What is the primary focus of informed consent?

The primary focus of informed consent is understanding risks and benefits. Informed consent is a foundational ethical and legal principle in mental health care that ensures clients are fully aware of the implications of the services they are agreeing to.

When clients provide informed consent, they must comprehend not only the nature of the treatment or assessment they will undergo but also the associated risks and potential benefits. This knowledge allows clients to make informed decisions about their involvement in therapeutic processes, fostering autonomy and empowerment. It is also essential for establishing trust and ethical standards in the therapeutic relationship.

While obtaining financial details, discussing family history, and building rapport may play a role in the therapeutic process, they do not represent the core objective of informed consent. Financial aspects relate more to administrative issues, family history pertains to client assessment, and rapport is important for the therapeutic alliance but does not encompass the legal and ethical nuances involved in informed consent.