Romanian Senate rejects bill for adolescent psychological access

The Romanian Senate has rejected a legislative proposal that would allow 16-year-olds to seek psychological counseling without prior parental consent. The bill, introduced by USR parliamentarians and supported by 42 organizations including the National Students Council, aimed to enable minors to access mental health support from school counselors or private practitioners independently.

Under current regulations and the Code of Ethics adopted by the College of Psychologists in Romania, minors generally require parental consent for therapy. The ethics code specifically requires signatures from both parents, a requirement that can pose significant barriers for children in single-parent households or those with parents working abroad.

World Vision Romania has appealed to the Chamber of Deputies, the next deciding body, to adopt the measure. The organization argued that requiring parental consent can prevent adolescents in abusive, neglectful, or bullying environments from seeking help, especially when the family is the source of the trauma. The Senate vote resulted in 56 votes against the project, 18 in favor, and 15 abstentions.