Lowers age at which minors can consent to behavioral health care treatment from age 16 to age 14.

S 1188 lowers the age at which minors in New Jersey can consent to behavioral health care for mental illness or emotional disorders from 16 to 14 years old. Minors aged 14 or older may now authorize temporary outpatient mental health treatment (excluding medication) without parental consent, under licensed professionals like psychologists or social workers. The consent is confidential and cannot be later challenged due to the minor’s age. This change directly affects adolescents seeking mental health services in New Jersey, expanding their autonomy for outpatient care.