Navigating mental health problems in teens can be complicated, especially if the teen refuses treatment. The question is, can a teenager refuse mental health treatment? The answer is yes, and it can lead to a variety of negative consequences, such as:
- Worsening symptoms: The mental health condition may increase in severity
- Decline in academic performance: Problems with concentration, attending school, or finishing assignments
- Social withdrawal: Isolating oneself from family and friends leads to loneliness
- Increased risk of suicide or self-harm: Particularly in cases of severe depression or other serious conditions
- Substance abuse: Using alcohol or drugs to self-medicate
- Family disagreements: Increased stress and tension within the family
- Legal problems: Sometimes, behaviors linked to mental health conditions can lead to legal entanglements
- Long-term effects: Untreated mental health problems in adolescents can continue into adulthood, impacting overall well-being and life goals
Understanding Teen Mental Illness
Teen mental health includes a range of experiences, from positive emotional well-being to mental health disorders. Understanding these problems and providing support is essential for the overall well-being of the adolescent and a successful transition into adulthood.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between normal teenage mood swings and symptoms of a mental disorder. This highlights the importance of understanding the subtleties of adolescent development.
Identifying Mental Health Issues in Teenagers
Adolescence is an important period for developing emotional and social habits necessary for mental well-being. Supportive and protective environments in the family, school, and community are significant. Common mental health issues in teens include:
- Anxiety disorders: excessive fear and worries that interfere with daily activities
- Depression: Ongoing sadness and lack of interest in activities
- Eating disorders: Bulimia and anorexia can have serious emotional and physical consequences
- Substance Use Disorders (SUDs): Misuse and abuse of drugs and alcohol, leading to addiction
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity
Can a Teenager Refuse Mental Health Treatment?
Whether a teen can refuse treatment in Illinois depends on several issues, including the age of the minor, the type of teen mental health treatment, and the circumstances surrounding the need for treatment.
- Parental consent is usually necessary. As in most states, people under the age of 18 require the permission of a parent or guardian for medical care, including mental health treatment.
- Exceptions to parental consent. Illinois law includes exceptions where minors can consent to mental health treatment without parental involvement.
- The right to refuse admission. Illinois law gives minors aged 12 and older the right to refuse admission or continued hospitalization, in which case, the minor must be discharged within 15 days.
- Parent access to information. Parents or guardians have a right to receive information about a minor’s mental health condition, needs, and medication, even if the child is over 12. However, the minor’s right to authorize the release of their medical records remains, and parents can only access the documents if the minor agrees.
Parental Rights and Responsibilities
Parental rights and responsibilities regarding mental health treatment are complex. They must balance the parents’ role in guiding their child with the child’s right to privacy. Parents or legal guardians have the right and responsibility to give consent for the minor’s mental health treatment, particularly for long-term care, inpatient hospitalization, or medication.
Parents have a basic responsibility to ensure the well-being of their child. This includes getting mental health care when needed. They’re also expected to cooperate with treatment plans and are generally responsible for treatment costs, especially when they have given consent.
When Can a Teenager Refuse Mental Health Treatment?
The ability for a teen to refuse mental health treatment depends on their age and the specific type of treatment involved. Although parents have the right to consent to a minor child’s treatment in general, there are exceptions allowing teens to refuse treatment independently.
Minors aged 16 or older can admit themselves to a mental health facility. Minors aged 12 and older have the right to refuse admission to a mental health facility or refuse continued inpatient treatment. An objection should result in discharge within 15 days.
The “mature minor doctrine” allows a judge to decide if a minor is mature enough to consent to or refuse medical treatment, including mental health treatment. Clear evidence that the minor understands the consequences and can utilize adult judgment.
Reasons Teens Refuse Mental Health Treatment
Various factors can contribute to a refusal of teen mental health treatment:
- Denial/Lack of insight–The teen might not perceive or understand their mental health condition
- Stigma and fear–They may have concerns about being labeled, judged, or the stigma associated with mental illness
- Distrust–Negative experiences with therapy or healthcare professionals in the past, or a general distrust of adults
- Feeling overwhelmed–The thought of starting therapy or medication can be intimidating
- Loss of control–They resist the idea of someone “fixing” them
- Influence of peers–There may be pressure from friends who discourage getting help
- Misinformation–They have beliefs based on inaccurate information about treatment
What Should I Do If a Teen Refuses Treatment for Serious Mental Illness?
Parents or guardians can apply for an involuntary admission to a mental health facility if the minor is considered to have a serious mental illness or emotional disturbance that requires inpatient treatment and they are a risk to themselves or others.
Strategies for Parents and Guardians
Convincing a teen to agree to and participate in mental health treatment can be a delicate process. Here are some strategies parents and guardians can use to help get their teen into mental health treatment:
Create an open and safe environment
Normalize the conversation. It’s healthy and normal to discuss mental health, the same as with physical health. Getting help for a problem is a sign of strength.
- Encourage open conversations. Create a safe, non-judgmental place for the teen to express their emotions and thoughts.
- Listen actively. Be attentive to their concerns without interrupting or minimizing.
- Choose the right time and setting. Choose a time and place where you and your child are relaxed and free from distractions.
Start the conversation carefully
Show concern, not blame. Express love and concern, concentrating on the changes or behaviors you’ve noticed rather than labeling them.
- Use “I” statements. Use “I” statements like “I’m worried about how you feel,” and “I want to make sure you have the support you need.”
- Explain what therapy is. Describe it in a developmentally appropriate way, such as a safe place to talk to someone trained to help.
- Discuss their fears and concerns. They may be anxious about being judged or have doubts about the effectiveness of therapy.
- Emphasize choice. Make it clear that the decision is theirs, but you are there to support them either way.
Involve your teen in the decision. This increases their willingness to go.
- Consider different options. Explore different therapy approaches and talk about what might appeal to them more.
- Get recommendations. Ask for referrals from the pediatrician, family doctor, school counselors, or people you know who had a positive experience in treatment.
- Be patient and respect their process. It may take time for the teen to open up and see results.
- Provide ongoing support. Continue to check in with your teen and offer support throughout their therapy journey.
- Be firm if necessary, but don’t push. In cases where therapy is essential for their safety, it may be necessary to firmly explain that getting help is not negotiable.
- Set a good example. Model healthy copy mechanisms and self-care.
- Support the therapists. Work with the therapists to create a supportive home environment.
- School counselors can be the support you need to connect with local mental health professionals.
- Family therapy sessions together are often a good beginning.
- Crisis resources. In cases of suicidal thoughts or imminent danger, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
We’re Committed to Helping Your Teen Receive the Care They Need
Northern Illinois Recovery Center (NIRC) is dedicated to offering the appropriate treatment for your teen, and we know you are too. Our young adult rehab center provides a safe, supportive environment for teens to manage their mental health issues. Mental health care for adolescents is crucial because it substantially affects their overall well-being, development, and success in the future.
We can provide a customized program including family therapy, because we know that mental illness affects the roles of all family members. Our teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a way for your child to receive the professional help they need, but with a schedule that won’t disrupt the daily activities of the teen and their family. If your teen has been using drugs or alcohol to cope with their condition, we also have a dual diagnosis program if the substance use has become serious.
You know that there is no good reason to hesitate. NIRC’s admissions specialists are ready and happy to answer any questions. Contact us today.
