A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner is employed on an acute inpatient psychiatric unit for adolescents. At a family visit for a 16-year-old girl, two women request to come in as the child's "mothers." What should the PMHNP do in this situation?

Choice A reason: Restricting visitation to only the biological mother is inappropriate, disregards family dynamics, and may harm the therapeutic relationship. Choice B reason: While legal parent status is important, excluding one parent from the session is not aligned with family-centered care, especially when both caregivers function as parents. Choice C reason: Accepting both women as parents acknowledges the child’s family structure, supports family engagement in treatment, and promotes inclusive, evidence-based family therapy practices. Choice D reason: Sneaking a parent into the session is unethical and unsafe, violating hospital rules and professional standards.