B.C. has released guidelines for physicians treating those under 19 with a combination of mental health and substance use issues, stipulating that physicians should contact the youth’s parents.
The guidelines were released on Dec. 5 and include direction for physicians to notify parents and have the youth involuntarily detained if they are unable or unwilling to seek help on their own.
Earlier this year, the province released guidelines for involuntary treatment for adults, which clarifies for physicians when involuntary treatment is appropriate.
Both sets of guidelines were created by Dr. Daniel Vigo, B.C.’s first chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs, and concurrent disorders….