We explore the emotional and complex conflict that arises when one parent feels their child needs therapy after divorce while the other parent opposes it, examining both legal pathways and psychological perspectives to help families prioritize children's mental health needs.
• The scenario of Emily – one parent wants counseling for anxiety, possible self-harm; other parent refuses
• Legal decision-making requires joint agreement for counseling in most cases
• Many counselors require both parents' consent even with sole legal decision-making
• Steps to resolve disagreements: attempt mediation before court intervention
• Building a court case with school reports, doctor recommendations, and behavior timelines
• Consulting the child's pediatrician for professional recommendations carries weight
• Addressing concerns about stigma – therapy typically provides relief, not labels
• Children experiencing divorce may face grief, anxiety, guilt, depression requiring support
• Crisis situations with self-harm or suicidal ideation require immediate emergency response
• Forensic professionals consider multiple hypotheses when symptoms appear in one household
• Finding common ground through time-limited counseling trials and reevaluation
If you're having issues navigating co-parenting conflicts around counseling, download Split Up for more in-depth strategies to help you co-parent effectively.
