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Mental Health Treatment Among Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db419.htm
• Mental Health America. Starting the Conversation. https://www.mhanational.org