Informed Consent Flashcards

Which of the following is an essential element of valid informed consent for psychotherapy in California?

Answer: Disclosure of the nature of treatment, risks, benefits, alternatives, and the client's right to withdraw

Valid informed consent requires the client to understand the nature of treatment, its risks and benefits, available alternatives, and that they may withdraw consent at any time.

Under California law, what must a therapist's initial disclosure statement include?

Answer: License type and number, educational background, therapeutic approach, and limits of confidentiality

California Business and Professions Code §4980.54 requires disclosure statements to include license information, education, therapeutic approach, and confidentiality limits.

A client who has signed an informed consent form later states they did not understand what they agreed to. The therapist's responsibility is to:

Answer: Revisit the consent information, answer questions, and ensure true understanding

Informed consent is an ongoing process; therapists must ensure that clients genuinely understand the information throughout the treatment relationship.

Which of the following clients may NOT provide their own informed consent for outpatient therapy under California law?

Answer: A 14-year-old minor seeking treatment for sexual assault

A 14-year-old is generally not able to independently consent unless they qualify under Family Code §6924, are emancipated, or meet another exception — but sexual assault victims aged 12+ can consent under specific provisions.

Informed consent in therapy must be obtained from a client before:

Answer: Treatment begins, with updates when significant changes in treatment occur

Informed consent must be obtained at the start of treatment and revisited when significant changes occur, such as a change in treatment modality or scope.

A client requests to discontinue therapy. The therapist's ethical obligation regarding informed consent is to:

Answer: Inform the client of potential risks of discontinuing and provide referrals as appropriate

Clients have the right to withdraw from treatment; therapists must inform them of relevant risks and provide referrals or resources as needed.