PAP group calls for lower consent age of 18 for mental health services

Assessments, basic counselling should also be accessible without parental consent: MP

- Wong Yang

A new mental health group launched by the People's Action Party (PAP) on Oct 5 is pushing for the age of consent for mental health services to be lowered to 18. Certain services such as mental health assessments and basic counselling should also be made accessible without parental consent, said Ms Rachel Ong, an MP for West Coast GRC and co-chair of the workgroup.

"Presently, common law sets this age at 21, with some mental health providers requiring parental consent for those under 18. "But if our young people are deemed responsible enough to bear arms in national service and drive at the age of 18, then surely they should not be held back from accessing mental health services and taking charge of their well-being," she added.

Ms Ong said lowering the age of consent will help youth who might otherwise face parental resistance to mental health treatment due to stigma or worry about burdening their parents.

She added that interventions such as those requiring medication, hospitalisation and surgical procedures could still require parental consent.

Ms Ong was speaking at the PAP headquarters in New Upper Changi Road at the launch of the work-group by Education Minister and PAP assistant secretary-general Chan Chun Sing.