Should Texas Therapists Stop Treating Kids? Texas SB14, Gender-Affirming Care, and the Risks for Therapists

Should Texas Therapists Stop Treating Kids? Texas SB14, Gender-Affirming Care, and the Risks for Therapists

In this episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy discuss a new interpretation of Texas SB14 that may place therapists at risk for providing gender-affirming care to trans youth. They explore how a recent opinion from the Texas Attorney General could broaden the law’s reach beyond medical providers to include mental health professionals.

Curt and Katie break down what this interpretation could mean for therapists working with minors, including possible risks related to licensure, malpractice coverage, mandated reporting, and criminal liability. They also discuss the ethical tension between evidence-based care and compliance with state law, and the difficult decisions clinicians may face when considering whether to continue working with kids.

Key Takeaways:

• A new interpretation of Texas SB14 may include mental health professionals as part of the “healthcare pipeline” facilitating gender transition for minors.

• The legal term “facilitating” could potentially include referrals, letters, or even supportive therapy conversations.

• Therapists may face risks related to licensure complaints, malpractice coverage exclusions, or legal consequences if their care is interpreted as supporting gender transition.

• Mandated child abuse reporting requirements could create additional legal and ethical concerns.

• Clinicians may need to assess their personal risk tolerance when deciding whether to continue working with minors.

Full show notes and additional resources will be available at:
mtsgpodcast.com

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Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits

Voice Over by DW McCann
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Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano
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