§ 19a-14c — Provision of outpatient mental health treatment to minors.

Connecticut § 19a-14c

• Jurisdiction: Connecticut
• Title 19a: Public Health and Well-Being
• Ch. 368a: Department of Public Health

Text

(a) For the purposes of this section, “outpatient mental health treatment” means the treatment of mental disorders, emotional problems or maladjustments with the object of (1) removing, modifying or retarding existing symptoms; (2) improving disturbed patterns of behavior; and (3) promoting positive personality growth and development. Treatment shall not include prescribing or otherwise dispensing any medication which is a legend drug as defined in section 20-571. (b) A psychiatrist licensed pursuant to chapter 370, a psychologist licensed pursuant to chapter 383, a clinical social worker licensed pursuant to chapter 383b or a marital and family therapist licensed pursuant to chapter 383a may provide outpatient mental health treatment to a minor without the consent or notification of a parent or guardian at the request of the minor if (1) requiring the consent or notification of a parent or guardian would cause the minor to reject such treatment; (2) the provision of such treatment is clinically indicated; (3) the failure to provide such treatment would be seriously detrimental to the minor's well-being; (4) the minor has knowingly and voluntarily sought such treatment; and (5) in the opinion of the provider of treatment, the minor is mature enough to participate in treatment productively. The provider of such treatment shall document the reasons for any determination made to treat a minor without the consent or notification of a parent or guardian and shall include such documentation in the minor's clinical record, along with a written statement signed by the minor stating that (A) the minor is voluntarily seeking such treatment; (B) the minor has discussed with the provider the possibility of involving his or her parent or guardian in the decision to pursue such treatment; (C) the minor has determined it is not in his or her best interest to involve his or her parent or guardian in such decision; and (D) the minor has been given adequate opportunity to ask the provider questions about the course of his or her treatment. (c) (1) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, a minor may request and receive as many outpatient mental health treatment sessions as necessary without the consent or notification of a parent or guardian. No provider shall notify a parent or guardian of treatment provided pursuant to this section or disclose any information concerning such treatment to a parent or guardian without the consent of the minor. (2) A provider may notify a parent or guardian of treatment provided pursuant to this section or disclose certain information concerning such treatment without the consent of the minor who receives such treatment provided (A) such provider determines such notification or disclosure is necessary for the minor's well-being, (B) the treatment provided to the minor is solely for mental health and not for a substance use disorder, and (C) the minor is provided an opportunity to express any objection to such notification or disclosure. The provider shall document his or her determination concerning such notification or disclosure and any objections expressed by the minor in the minor's clinical record. A provider may disclose to a minor's parent or guardian the following information concerning such minor's outpatient mental health treatment: (i) Diagnosis; (ii) treatment plan and progress in treatment; (iii) recommended medications, including risks, benefits, side effects, typical efficacy, dose and schedule; (iv) psychoeducation about the minor's mental health; (v) referrals to community resources; (vi) coaching on parenting or behavioral management strategies; and (vii) crisis prevention planning and safety planning. A provider shall release a minor's entire clinical record to another provider upon the request of the minor or such minor's parent or guardian. (d) A parent or guardian who is not informed of the provision of outpatient mental health treatment for his or her minor child pursuant to this section shall not be liable for the costs of the treatment provided.

Legislative History

(P.A. 92-129, S. 1; P.A. 95-289, S. 8; P.A. 21-46, S. 10; P.A. 22-58, S. 19.) History: P.A. 95-289 changed marital and family therapists from “certified” to “licensed”; P.A. 21-46 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing “he” with “the minor” and adding “or her”, amended Subsec. (c) by deleting provision re notification to minor after 6th session that consent, notification or involvement of parent or guardian required, designating existing provision re prohibiting notification of parent or guardian re treatment or disclosure of information without consent of minor as Subdiv. (1) and amended same by adding provision re minor to request and receive sessions without parental or guardian consent or notification and adding Subdiv. (2) re parental or guardian notification or disclosure without consent of minor, documentation and information that may be disclosed, and amended Subsec. (d) by adding “or her”, effective July 1, 2021; P.A. 22-58 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing “an independent social worker certified pursuant to chapter 383b” with “a clinical social worker licensed pursuant to chapter 383b”, effective May 23, 2022.