Opt-In for School Counseling & Mental Health Services
Under Alabama law, as of October 1, 2025, no student under the age of sixteen may participate in ongoing school counseling services including, but not limited to, mental health services, unless (1) the student’s parent or legal guardian has submitted a written opt-in granting permission for the student to participate or (2) there is an imminent threat to the health of the student or others.
Therefore, if your child is under sixteen, they will only be allowed to participate in the aforementioned services if you opt-in. If you would like the school system to be able to offer and/or provide services to your child, ages 16 or younger, you must opt-in for each individual service listed for them to participate in that service.
Even if you do not opt-in to mental health services, your child may be provided mental health services if there is an imminent threat to their health or others. School employees may determine in their discretion whether such an imminent threat exists and provide any mental health services they deem necessary under the circumstances.