Hello Lauri,

I want to point out how detrimental it is to state that people use the hospital as a crutch. Many people struggle with reaching out and getting help when they need and things like this could very well prevent them from seeking help when they need it. While you have the right to your opinion, you have to realize that everyone is different. You may have been able to do it without going to the hospital or dropping out of school but that doesn't mean everyone can.

When you get into the mental health field, you are going to run into a lot of different clients. Some are going to have different coping skills and different ways of seeking help. Do you think that telling one of your clients that going to the hospital and dropping out of school, is a crutch, would be beneficial to their health or do you think it'd harm them? As a therapist you have to remain objective and see both sides. It's not always easy but you are gonna work with clients who you don't agree with and if you say something like this to them it could prevent them from getting help.

I would definitely recommend taking some time to evaluate your thoughts and think 'is this something that would help someone to hear or harm them?'.

Some clients need people to be blunt with them and some clients do use the hospital as a way to feel safe in a world that they don't feel much safety; however, that doesn't mean we should condemn them or say it's a crutch. Imagine saying that to a client and then they don't seek hospitalization at a time when they really need. Think of what the repercussions would be.

Best regards.