Speak Out!

Ask the Advocate

At What Age Does a Youth Have the Right to Consent/Reject Behavioral Health Treatment?

Mental Health

1. Families can consent to mental health services for their children until the age of 18. These services include:
   
   • All outpatient- Individual, Wraparound, Family Based, Therapeutic Foster Care, Mutely-systemic Therapy.
   • All inpatient- Partial and Full Hospitalization and Residential Treatment.
2. Youth at age 14 may consent or refuse inpatient services IF their family has not already consented to the service. Youth at age 14 may appeal their family’s consent to inpatient.
3.  The online guide Consent to Treatment and Confidentiality Provisions Affecting Minors in Pennsylvania fully explains these mental health rights.  It also covers rights to review and copy records.

Substance Abuse

1. Families can consent to substance abuse services for their child to age 18, if they are refusing treatment though PA Act 53. This act provides parents and legal guardians a means by which to commit their drug/alcohol involved child to treatment services. For more information, contact your County Juvenile Probation Department.
2. The online guide — Consent to Treatment and Confidentiality Provisions Affecting Minors in Pennsylvania   — also has information on rights to review and copy substance abuse treatment records.