What is the purpose of written informed consent?

The purpose of written informed consent is fundamentally to ensure that the client fully understands the treatment risks and benefits associated with psychological services or interventions they will receive. Informed consent is a critical component of ethical practice in psychology, as it not only respects the autonomy of the client but also facilitates an open and transparent therapeutic relationship.

By obtaining informed consent, the psychologist is required to clearly communicate the nature of the treatment, potential risks, expected benefits, alternative options, and the right of the client to withdraw consent at any time. This helps clients make well-informed decisions about their care, fostering trust and promoting active participation in the treatment process.

While documentation of payment information, records of past therapies, and finalizing appointment schedules are important aspects of practice management, they do not align with the core purpose of ensuring clients have a complete understanding of what they are consenting to in their therapeutic journey.