Hello sulky: I don't know as I have the answer to your question. Perhaps some other members may have some thoughts they can share. My personal perspective would be that perhaps the therapist feels there are things the child would talk about if the parents are not present. Not knowing the circumstances, that seems like a valid rationale to me. However laws do vary as well. And so, to some extent, your question may be one that should be addressed by knowledgeable individuals where you live... such as mental health professionals within your state's governmental mental health services system.

I noticed this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit. If you plan to continue on, here on PC, may I suggest you introduce yourself over on PC's New Member Introductions forum? Here's a link:

https://forums.psychcentral.com/new-...introductions/

Thanks for posting!