CLEE Informed Consent

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The client's signature on a standard form is sufficient without explanation

Answer

Verbal agreement only is sufficient for informed consent

Answer

Consent given by the therapist on behalf of a client who seems reluctant

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Only the therapist's fee schedule and cancellation policy

Answer

Only the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

Answer

Insurance panel participation and billing procedures only

Question 3

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:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Remind the client they signed the form and the matter is settled

Answer

Have the client sign a second form acknowledging the original

Answer

Note the client's statement in the chart and continue treatment unchanged

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

A 30-year-old adult with mild depression

Answer

A 12-year-old consenting to treatment per Family Code §6924

Answer

An emancipated minor aged 16

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Treatment begins, with updates when significant changes in treatment occur

Answer

Each individual session throughout treatment

Answer

The client can see any clinical notes

Answer

The therapist discloses their fees

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Require the client to continue for at least 30 days before terminating

Answer

Document the refusal and charge a termination fee

Answer

Contact the client's family to discuss the decision