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If a minor who is 13 is mature enough to consent to treatment and has a good relationship with parents, what should the therapist do first?

1) Discuss the situation with the minor's parents
2) Seek legal advice
3) Respect the minor's decision and provide treatment
4) Refer the minor to another therapist

User KiKMak
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Final answer:

The decision-making process for a therapist treating a 13-year-old minor involves considering ethical and legal standards, possibly discussing the situation with the minor, and determining whether parental consent is legally required for treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a therapist is treating a 13-year-old minor who is mature enough to consent to treatment and has a good relationship with their parents, it is important to navigate the ethical and legal considerations carefully. An important first step would be to discuss the situation with the minor, emphasizing the importance and value of parental involvement while also respecting the minor's request for confidentiality. Since the law often requires parental consent for a minor to receive treatment, except in certain situations like sexual health, substance abuse, or mental health services in some jurisdictions, the therapist may need to determine the legal requirements in their specific location. If the minor's well-being and privacy can be safeguarded without parental consent under the law, respecting the minor's decision and providing treatment could be an option. Otherwise, the therapist should explore a strategy with the minor on how to involve their parents in a way that is sensitive to the minor's concerns and preferences.

User Soto
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