Provision of outpatient mental health treatment to minors without parental consent - Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-14c

Psychiatrists, psychologists, and independent social workers may provide minors with outpatient mental health treatment without obtaining consent from the minor’s parent or guardian so long as (1) parental notification will cause the minor to refuse treatment; (2) “treatment is clinically indicated;” (3) the minor’s well-being would suffer without treatment; (4) “the minor has knowingly and voluntarily sought such treatment;” and (5) the provider believes the minor exhibits sufficient “maturity” to participate “productively” in the treatment.  Providers must, however, obtain parental consent to continue treatment following the sixth treatment session unless involving a parent or guardian “would be seriously detrimental to the minor’s well-being.”

The provider must document their justifications for providing treatment to a minor without parental consent in the minor’s clinical record. The provider must also obtain a signed statement from the minor that they have (1) voluntarily solicited treatment; (2) discussed with the provider the involvement of their parents or guardian in their decision to obtain treatment; (3) determined that their parent or guardian’s involvement is against their best interests, and (4) received an opportunity to ask the provider “about the course of treatment.” The provider must also document their decision not to obtain parental consent following a minor’s sixth treatment session.

Providers may not disclose treatment information to a parent or guardian without a minor’s consent.