Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What must therapists obtain when working with minors in therapy?

1. Written consent from the client

2. Verbal agreement from the minor

3. Consent from a parent or guardian

4. A signed waiver form

The correct answer is: Consent from a parent or guardian

When therapists work with minors in therapy, it is essential to obtain consent from a parent or guardian because minors are not legally able to provide informed consent on their own. The legal framework surrounding therapy with minors recognizes that parents or guardians typically have the authority to make decisions on behalf of their children, particularly in areas related to health care and mental health treatment. This requirement serves to protect the rights of minors while ensuring that parents or guardians are involved in critical decisions affecting their child's well-being. It allows for a collaborative approach to the minor's treatment, aligning with ethical practices that prioritize the best interest of the child. While written consent from the client, verbal agreements from the minor, or signed waivers might be relevant in different contexts or situations, they do not fulfill the legal obligation that therapists have to secure the consent of a responsible adult when providing therapy to a minor. Understanding this requirement is crucial for therapists to navigate legal and ethical standards in their practice effectively.