What type of consent is essential for a psychologist when working with minors?

In the context of working with minors, consent from a parent or legal guardian is essential because minors typically do not have the legal capacity to provide informed consent on their own. This requirement is grounded in the understanding that parents or guardians are responsible for making healthcare decisions on behalf of their children, including psychological services. As a result, a psychologist must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian before initiating treatment with a minor.

This legal framework seeks to protect the rights and welfare of children, ensuring that any psychological interventions are authorized by those who have the authority to make decisions for them. Moreover, this process also helps ensure that the risks and benefits of treatment are clearly communicated and understood by the individual who is legally able to consent for the minor.

Verbal consent from the child alone is not sufficient, as minors may not possess the maturity or understanding required to make fully informed decisions about their mental health care. Similarly, consent from a social worker is not appropriate; while social workers may be involved in a minor’s care, they do not hold the same legal authority as a parent or legal guardian regarding consent for psychological treatments. Lastly, no consent being necessary would contradict legal and ethical standards established to protect minors in therapeutic contexts.