In general, can a minor child’s doctor share information with the parent regarding the child’s mental health treatment?

• A. Yes. A parent is usually the minor’s personal representative and may receive information, subject to exceptions.
• B. No. Parents cannot access any information.
• C. Yes, but only with the minor’s explicit consent.
• D. Only if a court orders.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that parents are typically considered the minor’s personal representative for health care. This means a clinician can share information about the child’s mental health treatment with the parent to help coordinate care, ensure safety, and handle payment. It’s the default approach because parents are responsible for the well-being of the minor and need access to information to support that role.

However, there are important exceptions. Some mental health services are protected to preserve a minor’s privacy or encourage honest, ongoing participation in treatment. State laws and, in some cases, court orders may limit what can be disclosed to a parent without the minor’s consent. Clinicians also weigh the minor’s safety and maturity; if sharing would put the minor at risk or undermine care, they may withhold certain information or involve the minor in the disclosure decisions. So, the answer reflects that sharing is generally allowed, but not guaranteed in all situations.