Informed Consent in Psychology
Professional Disclosure Statement (Clinical Mental Health & Marriage and Family Students) According to the ACA (2014) and AAMFT (2015) Codes of Ethics, counselors/therapist must gain informed consent from clients verbally and in writing prior to entering the counseling relationship with client(s). Now that you have become familiar with both the national ethical codes and your state of practice’s current rules and regulations (ethics), you are tasked with writing a Professional Disclosure Statement (also referred to as Informed Consent). While you will not be using this specific disclosure statement with actual clients, it will serve as a starting point for you as a future counselor/therapist. Students are required to include specific information in their informed consent document based of the licensure(s)/certifications they are pursuing, the relevant code(s) of ethics, and their specific degree program.
Informed Consent in Psychology
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Students are to:
Include the needed information based off the ACA (2014) and NBCC (2015) codes of ethics to in the informed consent. Include the additional requirements based of your state of practice’s rules and regulations for Licensed Professional Counselors (or state equivalent). Below are some guidelines for writing the Professional Disclosure Statement: Do not exceed two (2) full page (no exceptions). Single-space your lines and do not use indentions (tabs). Note, it will NOT be written in APA format. Use headings to separate topic areas. Use an attractive font that is no smaller than 10-pt. and no larger than 14-pt. Write clearly and concisely, using simple terms that most lay people will be able to understand.
Informed Consent in Psychology
Include a header with your name and business contact information. Get another person (not a classmate) to proofread it for errors with grammar, spelling. and mechanics. Write this document as if you will use it with actual clients. Note, the professional disclosure is a reflection of you and future clients will form opinions about your competencies based on your quality of your writing and the information provided. Make sure that your document is attractive yet simple and thorough but concise.