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Do I need my parents’ consent for a counselling session with the psychiatrist?

Do I need my parents’ consent for a counselling session with the psychiatrist?

Full question:

I am 15 years old and living with my parents in Alabama. I have graduated high school last year. I am in a state of depression due to my recent breakup with my girlfriend. I want to take go to a psychiatrist so that he can treat my depression. My parents do not allow me to go to a psychiatrist for a treatment. Do I need my parents’ consent for a counselling session with the psychiatrist?

Category: Minors
Subcategory: Age of Majority
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Alabama

Answer:

In Alabama, per Code of Ala. § 22-8-4, a minor who is 14 years or older, or has graduated from high school, does not require to take consent from any other person for any legally authorized medicalhealth services for himself or herself.

Code of Ala. § 22-8-4 reads:

“Any minor who is 14 years of age or older, or has graduated from high school, or is married, or having been married is divorced or is pregnant may give effective consent to any legally authorized medical, dental, health or mental health services for himself or herself, and the consent of no other person shall be necessary.”

In the given instance, the 15 years old is entitled to consent any legally authorized medicalhealth service for him. The 15 years old is not required to take consent of any other person.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

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