NOTE: If you're interested in using Talkspace Go, our self-guided app, parental consent isn't required to sign up.
Understanding Parental Consent for Talkspace Therapy
If you're under 13, you're not eligible to use Talkspace services.
If you're between the ages of 13 and 17, parental consent may be required before you can begin working with a Talkspace provider.
Parental consent is simply needing a parent or guardian to give their permission before you can work with a Talkspace provider. There are times when this is needed and times when you can get therapy without this permission. You can find more information under the Consent regulations by state section.
If your parent or guardian does have to give their permission, we'll confirm whether they're OK with you meeting with a Talkspace provider. You can find out more about the process here: Providing Consent for Treatment for Minors.
It is important to know that getting your parent or guardian's permission doesn't mean they get information about what you and your Talkspace provider talk about. Your parent or guardian won't see your messages with your Talkspace provider. In fact, your Talkspace provider will ask for your permission before talking to your parents or guardians about you.
Consent regulations by state
Below, you'll find consent information for teen clients in different states. If your state isn't listed and you wish to know the requirements before speaking with a Talkspace provider, you're welcome to contact privacy@talkspace.com for assistance. For general questions about teen therapy, visit Teen Therapy at Talkspace: What parents/guardians and teens should know.
In Maryland:
- If you're over the age of 13, you don't need your parent or guardian’s permission to receive mental health treatment. However, you must be 16 or older to receive prescription medications.
- If you're a teen who is married or is a parent to a child, you don't need your parent or guardian's permission for treatment regardless of your age.
Talkspace providers are familiar with the laws and regulations in their respective states. Our Talkspace’s Chief Medical Officer is licensed in MD and provides oversight of our providers' understanding of consent requirements.
You can learn more about Maryland laws on teen consent here. If you have questions about these rules, you can email us at privacy@talkspace.com.
In New York State, if you're under the age of 18 and want to use Talkspace, you may need your parent or guardian's permission; however, there are situations where you may not need permission:
- If you're legally independent from your parents or guardians (emancipated) OR
- If you're a parent yourself.
If you're under 18 and can't get your parent's permission for any of the reasons below, Talkspace can connect you with a provider to talk about your concerns and help determine if New York laws will allow you to get therapy without your parent's permission.
- Your parent or guardian isn't available OR
- Involving your parents could be harmful to you OR
- Your parents said no, but you feel that you really need therapy.
You can learn more about New York laws on teen consent here. If you have questions about these rules, you can email us at nycteenspace@talkspace.com.
In North Carolina:
- If you are 13 or over, you don't need your parent or guardian’s permission to receive mental health treatment from Talkspace.
- If you're a teen who is homeless, you can receive care at any age without your parent or guardian’s consent. Talkspace providers are familiar with the laws and regulations in their respective states.
Our Talkspace’s Chief Medical Officer is licensed in NC and provides oversight of our providers' understanding of consent requirements.
You can learn more about North Carolina laws on teen consent here. If you have questions about these rules, you can email us at privacy@talkspace.com.
In Pennsylvania, if you're 14 years of age or older, you don't need your parent or guardian’s permission to receive mental health treatment. If inpatient services are needed, you must provide written consent of understanding.
Talkspace providers are familiar with the laws and regulations in their respective states. Our Talkspace’s Chief Medical Officer is licensed in PA and provides oversight of our providers' understanding of consent requirements.
You can learn more about Pennsylvania laws on teen consent here. If you're in Pennsylvania and have questions about these rules, please contact privacy@talkspace.com for assistance.
In Washington State:
- If you're age of 13 or over, you don't need your parent or guardian’s permission to receive mental health treatment from Talkspace.
- If you're a teen who is homeless, you can receive care at any age without your parent or guardian’s consent.
Talkspace providers are familiar with the laws and regulations in their respective states. Our Talkspace’s Chief Medical Officer is licensed in WA and provides oversight of our providers' understanding of consent requirements.
You can learn more about Washington State laws on teen consent here. If you have questions about these rules, email us at privacy@talkspace.com.