Alaska Senate considers plan that would allow teens to independently seek mental health care

Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, speaks about Senate Bill 88, the Senate Majority’s new public employee pension proposal, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
To address a surge in mental health problems among young Alaskans, the Alaska Senate is considering whether to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to seek therapy without their parents’ permission.
On Wednesday, the Senate is scheduled to vote on Senate Bill 240, a proposal introduced by Gov. Mike Dunl