Consent and privacy
Parents consent, teens are heard
Who agrees to care, who is told what, and what stays private.
A parent or legal guardian consents to a child's psychiatric care and to every medicine. We ask the teen, too, and we explain the rules to both of you at the start of the first session, in plain words, before anything is decided.
At a glance
A parent or guardian signs consent
A teen is asked about each medicine
We say what is private, and what is not, first
Side by side
What each of you can expect
The same plan, shared in the right way with each person.
| Parents and guardians | Teens | |
|---|---|---|
| Consent | Parents and guardiansYou sign consent for the evaluation and for each medicine. | TeensYou are asked what you think about each medicine, and your answer is written in the plan. |
| What you hear | Parents and guardiansThe diagnosis, the plan, doses, side effects to watch for and when to call. | TeensThe same plan, in plain words, before it goes home. |
| What stays private | Parents and guardiansYou do not get a word-for-word account of your teen's time alone with the prescriber. | TeensWhat you say stays with your prescriber, unless someone's safety is at risk or the law requires us to share it. We tell you first. |
| Records | Parents and guardiansYou can ask to see your child's records. | TeensYour prescriber tells you what the records say and who can see them. |
| At 18 | Parents and guardiansConsent moves to your young adult. We plan it together at 17. | TeensYou decide who is in the room, what is shared and who handles the bills. |
How it works
From first message to 18
Step 1: First message
A parent or guardian writes. We ask for the child's age and the parent's contact, and nothing medical.
Step 2: First session
The rules are explained to both of you, then the visit starts.
Step 3: Each visit
Part of the visit is on your own for a teen. The plan is shared in writing with the parent.
Step 4: When something must be shared
If a teen's safety is at risk, or the law requires it, we tell the teen first, and share only what is needed.
Step 5: The year they turn 18
We talk through the handover with the family, and the young adult chooses what the parents see.
Questions
Questions about consent and privacy
Can you see my teen, and how does consent work?
A parent or legal guardian consents to a child's care and to each medicine, and takes part in the first session. Teens are asked what they think, and have time on their own at each visit. The consent page explains what stays private and what does not.
What is confidential, and what are the limits?
We keep your child's records private and share them only as the law allows. A teen's words stay with the prescriber unless someone's safety is at risk or the law requires us to share them, and we tell the teen first.
Can my teen come without me?
No. A parent or legal guardian takes part in the first session and consents to care. After that, your teen has time on their own at each visit.
Will you tell me everything my teen says?
No. We tell you what you need to carry out the plan, and we tell your teen what we are sharing. If safety is at risk, we share what is needed to keep your child safe.
Questions about consent?
Write to us, and we will explain how it works for your family before you book.