1. Talkspace - FAQs
  2. Subscriptions and Programs
  3. Teen

Teen

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  • Can a minor sign up for Talkspace?

    Yes! As of September 17, 2018, Talkspace has expanded its reach to include therapy for ages 13-17. We’re excited to extend our current services to this important population.

    We've considered all legal requirements to support this new offering. Each U.S. state has different requirements regarding what age necessitates parental consent to start therapy and whether the provider can disclose information to the parent/guardian without the adolescent’s consent. The vast majority of U.S. states require parental/guardian consent for a teen to enter into therapy and do not allow providers to share information with a teen client’s parent/guardian without an official authorization and signed release. All Talkspace providers have familiarized themselves with the rules of their respective states.

    There are specific exceptions to consent that vary by state, such as being an emancipated minor. If you believe that one of these exceptions might apply to you, please contact us at support@talkspace.com. 

  • I’m a parent/guardian of a teen interested in starting Talkspace therapy. How do I grant them consent?

    We’re so glad that your teen is interested in starting with Talkspace. If your teen is a minor in a state that requires parental/legal guardian consent for starting therapy, we require you to affirm your consent both via video message (verbally) and text message on the Talkspace app while in the presence of your teen. Our support team can provide more detail about the step-by-step requirements for this process within your initial consultation.

  • I’m the parent/guardian of a teen using Talkspace. Can I talk to my teen’s provider and access information about their progress?

    Yes, but keep in mind that the majority of U.S. states will require your teen to grant consent for their information to be shared with you. Due to HIPAA privacy concerns, we require any exchange of private information to happen via phone, therefore your teen will need to give their provider your name and phone number in order to discuss their treatment progress. 

    Your teen can also share their therapy room transcript directly with you if they feel comfortable, which eliminates the need for an official records request. If you have any questions about this process or the legal requirements therein, feel free to reach out to support@talkspace.com.