Minors able to consent to their own mental health treatment can be grouped into two categories. Emancipated minors have the right to receive treatment without parental consent or knowledge. It is CMHS policy to try to involve parents and guardians in the treatment of their children. However, parents of legally emancipated minors should not be notified without the authorization of the minor. The minor is financially responsible for their treatment.
Emancipated minors can consent to any therapeutic intervention and to psychotropic medication.
The minor would present a danger of serious physical or mental harm to self or to others without the mental health treatment or counseling, or is the alleged victim of incest or child abuse. Minors cannot consent to the use of psychotropic drugs. Exception may be made only if the youth's therapist has assessed that parental involvement would be inappropriate. This assessment should be ongoing, and parental involvement should remain a goal . The parent or guardian of the minor receiving minor consent is not liable for payment for mental health treatment or counseling services provided unless the parent or guardian participates in the mental health treatment .