What is informed consent?

Informed consent is fundamentally the process by which a client is educated about their treatment options, including the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives associated with those treatments. This ensures that clients have a clear understanding of what they can expect from the therapeutic process and allows them to make an informed decision about whether to proceed.

This concept is rooted in ethical principles such as autonomy and respect for clients, emphasizing their right to make decisions about their own lives and treatment. Informed consent is not merely a one-time event; it is an ongoing process that requires practitioners to keep clients informed as circumstances change or as treatment progresses. It empowers clients to ask questions, voice concerns, and engage actively in their care.

The other options, while related to treatment processes or client agreements, do not capture the essence of informed consent. For instance, documenting treatment strategies is important for maintaining accurate records but does not ensure that the client understands their choices. Similarly, signing legal documents may be a part of the informed consent process, yet it is the education and understanding aspect that is crucial, not just the act of signing. Lastly, while an agreement between a client and social worker pertains to the therapeutic relationship, it does not encompass the depth and educational component that informed consent entails.