What Should a Therapist's Informed Consent Include?

What should be included in a therapist informed consent form? According to the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethics Code and state licensing board requirements, a therapist's informed consent form should include: therapist qualifications, nature of treatment, expected duration, fees, confidentiality and its limits, risks and benefits, alternatives to treatment, right to withdraw, emergency procedures, cancellation policy, communication policies, and record-keeping practices.

Informed consent is not just a form — it's an ethical obligation and an ongoing process. The APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (Standard 10.01) requires that therapists obtain informed consent "as early as is feasible in the therapeutic relationship."

• Full legal name and credentials: "Jane Smith, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist" — not just "Dr. Smith."
• License number and issuing state: Lets clients verify your credentials independently.
• Areas of specialty or focus: Clients should understand what you're trained to treat.
• Supervisory status: If under supervision, identify your supervisor by name and credentials.

The APA Ethics Code (Standard 5.01) requires accurate representation of qualifications.

Treatment Approach

Describe your approach in plain language. Instead of just "CBT," write: "We will work together to identify thought patterns that contribute to your difficulties and develop practical strategies to change them."

Expected Duration and Frequency

"Treatment typically involves weekly 50-minute sessions. Most clients find 12-20 sessions helpful, though some concerns may require longer-term work."

Potential Risks

The APA (Standard 10.01a) specifically requires disclosing "reasonably foreseeable" risks:

• Emotional discomfort when discussing difficult topics
• Temporary increase in symptoms as issues are addressed
• Changes in relationships as perspectives shift
• The possibility that therapy may not resolve the presenting concern

Alternatives to Treatment

Mention medication, support groups, other therapeutic modalities, or the option of no treatment.

Mandatory Exceptions

You must list situations where confidentiality is legally limited:

• Imminent danger to self: Serious risk of suicide or self-harm
• Imminent danger to others: Duty to warn/protect (Tarasoff obligations)
• Suspected child abuse or neglect: Mandatory reporting
• Suspected elder or dependent adult abuse: Mandatory reporting
• Court orders: Valid court orders or subpoenas

HIPAA Notice

Reference your Notice of Privacy Practices. Explain how protected health information is used for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.

Communication Policies

Address voicemails, texts, email, and messaging platforms. Specify whether channels are HIPAA-compliant.

• Session fee: State the exact amount. "$175 per 50-minute individual session."
• Payment timing: When is payment expected?
• Insurance: Do you accept insurance? Will you provide superbills?
• Cancellation policy: "Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged at the full session rate."
• Rate increases: "Fees may be adjusted periodically. You will receive at least 30 days' written notice."

Many state licensing boards now require a separate telehealth informed consent or addendum.

Technology and Privacy

• The platform used and confirmation it's HIPAA-compliant
• Client's responsibility to ensure a private environment
• Acknowledgment that no technology is 100% secure

Technical Failures

Document your backup plan: "If our video connection fails, I will call you at the phone number on file within 5 minutes."

Emergency Protocols

For telehealth, you need the client's physical location at each session and a local emergency contact — critical because you can't physically intervene during a video session.

• Right to withdraw: "You have the right to end therapy at any time."
• Questions encouraged: "You may ask questions about any aspect of treatment at any time."
• Therapist-initiated termination: Explain when you might end the relationship (outside your competence, non-compliance, conflict of interest). The APA Ethics Code (Standard 10.10) requires pre-termination counseling and referrals.

• Legal jargon overload: If your form reads like a TOS agreement, clients sign without reading. Write in plain language.
• Missing signature line for minors: If you treat minors, you need a parent/guardian signature.
• No date field: A signed form without a date is significantly weaker.
• "One and done" mentality: Revisit consent when treatment changes or annually.
• Not providing a copy: Clients should receive their own copy. Digital platforms make this automatic.

A thorough informed consent form is essential. Getting it signed shouldn't be the hard part.

With Signew, you upload your consent form as a PDF, generate a signing link, and share it with your client via WhatsApp or SMS. They sign on their phone — no app, no account, no printing. You receive a tamper-proof, timestamped PDF you can store securely and verify independently.

Start with 10 free waivers — no credit card needed. Upload your consent form to Signew.