How long must records be retained after terminating therapy with a minor?

• A. 5 years
• B. 7 years
• C. 10 years
• D. Indefinitely

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is that records must be retained for 10 years after terminating therapy with a minor. This retention period is established to ensure that adequate documentation is available for future reference, which can be crucial for any ongoing or future legal, clinical, or insurance matters that may arise.

In many jurisdictions, the requirement for retaining records of minors is typically linked to the age of majority. Since most states consider individuals to be legal adults at age 18, therapists are required to retain records for a specified period past this age to account for any potential needs that may arise relating to the treatment. Keeping records for 10 years provides ample time to safeguard against issues that may surface later in adulthood, such as questions regarding past treatments, diagnoses, or evidence of care provided.

This approach is aligned with the standards of care and legal obligations to ensure that former clients, especially minors, have access to their therapeutic history if needed in the future. By maintaining these records, mental health professionals are also demonstrating their commitment to ethical practice and the protection of client rights.