S.B. 2886 Summary

• Minors age 14 and older may consent to mental health treatment and counseling services from licensed mental health professionals if deemed mature enough to participate intelligently in treatment.

• Parental or guardian consent remains required for prescribing medication to minors or placing them in out-of-home or residential treatment programs.

• Mental health professionals must involve the minor's parent or guardian in treatment unless they determine involvement would be inappropriate, with documentation required in the client record.

• Minors who consent to services are not liable for payment; parents or guardians are only liable if they participate in the treatment.

• Licensed mental health professionals include mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, psychologists, and board certified or eligible psychiatrists.