At the beginning of 2018 Vermont passed a new law enabling minors to seek mental health treatment without needing a parent’s consent.
Consent by minors for mental health treatment
A minor may give consent to receive any legally authorized outpatient treatment from a mental health professional, as defined in section 7101 of this title. Consent under this section shall not be subject to disaffirmance due to minority of the person consenting. The consent of a parent or legal guardian shall not be necessary to authorize outpatient treatment. As used in this section, “outpatient treatment” means psychotherapy and other counseling services that are supportive, but not prescription drugs. (Added 2017, No. 35, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2018.) https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/196/08350
Accessing Therapy without Health Insurance
Accessing therapy may be hard but can be even harder for teens without health insurance. Here are some tips for accessing therapy for teens without health insurance found on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website
In-School Services
If you are in high school or college check with the school psychologist or counseling center/health center. High school students with Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may be eligible for free therapeutic services.
Sliding Fee Scale
Some therapy providers offer a sliding fee scale to make counseling more affordable.
Free Services
Some therapy services that may be connected to churches or other community organizations may offer free services to children, teens, adults and families. It is best practice to always ask if the provider holds a clinical license (https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/June-2018/4-Ways-Teens-Can-Access-Therapy-Without-Health-Ins)
For more information on NAMI the website is www.nami.org the helpline is 800-950-6264 they can also be reached at info@nami.org or text the helpline at 741741
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