For parents and teens
Consent and confidentiality for children and teens
Written from the practice's own policy in plain words. Each clinician follows Tennessee law and their licensing board's rules.
Who consents
A parent or legal guardian gives consent before the first session for every child and teen we see. Tennessee law sets out when a teen may consent alone. If you have questions about that, your clinician explains it in plain words, and we involve a parent in every child's care.
What stays private
What your child says stays between them and their clinician. We explain the limits in writing before the first session: when someone's safety is at risk, when the law requires a report, and when a court orders records.
What parents are told
Parents get updates on the plan, how the week looks and what to try at home. Not what was said. If a clinician is worried about your child's safety, they tell you.
What the school is told
Nothing, unless you sign a release that names the school, the person and what we may say. School letters has our policy.
Separated or divorced parents
We ask who has the legal right to consent and ask for the order if there is one. We don't take a side, and we don't evaluate custody.
Questions about consent?
Ask when you call. We'll explain how it works for your family before the first session.