A mentor helps most when the problem is follow-through, motivation or direction across several parts of life. A tutor fits trouble in one subject, a licensed therapist fits mood or mental health concerns, and a school counselor fits course and college planning. Answer 10 questions below, as a parent or as a young adult, to see which support fits best first.
Would a mentor help?
Answer 10 quick questions. Nothing you choose is saved or sent anywhere.
How the quiz works
Choose whether you are a parent or a young adult. The wording changes to fit, and your answers stay in place if you switch. The 10 questions cover the main concern, goals, follow-through, motivation and the support already in place. The result names one kind of help to start with and sometimes a second that could come later. Nothing you choose is saved or sent anywhere.
Some results say a mentor is not the right first step. That is on purpose. A mentor is not a tutor, therapist or admissions counselor, and starting with the wrong kind of help costs time and goodwill.
The kinds of support, in plain terms
- Mentor: one dedicated person who works one-on-one on goals, turns them into weekly steps and provides accountability across school, work, money and habits.
- Tutor: teaches a specific subject or test. Best when the problem is understanding the material. See mentor vs. tutor.
- Licensed therapist or counselor: assesses and treats mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety or substance use. See mentor vs. coach vs. therapist.
- School counselor or academic advisor: course selection, graduation requirements and college and career planning resources at school.
- Nothing new right now: sometimes things are on track, or the person is not ready. Adding support someone does not want rarely works.
How to read your result
The result shows the best first step and why. If a second suggestion appears, the two usually work well together, such as a tutor for one subject plus a mentor for planning, or therapy plus a mentor once care is in place. Our guide to therapy and mentoring together explains how that works.
If any answer points to a safety concern, the quiz shows crisis information first and recommends a licensed professional. In a crisis, call or text 988. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Next steps after the quiz
- If a mentor fits: read does my teenager need a mentor? or mentoring for young adults, then take the five-minute assessment.
- If a tutor fits: ask the teacher or school what help is available, and look for someone who knows the specific class or test.
- If a licensed professional fits: a family doctor, your insurance provider or a school counselor can help find local options.
- If a school counselor fits: book a meeting and bring specific questions. Working with a school counselor covers what to ask.
- If nothing is needed right now: set a reminder to check in again in a couple of months, or after a big change.
Where a mentor helps
When a mentor is the right fit, each client gets one dedicated mentor who meets with them weekly or several times a week, by video anywhere in the United States or in person in Los Angeles, with text and phone contact between sessions. For high school students, a parent joins the intro call, agrees the goals and gets regular updates. With permission, mentors coordinate with tutors or therapists already involved. See how mentoring works for the details.
Related
- Mentor vs. tutor
- Mentor vs. coach vs. therapist
- Does my teenager need a mentor?
- Is my teen ready for college? A quiz for parents
Common questions
Can someone have a mentor and a therapist at the same time?
Yes. A therapist addresses mental health; a mentor helps with goals and follow-through. With permission, the mentor can coordinate with the therapist.
Why did the quiz say a mentor is not the right first step?
Because another kind of help fits the main concern better. Start there; a mentor can be added later if follow-through becomes the main issue.
What if my teen or young adult does not want any help?
Support that is forced rarely works. Start with a conversation about what they want; how to suggest a mentor has ideas for raising it.
Is this quiz a diagnosis?
No. It gives a general suggestion about where to start. Questions about mental health, learning or safety belong with a licensed professional.
Get started
Think a mentor might be the right fit? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.