Ask Dr. Schwartz: Psychotherapy and Mental Health questions
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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.

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