Youth and teens have unique health needs
Teenagers have unique needs when it comes to mental, emotional, and physical health. The following health concerns have unique effects on youth:
- Depression and anxiety
- Bullying
- Suicide
- Substance use
Teens are more vulnerable to bullying and suicide attempts than adults and children. In teens, substance abuse issues and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression often have different symptoms than they do in adults.
Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) covers behavioral health treatment for youth, as well as free programs to support their safety, happiness, and development of life skills.
Rights for youth (under 18)
In the State of Washington, minors don’t need permission from a parent or guardian to access many health services.
Outpatient mental health treatment
- Age: 13 and older
- Will my parents be notified? Only if a provider determines that sharing the information will benefit treatment and not harm you
Inpatient mental health treatment
- Age: 13 and older
- Will my parents be notified? Yes
Outpatient substance use treatment
- Age: 13 and older
- Will my parents be notified? Only if you give written consent or a provider determines you are not in a state of mind to make a rational choice
STD/HIV testing and treatment
- Age: 14 and older
- Will my parents be notified? No
Birth control services, abortion services, prenatal care
- Age: No restriction
- Will my parents/the father be notified? No
Access for youth experiencing homelessness, mature minors, and emancipated minors
- Youth experiencing homelessness may receive routine primary care services with the consent of an adult at their school, e.g., school nurse.
- Some minors may be able to receive other health care services if the provider determines the minor understands the risks and consequences of the proposed service or treatment and has the maturity to make health care decisions on their own. This is called the Mature Minor Doctrine and it was established by the Washington Supreme Court in a 1967 case called Smith v. Seibly.
- Emancipated minors and youths who are married to an adult or emancipated minor are considered as adults and can consent to health care services on their own.
Rights for parents
As of 2019, Washington State has passed new laws making it easier for parents to intervene in their child’s treatment. You do not need your child’s consent for the following:
Outpatient mental health treatment
- Your right: You can take your teen to be evaluated and treated for a range of outpatient behavioral health care services.
- Requirement: The treatment must be deemed medically necessary care.
- Your right: As a parent, you can decide your child must participate in up to 12 routine outpatient therapy sessions.
- Requirement: The treatment must be deemed medically necessary care.
Medical information
- Your right: You can learn details about your adolescent’s diagnosis and treatment for mental health problems.
- Requirement: Their behavioral health care provider must believe that sharing the information will benefit treatment and not harm the child.
Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe)
Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) is a voluntary service that takes a team approach to meeting the needs of children and youth. It provides intensive mental health services to support you and your family in meeting your goals.
