Zur, O. PhD. (2020). Introduction to informed consent in psychotherapy, counseling and assessment Links to an external site.. Zur Institute. https://www.zurinstitute.com/informed-consent/#:~:text=It%20often%20involves%20a%20process,obtaining%20consent%20from%20the%20client
- Complete an online search for mental health informed consent. You can search for psychiatry or psychotherapy clinics within the US and most will have information posted on their websites.
- Review the informed consent documents.
- Give a brief summary of what you located then identify the main components of informed consent for psychiatric mental health treatment.
- Must include information related to SI, HI, A/VH (Hallucinations (AH/VH) Suicidal/homicidal ideation, signs and reporting of abuse, etc…
- Note when informed consent can be breached,
- what are additional considerations for minors.
specific content of informed consent documents may vary between clinics and providers. It’s always best to consult the specific documents or policies of the clinics you are interested in for accurate and up-to-date information.
Informed consent is a critical ethical and legal concept in mental health treatment that ensures clients are adequately informed about the nature of the treatment they will receive. It involves obtaining the voluntary agreement of the client to participate in the treatment process. Here are some main components typically found in informed consent documents for psychiatric mental health treatment:
- Explanation of Treatment: The document should provide a clear description of the treatment being offered, including the goals, methods, and expected outcomes. This may include information about different therapeutic modalities, such as individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, etc.
- Risks and Benefits: Clients should be informed about the potential risks and benefits associated with the treatment. This may include information about possible side effects of medications, emotional discomfort during therapy, or the potential benefits of symptom reduction and improved well-being.
- Confidentiality: Informed consent documents usually address the issue of confidentiality and its limitations. They may explain circumstances under which confidentiality may be breached, such as when there is a risk of harm to self or others, suspected child abuse, or a court order.
- Suicidal/Homicidal Ideation: Informed consent should address how suicidal or homicidal ideation will be handled during treatment. It may outline the therapist’s duty to report imminent risk to the appropriate authorities and take necessary steps to ensure the client’s safety.
- Hallucinations: If hallucinations (auditory or visual) are relevant to the treatment, the informed consent document may provide information on how they will be addressed and managed.
- Reporting of Abuse: Informed consent documents often include information about the therapist’s duty to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect, especially when it involves minors or vulnerable individuals.
Informed consent can be breached under certain circumstances, such as when there is a serious risk of harm to the client or others, when the client lacks decision-making capacity, or when required by law. The specifics of when and how informed consent can be breached may vary depending on legal and ethical guidelines in different jurisdictions.
When it comes to minors, additional considerations may apply. In most cases, parents or legal guardians provide informed consent on behalf of the minor. However, depending on the laws and regulations in a particular jurisdiction, there may be circumstances where a minor can provide informed consent independently, such as for certain types of counseling or treatment related to reproductive health, substance abuse, or mental health. The specific procedures and requirements for informed consent involving minors can vary, so it’s important to consult local laws and guidelines for accurate information.