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Counselors obtain appropriate informed consent to therapy or…
Counselors obtain appropriate informed consent to therapy or related procedures and use language that is reasonably understandable to clients. When persons, due to age or mental status, are legally incapable of giving informed consent, marriage and family therapists obtain informed permission from a legally authorized person, if such substitute consent is legally permissible. The content of informed consent may vary depending upon the client and treatment plan; however, informed consent generally necessitates that the client is informed about; issues such as, but not limited to, the following: the purposes, goals, techniques, procedures, limitations, potential risks, and benefits of services; the counselor’s qualifications, credentials, relevant experience, and approach to counseling; continuation of services upon the incapacitation or death of the counselor; the role of technology; and other pertinent information. Counselors take steps to ensure that clients understand the implications of diagnosis and the intended use of tests and reports. Additionally, counselors inform clients about fees and billing arrangements, including procedures for nonpayment of fees. Clients have the right to confidentiality and to be provided with an explanation of its limits (including how supervisors and/or treatment or interdisciplinary team professionals are involved), to obtain clear information about their records, to participate in the ongoing counseling plans, and to refuse any services or modality changes and to be advised of the consequences of such refusal. (ACA Code of Ethics)
If the counselor is an associate or trainee, he or she must inform each client or patient prior to performing any professional services that he or she is unlicensed and under the supervision of a licensed professional approved by the State in which the associate or trainee plans to practice.
Marriage and family therapists obtain appropriate informed consent to therapy or related procedures and use language that is reasonably understandable to clients. When persons, due to age or mental status, are legally incapable of giving informed consent, marriage and family therapists obtain informed permission from a legally authorized person, if such substitute consent is legally permissible. The content of informed consent may vary depending upon the client and treatment plan; however, informed consent generally necessitates that the client: (a) has the capacity to consent; (b) has been adequately informed of significant information concerning treatment processes and procedures; (c) has been adequately informed of potential risks and benefits of treatments for which generally recognized standards do not yet exist; (d) has freely and without undue influence expressed consent; and (e) has provided consent that is appropriately documented. (AAMFT)
If the therapist is an associate or trainee, he or she must inform each client or patient prior to performing any professional services that he or she is unlicensed and under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed psychologist, or a licensed physician and surgeon certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, [and the contact information for the supervisor must also be provided]. (CAMFT)
This assignment is an opportunity for you to research “informed consent” agreements with a client in a private practice or public setting. You are required to search the internet for examples of informed consents for an Associate or Trainee specific to your counseling or therapy profession.
Discuss the importance of each of the following areas contained in the informed consents for an associate or trainee, that you viewed.
1. A general description of the counseling/therapy process, including benefits and possible difficulties.
2. Counselor/therapist qualifications including degrees, and status as trainee or associate under supervision.
3. Explain why contact information for your supervisor would be important.
4. Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality due to mandated reporting.
5. Confidentiality limits due to supervision.
6. Fees and cancellation policy.
7. Termination of counseling/therapy.
8. If you reside outside of the state of California, please also note and include any additional information required by your jurisdiction, and provide the link to those requirements.
