In Wisconsin, children ages 14 years and above are allowed to make their own mental health decisions, including the decision to refuse care. Parents are only allowed to participate if their child approves. This can be challenging if a mental illness emerges in the late teens, as many do. Parents can be left out of all interaction if the child refuses to let them be involved.
Parents can file a Chapter 51 to subject their child to care without consent, but this requires that the child presents a threat to themselves or others. Another option is Chapter 52, which allows the child, when in a calm state to designate their parents or other designee to be a part of treatment plan.
Mental Health Care
Catalpa Health
Collaboration between Ascension Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin and ThedaCare to provide mental health care access to children and teens in the Fox Cities area. Catalpa Clinics are located in Appleton, Oshkosh, and Waupaca. Catalpa has a …
Craig Yabuki Mental Health Walk-in Clinic
The Craig Yabuki Mental Health Walk-in Clinic provides same-day care for children and teens (ages 5-18) experiencing urgent mental health issues. The clinic is designed to offer an alternative to traditional urgent care and emergency …
Navigation
Well Badger Children’s Mental and Behavioral Health Resource Navigator
A free, online, anonymous tool to help caregivers navigate resources for mental or behavioral health concerns for children under 21 years of age.
How to Seek Help – National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Alliance on Mental Illness guidance for young adults (ages 14 -26 years) seeking mental health support.
Understanding Health Insurance – National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Alliance on Mental Illness guidance on health insurance for young adults (ages 14 -26 years) seeking mental health support.
Resources
Clients Rights: Minors, Records – WI Department of Health Services
Information from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on the rules on parent/guardian access the treatment records of a minor.
Confidential Information Release Authorization – WI Department of Health Services
Confidential information release authorization forms from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Available in English, Spanish, Burmese, Hmong, and Russian.
Up to Me
Up to Me trains young adults about how to disclose their mental illness. Up to Me seeks to replace self-stigma that some who have faced trauma, mental illness, suicide attempts and/or other challenges with beliefs …