I just found out my child is in therapy. What are my rights?

Your child is taking part in counselling, and their willingness to engage is a real strength. Showing up, talking with a counsellor and exploring what's happening for them takes courage, at any age.

You keep parental responsibility for your child, including after separation. But one parent's consent is enough for therapy for a child aged 12 and under, and teenagers aged 13 to 17 can start counselling on their own. You still have an important role in supporting your child.

At a glance

What are my rights as a parent?

• Parental responsibility: Each parent has parental responsibility for a child under 18. It continues after separation or divorce.
• Court orders: Parenting orders can change how decisions about your child are made. Where orders exist, they take priority.
• Joint decisions: Parents are encouraged to talk together about major decisions, such as health. The law only requires a joint decision when a court order says so.

Can the other parent take my child to therapy without me?

Children aged 12 and under

• Parent consent: Yes. One parent's consent is enough for counselling to begin, unless a court order requires something different.
• Your child's participation: Counselling for younger children is play-based, so they can take part in a way that feels natural to them.

Teenagers aged 13 to 17

• Their choice: Your teen can start counselling without either parent's consent. It goes ahead with their own agreement.
• The law: Australian law recognises that a young person who understands what counselling involves can make this decision for themselves.

Can I stop my child's counselling?

• Your objection: One parent's objection doesn't cancel the other parent's consent, unless a court order says so.
• If you can't agree: You can seek advice from a family lawyer, or apply to the Family Court of Western Australia for parenting orders.
• How the court decides: The court makes decisions based on the child's best interests, and considers the child's views.

Why wasn't I told about my child's therapy?

It's reasonable to want to know when your child starts counselling. These are the most common reasons a parent isn't told:

• The other parent arranged it: Parents are encouraged to tell each other about health decisions. The law only requires it when a court order says so.
• Your teen chose it: A teenager can start counselling on their own, and their privacy is respected.
• We work with one named contact: Appointment details go to the parent or guardian named at intake. That parent decides whether to share them. We don't contact the other parent unless your child agrees to it.

Can I share my concerns with the counsellor?

Yes. You know your child well, and your perspective is valued.

• Contact us: You're welcome to share concerns or information you think could help your child's counselling.
• What to expect: Your child's privacy still applies, so we won't share what your child says in session in return.
• For teenagers: There are no routine parent sessions. A parent or family appointment is arranged only if your teen asks for one.

Can I see my child's counselling records?

Your child's counselling records are released through a subpoena. A family lawyer can explain how this process works.

How is my child's privacy protected?

Counselling works best when your child feels safe to talk openly.

• Session content: What your child shares in session isn't passed on to either parent without their consent.
• Younger children: Where a child isn't yet able to give that consent, their counsellor uses clinical judgement, in consultation with parents, guided by the child's best interests.
• Limits to privacy: If someone is at risk of serious harm, or the law requires it, the information needed to restore safety is shared with your child's identified safe person and, where required, the appropriate authorities.
• Court proceedings: We don't write reports for court or take sides in parenting disputes, so the focus stays on your child.

How can I support my child?

• Acknowledge their courage: Let your child know you see the effort they're putting into counselling.
• Respect their space: Let them share as much or as little as they choose, when they're ready.
• Keep adult matters between adults: Your child doesn't need to explain or defend decisions about their counselling.
• Stay focused on their needs: Whatever brought them to counselling is still the priority.
• Share what you notice: If you see changes at home or at school, or you're worried about their safety, let us know.
• Look after yourself: Our Parent Support service gives you a space of your own to stay connected with your child.

Practical steps

• Send court orders: If there are parenting orders or a parenting plan, please send us a copy.
• Ask your questions: Contact us to talk through how consent and privacy work for your family.
• Get legal advice: If you disagree about counselling, a family lawyer can explain your options.

This page is general information only and isn't legal advice. For advice about your situation, speak with a family lawyer.