Youths seeking mental health support in Singapore often bypass parental consent due to familial stigma, navigating a system where practitioners face legal ambiguity. Observers recommend aligning consent protocols with a four-tier care model to allow adolescents under 18 to access low-risk counseling independently.
Sarah’s Route Around Stigma
When Sarah wanted to attend a mental health programme at Impart, she approached an adult former coworker to sign the consent form instead. She was worried that her parents’ bad impression of mental health issues would make things harder at home. Impart eventually facilitated a conversation with her parents and secured their consent for her to attend programmes focused on coping skills to manage emotions.
The Privacy Debate for Young Adults
Even youths with supportive parents may prefer to seek help privately.
“I found it helpful to work on myself first without their involvement,” he said. “Speaking to someone new also gave me an opportunity to start fresh, without feeling judged.”
Parental Perspectives on Early Access
“Wanting to be involved and insisting on being involved from the outset are two different things,” she added.
“Not every child has a safe adult, or adults who are able to support their distress,” Lim noted.
Proposals for Clearer Guidelines
Some practitioners worry about complaints from parents or potential legal liability if they provide support without consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some youths avoid asking their parents for consent to attend mental health programs?
Some adolescents worry about their parents’ negative impressions of mental health issues, fearing judgment, increased stress at home, or difficulty opening up about their struggles.
What exceptions do advocates suggest for youth privacy in mental health care?
Even advocates for complete privacy agree that parental notification or involvement remains necessary when self-harm risks, serious mental health deterioration, or other safety concerns arise.
How might the four-tier mental health care model change consent requirements?
Dr Kuek from SUSS recommends aligning consent protocols with this model to let youths under 18 access lower-risk services like basic counseling and screening without requiring parental sign-off.