Can a Child See a Psychologist Without Parental Consent?

In most cases, children must have parental consent to be seen by any health care provider, including a psychologist. In some cases, children may be able to provide their own consent, or consent may be waived by a health care provider.

  1. History

    • According to Legal Services for Children, a nonprofit law firm, in order for children to be seen by a psychologist, they need to have parental consent. Legal guardians, who are not the parents of the child, may also provide consent to see a psychologist.

    Function

    • The child may consent to his own treatment for mental health treatment or counseling if he meets certain criteria. The child must be at least 12 years old and from the judgment of the psychologist, must be mature enough to participate in the services. He must also be a danger to himself or others, or the victim of physical or mental abuse or incest.

    Considerations

    • Health care providers have the right to waive the consent for treatment in certain situations. In a situation that is considered emergent, a psychologist could see a child without parental consent. If it is in the best interest of the child and he could experience more harm without treatment, he could be seen by a health care provider as well.

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