Video Discussion Thread: Informed Consent

The professional counseling informed consent form is used to get consent to treat the client.  This form will have information about the services that are being afforded.  The consent form is an agreement between the client and the counselor.  The consent form assists the client in letting them know what kind of treatment they will have if there are any risks if there are any limitations and the advantages of the services.  This will be a guide for the client as well, so they know what to expect (Kaplan, Francis, Hermann, Baca, Goodnough, Hodges, Spurgeon, & Wade, 2017).   According to Kaplan, Francis, Hermann, Baca, Goodnough, Hodges, Spurgeon, & Wade, (2017) the Code of Ethics explains the reason for the Code of ethics.  It offers and supports the core principles of the way a mental health professional should behave and the decisions that they should make (Kaplan, Francis, Hermann, Baca, Goodnough, Hodges, Spurgeon, & Wade, 2017).  It is the foundation and guidelines needed for professional counselors.

When comparing and contrasting the informed consent form to state board rules/regulations and the ACA Code of Ethics, all the information that was on the consent form was in both state board rules/regulations and the ACA Code of Ethics.  The consent form that I obtained asked for the parent or legal guardian to consent to services.  I see that the consent form stated that the client would be provided with services by a counselor that was qualified to counsel. It also asked the legal guardian to consent if they are not the parent.  It also provides as provides the services that are being delivered if the client will need additional or other services.  It also explains the risks and advantages of the services in addition to different services.

I do feel that this consent form could have included more information for the client.  It was easy to read and understand but just discussed signatures and services.  It had nothing on the form about confidentiality or ethics.  The consent form did mention the client was being seen by a qualified mental health professional.  There was also no cost of compensation information on the consent form as stated in the state board rules/regulations and the ACA Code of Ethics.

 Kaplan, D. M., Francis, P. C., Hermann, M. A., Baca, J. V., Goodnough, G. E., Hodges, S., Spurgeon, S. L., & Wade, M. E. (2017). New Concepts in the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics. Journal of Counseling & Development, 95(1), 110–120. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12122

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