Minor Consent to Mental Health Services in California Schools

Minors (ages 12 and up) may consent to mental health services in schools, agencies, and from licensed providers. Questions often come up around holder of privilege, HIPPA and FERPA, right to privacy, and what information can be shared with parents and legal guardians. Click here for guidance related to Minor Consent.

Many agencies with which Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) school districts, and County Offices of Education have MOUs / Partnership Agreements for school-based services will not provide services under the Minor Consent provisions, because it’s “too complicated” and raises liability issues. See Wogan for guidance on school-based behavioral health services, School Wellness Centers, and the workshop / training “Beyond Co-location” – presented at the ACSA Symposium in Anaheim, CA.