CA AB665

Allows minors 12 years or older to consent to outpatient mental health treatment or counseling, or residential shelter services, if mature enough to participate intelligently, without requiring them to present danger to self/others or be abuse victims (effective July 1, 2024).

Requires mental health professionals to consult with the minor before determining whether parental/guardian involvement would be inappropriate, and to document contact attempts in the client record.

Expands definition of "professional person" authorized to provide services to include registered psychologists, psychological assistants, psychological trainees, associate clinical social workers, social work interns, clinical counselor trainees, and board-certified psychiatrists.

Aligns two separate California laws (Health and Safety Code Section 124260 and Family Code Section 6924) that previously had different standards for when minors could consent to mental health services and billing to Medi-Cal.

Parents/guardians remain responsible for payment only if they participate in treatment or consent to residential shelter services, and minors cannot receive convulsive therapy, psychosurgery, or psychotropic drugs without parental consent.