What Is the Mental Health Law Concerning Minors?

Introduction

Mental health is important to everyone.  Some people may not be aware of this, but adults experience depressing and traumatic events that can shake up their mental health, teens to have their own share of mental health issues. These mental health problems may not always be related to depression or trauma but theirs is as serious as adults’ mental health issues are.

It is observed that in 100 children, 10 of them are going through depression and can be alarming since some of them are having suicide thoughts. There are records to show how these kids with depression would decide to just end their lives because of their depression. Whatever the causes of their depression, the effects are very disturbing.

People who are having mental health issues would often seek help from mental health institutions and visit a psychiatrist to help them get out of their mental health issues. Because of the seriousness of the mental health cases, those who would undergo treatments have to be committed to do so. Now that there is a mental health law that allows children to go through mental health treatments, they can now give their consent to be treated. Minors can now seek confidential mental health services without the consent of their parents.

In California, the mental health law allows children who are at least 12 years of age to give their consent to mental health care. This is also provided that the mental health professional deems the child as mature enough to understand what he is trying to go through.

This law allows children to consent to mental health counseling—which can be a touchy and tough decision—but only if the mental health professional believes the child is already in danger of harming himself or others around them. During the treatment or therapy sessions, the mental health professional may choose not to involve the parents or guardians if they deem it inappropriate.

Mental health issues are as real in children as it is in adults. But the reality is, children might not have the same amount of maturity to handle their own mental health issues. There are also times when parents or guardians are not able to help these kids or, worse, are not aware of the mental issue happening in these kids.

This is the great thing that this mental health law allows kids to give their consent to mental health treatments or counseling. This will help them on how to get back with their lives without the mental health issues. Children still have much future in them and being in a mental health treatment could be the only hope for them to get that good life they deserve.

Comments

Most Recent Articles