What should therapists do regarding informed consent for telemedicine?

Therapists must obtain informed consent from both adults and minors when providing telemedicine services. Informed consent is a critical ethical and legal requirement that ensures clients are fully aware of the nature of the therapy they will receive, including potential risks and benefits, the technology being used, limitations of the telemedicine platform, and confidentiality considerations specific to online interactions.

By obtaining informed consent, therapists empower clients to make informed decisions regarding their treatment. This process helps establish a transparent therapeutic relationship where clients feel respected and supported in their choices. It also helps protect the therapist legally and ethically, as informed consent documentation can serve as evidence that clients were made aware of and agreed to the conditions of their therapy.

Understanding these requirements is especially significant in the context of telemedicine, as clients may not be physically present in the same location as the therapist, which introduces unique challenges and considerations related to confidentiality and the delivery of care.