Description:

This document provides a Washington-specific orientation to minor consent and confidentiality in outpatient mental health treatment. It highlights Washington’s age 13 threshold, the distinction between adolescent-initiated and family-initiated treatment, minor confidentiality, parent involvement, insurance and portal privacy complications, telehealth issues, risk and safety exceptions, documentation, and supervision consultation points. It is intended as a supervision and orientation reference, not as a substitute for checking current Washington law, board rules, payer requirements, and practice policies.

Audience: Associate

Status: Educational Reference — Verification Required

Last revised: May 16, 2026

Verification note:

This document is intended for supervision, orientation, and clinical education. It is not legal advice.

Materials involving Oregon law, Washington law, board rules, mandated reporting, minor consent, duty to warn/protect, supervision hours, informed consent, professional disclosure requirements, and related legal or ethical obligations must be checked against current law, board rules, payer requirements, and practice policies before clinical reliance.

Consult the relevant licensing board, professional liability carrier, agency policy, or qualified legal counsel when needed.

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