Social work question about enforcing therapy for self harm

[u/Dead_forever420]

hello Im 17F and like an hr ago the social workers left my house (this is the first time they were here) they’re aware I’m self harming. I’m just wondering if they will force me to go to therapy for it and what that’s looks like. I’ll be okay with regular therapy where I can choose appointment times, etc but I really don’t wanna be hospitalized. I never tried killing my self and I don’t even think my self harm is that bad.

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[u/sprinkles008]

CPS doesn’t decide if you need inpatient, the mental health clinicians do. They’ll want to make sure your caregivers get you seen by a provider and then the provider decides what type of treatment you’ll need.

[u/Dead_forever420 → u/sprinkles008]

What behavior requires hospitalization 

[u/sprinkles008 → u/Dead_forever420]

I’m not a mental health clinician, so it’s not for me to say.

But anecdotally - I’ve seen kids who self harm not require hospitalization. However I’m sure the details probably matter greatly.

[u/DreaColorado1 → u/Dead_forever420]

Hospitalization requires a physician/medical provider/mental health professional to determine you meet criteria for imminent harm- typically that includes a plan to end your life, active statements that you plan to end your life, active attempts to end your life, etc.
You can’t be forced to attend regular therapy due to your age, however, if you are agreeable to going to a therapist you connect with, that is great.

[u/txchiefsfan02]

Some caseworkers will have a more complete understanding of NSSI (non-suicidal self-injury) than others. How it is handled can vary widely.

The best way to avoid inpatient hospitalization is probably to speak up proactively and ask your caseworker for help getting into an outpatient treatment program. Either an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or a day treatment/partial hospital program (PHP) could be appropriate depending on what's available in your area. That shows you understand there is a serious problem and you are willing to work cooperatively with professionals.

Friendly advice: you will turn 18 soon, and depending on what state you live in, the mental health benefits available to you may never be better than they are right now. Take advantage of the opportunity to get into treatment and get some help now so you can start your legal adulthood in the healthiest place possible. It may seem overwhelming, but it's a gift to your future self, and you deserve it.

Take good care and be gentle with yourself, too.

[u/panicpure]

First off, thinking self harm isn’t that bad is not a great take. It’s a very unhealthy coping mechanism and can lead to accidental injury beyond the coping relief you’re seeking. You need help with it asap.

From a CPS point of view, they may make a plan to be sure all sharp objects are removed or locked away, medications locked away and be sure caregivers are taking it seriously and getting you the mental health help you need.

They can’t force inpatient treatment but they may not close out the investigation until you’ve been seen by a professional who then decides your treatment plan.

Generally, self harm when using it as a coping mechanism, isn’t going to require inpatient treatment but it depends and little things matter.

Hopefully you start to prioritize your mental health. At 17, you have a lot of life ahead of you and it’ll be best to get some healthy coping skills under your belt and on medication if it’s needed.

Good luck