Informed consent in counseling is a process where a therapist provides a client with all the necessary information about their counseling process including - treatment expectations, confidentiality (and their limits), risks, benefits, alternatives, and much more. The consent form allows the client to make an educated decision about whether to proceed with the counseling process before it begins and what to expect along the way. Click here to see what one looks like in our private practice paperwork bundle!
An example of informed consent in counseling is a written document that both the client and therapist sign before starting any type of treatment. The informed consent document should also be used during the first session as part of a conversation where the therapist explains the treatment process, confidentiality limits, and the client’s rights. This process is crucial for establishing trust and ensuring that clients fully understand what to expect from therapy.
What is the Importance of Informed Consent in Counseling?
Informed consent in counseling is not just a legal requirement but also a foundational aspect of ethical therapy practice. It empowers clients by giving them control over their treatment choices and helps them feel more secure in the therapeutic relationship. Without informed consent, clients might not fully understand their rights or the potential risks involved, which can lead to misunderstandings or even harm.
Using a therapy consent form template can be a practical way to ensure that all essential elements are covered. If you are providing both in-person and telehealth services or just telehealth you need to protect yourself and clients with an informed consent form that covers all aspects.
Can I Make My Own Consent Forms?
Although you can make your own consent forms for therapy, there are certain things you should consider.
Informed consents are legal documents that also incorporate mental health professionals ethics. If you decide to create it, do it with the guidance of an attorney. Attorney fees for creating documents can be expensive.
As private practice therapists, we understand that using a mental health consent form template can be an effective way to ensure that all the essential elements of informed consent are addressed, not to mention it being much more cost-efficient if the template has been reviewed and approved by an attorney.
There are numerous resources available online where you can find either guidance on the structure of therapy consent forms and telehealth consent forms or download a therapy consent form, sometimes for free. These templates should be customizable to meet the unique needs of your practice, allowing you to create consent forms that are comprehensive and specific to your clientele.
However, it's crucial to consider the source of the template. Is it from a reputable provider? Has it been reviewed and approved by an attorney, or was it simply found on another therapist’s website? Ensuring the credibility and source of the template is key to protecting both your practice and your clients.
What is the Difference Between a Therapy Consent Form and a Telehealth Consent Form?
With the rise of telehealth services especially since the pandemic, the need for specific consent forms tailored to online therapy has grown. A telehealth consent form differs from a traditional therapy consent form in several key ways. While both forms serve the purpose of informing clients about their treatment, a telehealth consent form also addresses the unique aspects of receiving therapy remotely whether it be through phone or online.
Therapists may choose to incorporate both forms into one, but if they provide telehealth services they need to ensure they have a telehealth consent as well.
We will outline some of the differences below:
What is in a Therapy Consent Form?
A traditional therapy consent form typically includes information about:
Confidentiality agreements and the limits of confidentiality,
The structure, nature, and purpose of therapy,
The risks and benefits of counseling,
Social media policy,
Cancellation policy,
Fee disclosure and procedures for handling fee disputes,
Electronic communications,
Court orders, court-ordered appearances and associated fees, and legally issued subpoenas,
Record keeping,
Emergency contact information and procedures
These are just some of the areas your informed consent form needs to cover.
While your regular informed consent discusses these items, it doesn't usually cover the digital risks associated with telehealth.
What is in a Telehealth Consent Form?
A telehealth consent form for mental health professionals is needed for therapists who practice using telehealth technologies. It can be combined with your informed consent form or it can be kept separate, but a telehealth consent is required even if you see one client through telehealth.
A telehealth consent form includes additional information about:
The type of technologies used and logistics,
An assessment to see if a client meets the criteria for telehealth sessions,
Increased potential privacy risks,
Additional benefits and risks when using telehealth vs. in-person therapy,
Payment of services,
Procedures around technical failures or interruptions,
Crisis and emergency procedures
Where to Find Paperwork Templates?
If you’re looking for ready-made therapy consent form templates, there are several resources available:
Private Practice Startup: The Private Practice Startup offers a variety of high-quality, customizable consent forms that are attorney-approved, including therapy consent forms and telehealth consent forms. Their resources are specifically designed for mental health professionals, making them a great choice for your counseling practice. They cover all laws and ethics for the mental health profession. All forms have been reviewed by 4 different attorneys.
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides resources and guidelines for informed consent, including sample forms that can be adapted to your needs. These templates are well-suited for professionals adhering to APA standards.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) - The NASW offers an NASW informed consent template and telehealth consent form.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Many EHR platforms offer consent form templates. These forms are often integrated into their practice management system, making it easy to maintain organized client records.
If you're looking for high-quality, customizable consent forms that are attorney-approved and created with the therapist in mind, check out Private Practice Paperwork - Peak Package. They offer 20+ essential forms you need to help you run your practice smoothly and ethically.
Ready to Simplify Your Practice with an Informed Therapy Consent Form Template?
Need a reliable solution to ensure informed consent in counseling? The Private Practice Startup offers an Attorney-Approved Informed Therapy Consent Form Template and a private practice paperwork bundle designed to provide your clients with essential details about the counseling process, from treatment expectations to confidentiality and their rights. Follow these simple steps to get started:
Ask Any Questions – Reach out to us at Kate@ThePrivatePracticeStartup.com if you have any questions or need clarification.
Choose Your Template or Bundle – Download the Attorney-Approved Informed Therapy Consent Form Template or upgrade to the full private practice paperwork bundle for a comprehensive solution that addresses all your practice needs.
Start Using It Today – Simply fill in your practice details and begin building trust with your clients through transparent, informed consent.
Additional Services Offered By The Private Practice Startup
At The Private Practice Startup, we’re dedicated to helping your private practice thrive. Along with our customized private practice paperwork packages for mental health professionals, we offer specialized supervision forms tailored to your specific needs. Want to expand your client base? Our comprehensive Private Practice Marketing E-Course delivers step-by-step strategies to attract and retain clients. And be sure to tune into our Private Practice Startup Podcast for valuable insights from industry experts, successful therapists, and seasoned entrepreneurs. Wherever you practice—Texas, New York, or beyond—we’re here to support your journey to success.