I am trying to find information on the requirements for parental consent/authorization for treatment of a minor child to receive clinical counseling services. I am a clinical social worker working in a college scholarship program as the mental health counselor. Several of my clients are minors. All students are required to meet with me at least twice a year. Do you know what needs to be included in the consent form, or where I can obtain this information? I live in California. I'm sure this would be useful for people in other states as well. Do you happen to know if there is a directory for national or state to state requirements?    Dr. Pies' Answer

I have heard that some people simply don't benefit from therapy. I wonder if I am one of them. I was in therapy for 12 years with several different therapists. I don't feel that I benefited from it in any way. After staying out of therapy for three years, I definitely feel better. But there is often this gnawing urge to go back in, even though the thought of going back into therapy also makes me feel kind of sick. I think the issue is that I have the same problems that drove me into therapy in the first place, so there is always this hope somewhere in the back of my mind that maybe this time it will actually work. How do I know if I am incurable?    Dr. Pies' Answer