A 16-year-old minor, Sarah, comes to a counseling session and discloses that she has been drinking alcohol regularly. She demonstrates the capacity to understand the treatment
process and the potential risks involved. The counselor wants to provide treatment for her alcohol use and asks for her consent.
Which of the following is the most appropriate course of action for the human service professional in this situation?
The human service professional should proceed with treatment without parental consent, as Sarah has the capacity to consent to her treatment.
The human service professional should inform Sarah's parents and obtain their consent before proceeding with treatment, as Sarah is a minor.
The human service professional should explain the treatment options to Sarah and ensure she understands, but wait for parental consent before proceeding with any
treatment.
The human service professional should immediately refer Sarah to a treatment facility that only treats minors with parental consent.