Understanding Informed Consent in Therapy
If you’ve booked an appointment to see a psychologist, you may have heard the term ‘informed consent’ come up. It’s a phrase that often gets mentioned but isn’t always explained clearly. Since health care spaces can feel overwhelming with all the terms and processes, I thought it would be helpful to break it down and explain why it matters for your therapy journey.
What is Informed Consent in Psychology?
Informed consent is an essential part of any psychological service. It’s the process where you, as the client, are given all the information you need about your treatment or assessment so that you can make an informed decision about participating. Simply put, informed consent means you know what to expect, understand the benefits and risks, and feel confident in moving forward.
(For more on starting therapy, check out our "What to Expect in Your First Session" page.)
Why is Informed Consent Important?
Informed consent is essential to the therapeutic relationship as it protects your rights as a client and helps build trust with your psychologist. It ensures clarity so you can understand what your treatment involves (such as the type of therapy used, how long it might take, potential risks, and what happens at the end of therapy). It respects autonomy so you’re in charge of your decisions. You can ask questions, request changes, or decide not to proceed if you’re uncomfortable. Informed consent also enables transparency, ensuring a clear understanding of roles and expectations fosters an open and collaborative therapeutic relationship.
Importantly, informed consent isn’t just paperwork—it’s an ongoing conversation. As therapy progresses, your preferences, questions, or goals may change, and this dialogue ensures you remain actively involved in your care.
What Does Informed Consent Include?
When starting therapy, informed consent typically covers what treatment is being offered and why, your psychologist's qualifications and experience, clear information about session fees or additional costs, what remains private and any circumstances where confidentiality might need to be broken (eg. safety concerns), potential risks and benefits of treatment, and your right to withdraw consent at any point in the process.
What Happens if You Don’t Consent?
If you decide not to give consent to any aspect of therapy, that’s okay. Your psychologist will respect your choice and work with you to explore other options. This ensures that therapy remains a safe and supportive space tailored to your needs.
Informed Consent is an Ongoing Process
Informed consent doesn’t stop after your first session. As you progress, your psychologist may introduce new approaches or treatments, and your consent will be sought again. It’s about keeping you informed, empowered, and comfortable throughout your therapeutic journey.
Informed consent is the foundation for trust, respect, and collaboration in therapy. By understanding your rights, the therapy process, and what to expect, you can feel more confident in your mental health journey.
If you ever have questions or concerns, remember: therapy is a partnership, and your voice matters every step of the way.
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