Teen Psychiatric Hospitalization:
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Commitment

Admission to a mental health ward may be recommended if a teen is considered a danger to themself or others. Consent is something that legally comes into play when hospitalizing teens for psychiatric care. And that’s where teen voluntary vs. involuntary psychiatric care matters.

Voluntary admission of a teen comes in two forms:

Voluntary Admission With Parental Consent

Parental consent for teen psychiatric hospitalization is required in most states before treating patients under the age of 18. This is documented in a column appearing in the Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience Journal and published by the National Library of Medicine.³

Voluntary Admission With a Teen’s Informed Consent (Depending on Age and State Law)

In some states, minors 14 years old or older can decide to enter psychiatric treatment on their own. They can consent to psychiatric care without consulting their parents. Of course, each state has its own set of laws, and these are usually based on the teen’s age, their level of maturity, and what treatment they require.

In some instances, if the state decides that the minor is competent and has a full understanding of the treatment, they’ll likely be allowed to admit themselves for treatment. However, in some states, parental or guardian consent remains mandatory, regardless of the minor’s age or willingness. 

Here’s a brief overview of the laws relevant to the states where Mission Prep facilities for teens are available: 

• California: Minors aged 12 or older can consent to outpatient mental health services if they are mature enough to participate intelligently and meet certain criteria.⁴

• Virginia: Minors aged 14 or older may be admitted to a mental health facility for inpatient treatment upon the joint application and consent of the minor and the minor’s parent.⁵