{"id":25106,"date":"2014-07-16T13:05:27","date_gmt":"2014-07-16T20:05:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=25106"},"modified":"2019-04-16T11:40:39","modified_gmt":"2019-04-16T18:40:39","slug":"im-under-the-age-of-18-does-my-parent-have-to-give-permission-for-me-to-go-to-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/faq\/does-my-parent-have-to-give-permission-for-me-to-go-to-therapy","title":{"rendered":"I’m Under the Age of 18; Does My Parent Have to Give Permission for Me to Go to Therapy?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"TeenDifferent states have different laws when it comes to seeking therapy<\/a> as a minor. You may or may not need your parent or guardian’s consent depending on where you live and your state’s legal definition of mature.<\/p>\n

In What Cases Will I Need a Parent\u2019s Permission to Go to Therapy?<\/h2>\n

In many states, if you are under the age of 18, you will need a parent\u2019s permission to attend therapy. This is because in order to give any kind of treatment\u2014medical or psychological\u2014a patient\u2019s consent must first be obtained. If you are under the legal age to give consent as an adult in your state, then you\u2019ll need a parent\u2019s signature.<\/p>\n

In some states, it may be required that your parent attend the first therapy session with you. If you decide together that you\u2019ll need to attend regular sessions, the therapist can give your parents a form that allows you to attend on your own. If your parents are divorced, talk with them about what custody requirements must be met when giving consent for your treatment. It is most likely as simple as keeping the other parent informed.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also crucial that your therapist speaks with your parent or guardian before making any changes to your treatment\u2014including the number of sessions per month you attend and any medication you may be trialing. Provided you are in an environment where it\u2019s safe and healthy for you to discuss your mental health needs with your parents, seeking therapy as a minor simply requires open and consistent communication between you, your parents, and the licensed mental health professional.<\/p>\n

Are There Any Cases Where I Don\u2019t Need a Parent\u2019s Permission?<\/h2>\n

As with every rule, there are exceptions to the parental permission requirement. Some states, like California, allow minors to give consent to treatment for things like substance abuse or mental health treatment as young as 12. In many states, however, minors can only give their own consent for therapy in specific situations.<\/p>\n

One such example is emancipation, whether court-ordered or situational. In court-ordered emancipation, the minor is deemed an adult and can make all of the decisions in their day-to-day life as one. This includes consenting to treatment. Usually, court-ordered emancipation is achieved by the minor when they appeal for it, after proving to the court they are already providing for themselves and do not rely on parental support. In some states, minors may qualify for situational emancipation, in which their marital status, military service, or parenthood will grant them independence.<\/p>\n

In all cases in which emancipation qualifies you to give your own consent for treatment, you will need a copy of the decree. It\u2019s also important to note that most states allow minors to give consent for themselves if they are in a situation in which delaying treatment while waiting for parental consent for therapy would put them in danger, such as if they are threatening suicide<\/a> or self-harm<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What Should I Do If I Need Therapy but My Parents Won\u2019t Let Me Go?<\/h2>\n

The good news is even if your parents won\u2019t sign off on therapy sessions, you have a lot of resources available to you. Minors seeking therapy without parental consent should start in their schools. Most schools offer a licensed counselor available throughout the day that students can schedule time with. If you don\u2019t feel comfortable talking directly with the school counselor<\/a>, they may be able to help you find the best solution for your situation.<\/p>\n

Additionally, researching the laws regarding minor consent for health care in your state may open more opportunities. Some states allow minors as young as 12 to seek mental health care for either a limited number of sessions or for specific circumstances that may be endangering them.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s safe to do so, talking openly and honestly with your parents or guardian about why seeking therapy is important to you may help them understand why they should grant permission for you to attend. If it\u2019s not safe for you to talk with your family, it may be the most beneficial to consult another trusted adult such as a mentor, teacher, or school counselor on what steps you should take in your situation.<\/p>\n

What Therapists Have to Say<\/h2>\n

Here, several therapists explain how this works in different states, and offer advice on who you can ask within your state about seeking therapy as a minor:<\/p>\n

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\n\"Somerstein-Lynn\"Lynn Somerstein, PhD, E-RYT<\/strong><\/a>: People under the age of 18 need parental consent for medical and psychological treatment. This law is devised to protect minors, although there are some variations in the United States depending on the state where you live. Some people under the age of 18 may be considered \u201cmature\u201d by legal standards and so don\u2019t need parental consent. These people may be married or in the military.<\/p>\n

A good way to find help is to go to your school\u2019s guidance counselor<\/a> and ask. Alternatively, you can speak privately with your pediatrician, religious or youth leader, or a trusted teacher who will perhaps direct you to someone who can see you for therapy, although legal consent is still an issue.<\/p>\n

Payment, of course, is also an issue. Usually the parent pays. This is difficult for everybody, because the parents will feel entitled to information that they are paying for, that is their legal right. The clinician will have to develop appropriate approaches, consulting the parents and the child under 18, to protect the child\u2019s privacy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Risi-Andrea\"Andrea M. Risi, LPC<\/strong><\/a>: Each state can differ slightly on this rule. In regard to mental health treatment<\/a> in Colorado:<\/p>\n