School Refusal
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026School refusal is when a child strongly resists going to school because of emotional distress, usually anxiety or low mood, often with headaches or stomach aches that ease at weekends. It is not truancy or naughtiness. A gradual return-to-school plan with therapy and school support works best.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Repeated absence from school
- Morning complaints of physical illness
- Extreme distress when attending school
- Clinging to parents
How it is usually treated
- CBT
- Gradual return-to-school plan
- Parent guidance
- School collaboration
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “My child refuses to go to school”
- “My child cries or falls sick every morning before school”
- “Marks and attendance are dropping”
- “My child is fine on weekends but not on school days”
Children who refuse to go to school may also notice anxiety, depression or separation anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if the child has been absent for days or weeks. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 if there is any thought of self-harm.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist talks with the child, parents and often the school, to understand what is behind it: anxiety, depression, bullying, learning problems or family stress.
Treatment and support
- CBT for the underlying anxiety or low mood
- A gradual return-to-school plan agreed with the school
- Parent guidance on staying firm and kind about attendance
- Working with teachers to address bullying or academic problems
- Treating related anxiety or depression
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists work with the child, parents and school on the cause and a step-by-step return plan. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist meets the child or teenager and the parents, together and separately where helpful, and also asks about school and friendships.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist leads, a clinical psychologist can work with the child and parents, and school input is welcomed.
Between sessions
Parents get clear guidance for home, and reviews follow behaviour, mood and school life.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is school refusal the same as truancy?
No. In truancy the child hides absence and avoids school for other reasons. In school refusal the child is distressed and parents usually know.
Should I force my child to go?
Pressure alone usually backfires. A gradual, supported plan works better, so seek advice early.
What causes it?
Often anxiety, but also bullying, learning difficulties, low mood or family stress.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Vineet PaliFounder & COO, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.
Sources
Related conditions
- Child & Adolescent Anxiety
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Student Mental Health & Academic Pressure
- Conduct Disorder & ODD
- Childhood Trauma & Adverse Childhood Experiences