As licensed mental health professionals, we are mandated reporters. This means that we must adhere to the following if a teen discloses abuse to me: A.R.S. § 13-3620 mandates that certain professionals report suspected child abuse to the proper authorities. Among these professionals are nurses, psychologists, social workers, counselors, school personnel or any other person having responsibility for the care or treatment of children.

Any person who reasonably believes that a minor is or has been the victim of physical injury, abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, sexual conduct with a minor, sexual assault, molestation, sexual exploitation of a minor, incest, child prostitution or neglect that appears to have been inflicted on the minor by other than accidental means shall immediately report this information, or cause reports to be made, to a peace officer or child protective services in the department of economic security.

Please refer to the statute for a complete list of offenses that must be reported.

Generally, if the suspected abuse is committed by a family member or legal guardian the report should be made to child protective services. All other reports should be made to law enforcement.