It's clear that Camila, in flatly refusing to participate in much needed group therapy/counseling with her bandmates exhibited a research-based phenomenon known as "therapy refusal."
Dr. Steve Pantilat of the University of California believes that some, well-informed patients have the right to refuse therapy, but that there are instances in which a therapist must override a patient's refusal of therapy:
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Are there any exceptions to the rule of accepting a patient’s refusal of treatment?
Yes, exceptions may arise if the physician must protect a vulnerable third party. In this case, the duty to protect a third party from harm overrides the duty to accept the patient’s refusal of treatment.
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http://missinglink.ucsf.edu/lm/ethic...tx_refusal.htm
On the other hand, Pamela Hallquist Viale - also of the University of California - generally believes those who "lack the maturity to make the decision" cannot refuse therapy, and that professionals are required to provide it.
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If an adult patient chose to make the above decision rather than undergoing traditional, evidence-based care, I would educate, counsel, and cajole, but I would ultimately respect the adult patient’s choice. However, when an adolescent makes that choice, I have to side with the Connecticut Supreme Court: Cassandra lacks the maturity to make such a decision.
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4601889/
Was it justified for the licensed therapist/counselor to allow Camila to refuse therapy? Did she have the maturity required to make such a consequential choice? Please review the literature and let us know what you think.
