24-305 Restrictions Removed for Minors' Access to Mental Health Treatment
Date: 06/28/24
Amendments to §6924 of the Family Code removes need for parental consent requirement for mental health treatment
Assembly Bill (AB) 665 will align existing laws which allow minors ages 12 and over to consent to mental health treatment or counseling on an outpatient basis, or to residential shelter services.
Effective July 1, 2024, AB 665 removes additional requirements via amendments to §6924 of the Family Code, allowing minors to consent to mental health treatment or counseling without the need to demonstrate they are at risk of serious physical or mental harm to themselves or others, or victims of alleged abuse.
Additionally, mental health professionals can now consult with minors before involving their parents or guardians if they believe it's inappropriate to do so.
Expanded definition of mental health professional
§6924 of the Family Code extends the definition of “mental health professional” to include:
- A registered psychologist.
- A registered psychological assistant.
- A psychological trainee.
- An associate clinical social worker.
- A social work intern.
- A clinical counselor trainee working under the supervision of a licensed professional.
- A board-certified psychiatrist to the definition of professional person for these purposes.
Additional information
For additional details on AB 665, please refer to the following link:
Relevant sections of the provider operations manuals and Behavioral Health Provider Operations Manual have been revised to reflect the information contained in this update as applicable. Provider operations manuals are available electronically in the Provider Library on the provider portal.
Providers are encouraged to access the provider portal for real-time information, including eligibility verification, claims status, prior authorization status, plan summaries, and more.
If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact CalViva Health at 888-893-1569. Behavioral Health providers can call at 844-966-0298.
This information applies to Physicians, Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Hospitals, Ancillary Providers, Community Supports (CS) Providers, Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Providers, and Behavioral Health Providers.
This information applies to Medi-Cal in Fresno, Kings and Madera counties.