Parents or legal guardians of the minor patient:

• A parent or legal guardian of a minor patient is defined as a person with legal custody of the minor patient who has the authority to make decisions regarding the minor patient’s care. Legal guardianship is assigned by a court, such as family court, according to state laws.

• Must provide informed consent for any minor receiving care.

• Must be present in session to receive information about care in order to provide consent.

• Must be present at the minor patient’s first appointment to receive informed consent and be granted full parental/legal guardian status in regard to the minor’s care, per policies and procedures specific to Vallis Mental Health.

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Authorized participants of the minor patient:

• An authorized participant of the minor patient is defined as a person with relational connections to the minor patient who has been authorized by a parent or legal guardian to participate in the minor patient’s treatment.

• Authorized participants will be granted authority, via a Release of Information, from a parent or legal guardian, to participate in the minor patient’s care in the following ways:

  • ​The ability to bring minor patients to appointments

  • The ability to pick up minor patients from appointments

  • The ability to schedule and reschedule appointments for the minor patient

  • The permission to have appropriate knowledge about the minor patient’s treatment

  • The permission to be present in an appointment of the minor patient as long as:

    1. A parent or legal guardian is present in the session

    2. In the case of an emergency

 

A parent, legal guardian, or authorized participant must remain on Vallis Mental Health premises (in the lobby, in the parking lot) throughout the duration of the minor’s session.

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Telehealth sessions are offered for minor patients under the following circumstances:

1. The first session must be attended in person

2. The therapist must determine the telehealth modality is appropriate for the minor patient