KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Many teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 are often unaware of their rights concerning mental and physical health care in the State of Illinois. These rights, which allow you to seek certain types of medical assistance independently, can vary significantly depending on the state in which you reside. Understanding and being informed about these rights is crucial, as it empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

A minor is someone younger than the age of eighteen (18) in the United States.

Confidentiality is something you have. It means that what you talk about with your therapist stays private. They won’t tell anyone else.

Minors may consent to any medical treatment if they are emancipated (by a court), married, a parent, or pregnant.

Specifically Regarding Mental Health

405 ILCS 5/Mental Health & Development Disabilities Code

  • Teens ages twelve (12) to sixteen (16) can consent to eight (8) ninety (90)-minute sessions without parental notification.

  • Those ages seventeen (17) and older have no limit on the number of sessions they can attend without parental notification.

    • YOUR PARENTS DO NOT HAVE TO KNOW YOU ARE IN THERAPY.

  • Those sixteen (16) or older can admit themselves into the hospital without parental consent, however, immediate parental notification is required.

  • Forced admission by a parent or guardian is possible, however, those twelve (12) or older can object and be released within fifteen (15) business days.

Specifically Regarding Therapists

  • The information you tell a therapist is confidential and they cannot tell anyone else.

    • They can only break confidentiality if you present a threat or harm to yourself or others.

Specifically Regarding Substance Abuse

410 ILCS 210/4& 5 Consent by Minors to Medical Procedure Act

  • If you are twelve (12) or older, you do not need parental consent for hospital or therapy treatment regarding addiction, etc.

  • Family involvement or release of information is only allowed with your consent.

Specifically Regarding Sexual Health

410 ILCS 210/Consent by Minors to Medical Procedure Act

  • If a minor (>18) is married, pregnant, or married, they do not need parental consent for general healthcare, however, parental consent is required if you do not meet those qualifications.

  • No parental consent is required for over-the-counter pregnancy testing.

  • Parental / guardian consent is required for all minors (>18) to get the HPV vaccine.

  • No parental/guardian consent is needed to access STI/HIV testing and treatment for minors twelve (12) and older.

750 ILCS 5/601, 602,607 / Uniform Child Custody Act

  • If you are pregnant in the State of Illinois, you have full adult legal rights regarding your pregnancy, even when under the legal adult age of eighteen (18).

External: 21 CFR 884.5300 and 884.5310. Internal: 83 FR 48711

  • No parental consent is needed for barrier methods or condoms. You may purchase condoms or receive them from a local health center.

FDA Approval

  • Plan B One-Step and generic one-pill levonorgestrel are available over the counter without parental/guardian consent or a prescription. Other “birth control” treatments may require parental consent.

    *Disclaimer: This page serves as a guide only and does not constitute a legal document. CHaSE Light assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or applicability of any legal terms, matters, or statements listed above.

DuPage County Mental Health Resources

DuPage County offers mental health resources, including a 24/7 crisis helpline, counseling, and support groups through the DuPage County Health Department and partners like NAMI DuPage. Services are available for all ages and include programs for crisis support, substance abuse treatment, and access for uninsured residents.

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood in Illinois is a health organization that provides affordable and confidential reproductive and general health services to people across the state. With several health centers in Illinois, Planned Parenthood offers services such as birth control, STI testing, cancer screenings, pregnancy testing, and health education. Many of its services are low-cost or free, especially for those without insurance, and are available to individuals of all ages.

 FAQs

  • All therapist clinics in Illinois are supposed to follow this law. However, you can contact CHaSE Light for confirmation via email or Remind.

  • You can get tested at your local Planned Parenthood health center, a doctor’s office, and health clinics. You can also pick up a self testing kit.

  • Teens have the right to confidential reproductive healthcare services, including emergency contraception. Politely ask the front desk worker, pharmacist, doctor, etc. for the item you’re looking for. Everyone is eligible for emergency contraception items.

  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act: Law that protects your medical information, making sure that doctors and providers keep your information safe. You are in control of your medical information.

  • Do not hesitate to contact CHaSE Light via Remind or email. We will get back to you with an answer to your question. We are more than happy to help.

Always protect your rights.