Q. My friend came to me today and told me that she has been cutting herself. I see therapist and get help for what I am going through but when she speaks to her fasther about this he tells her to just stop it and grow up. I told her I would search for any advice, because she is in a tough spot. I am going to look for any advice that I can find but I am not sure what to tell her. I told her that I once went through this and that anytime she needed me I was here for her, I just wish I could tell her more to help her out. She might be moving out, and honestly I dont blame her, but she really needs professional help, and her father will not take her anywhere.

A. There is not much you can do besides encouraging her to get help. She apparently can’t rely on her father for help. It’s going to be up to her at this point in time to take responsibility. I am not sure of her age, but she can go to the school counselor and make him or her aware of her cutting. This could make her father more motivated to take her seriously. If she feels she cannot stop cutting and it gets bad enough, you can encourage her to go the hospital and tell them about the cutting. At the hospital, she will get a psychiatric evaluation and meet with a social worker. After the psychiatric evaluation is complete, she may or may not be admitted to the hospital. If she is not admitted, the hospital workers typically suggest getting psychological help at a nearby outpatient psychiatric clinic. Good luck.

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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 5 Oct 2005