Ask Dr. Schwartz: Psychotherapy and Mental Health questions
Archive · Ask a Question · Read the Disclaimer · Biographical Statement · RSS Feed

Recently, a young man I know was apparently viewing child porn on his computer. Police showed up with a search warrant, took his computer and every other computer in the home. His parents had no idea.

The parents have struggled with this child all their lives because he has ADHD and social problems. This child also had gotten into trouble recently when he was confronted and about to be attacked by other youths. He had a knife and pulled it out, but did not hurt anyone. The police were called and he was arrested. He got lucky and was not sentenced. However, the judge ruled that he was to stay out of trouble and return to court several times to insure he was no longer getting into trouble. If so, the case would be dismissed.

Now this child porn case has been made. Although this person is 20, due to his condition, his maturity level is about around a 14 years old. He admitted what he did and said he needs help.

The legal process has not started yet.

Can you recommend what kind of doctor and counseling his parents should obtain? They also need legal help. Now, they also fear that their other children will be taken from them. They are good parents, hard working, and care for people in the community.

Any thoughts and experience you have regarding therapy for the whole family and any thoughts about if you think this person will go to jail for several years.

I am sure he would not be able to handle this mentally.

Thanks for your kind service.

THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL NOT BE DISPLAYED UNTIL YOU HAVE INDICATED YOUR AGREEMENT WITH THE DISCLAIMER PRINTED JUST BELOW. CLICK THE 'I AGREE' BUTTON TO AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND SEE THE RESPONSE.

Disclaimer

• Dr. Schwartz responds to questions about psychotherapy and mental health problems, from the perspective of his training in clinical psychology.
• Dr. Schwartz intends his responses to provide general educational information to the readership of this website; answers should not be understood to be specific advice intended for any particular individual(s).
• Questions submitted to this column are not guaranteed to receive responses.
• No correspondence takes place.
• No ongoing relationship of any sort (including but not limited to any form of professional relationship) is implied or offered by Dr. Schwartz to people submitting questions.
• Dr. Schwartz, Mental Help Net and CenterSite, LLC make no warranties, express or implied, about the information presented in this column. Dr. Schwartz and Mental Help Net disclaim any and all merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or liability in connection with the use or misuse of this service.
• Always consult with your psychotherapist, physician, or psychiatrist first before changing any aspect of your treatment regimen. Do not stop your medication or change the dose of your medication without first consulting with your physician.