Richard Niolon, Ph.D.
12/99

Clients should be fully informed as to the nature of treatment, the fees involved, and the expectations and requirements of treatment in order to give informed consent. There is research that indicates that this information, in addition to facilitating informed consent, also may help to decrease drop-out rates, increase attendance and duration of therapy, and enhance therapeutic effectiveness. Some information is available that describes what clinical psychologists are, what a specific disorder is, what the most effective treatment for the disorder is, as well as specific topics like women in therapy and sexual misconduct of therapists.

The basic pamphlet for the client or educative session by the therapist could address what psychotherapy is, the methods it uses, the modes of therapy available, the types of disorders treated, the investments required, the responsibilities and rights of the therapist and client, the determination of fees, emergency situations and crises, confidentiality, limits of confidentiality, third party payers if appropriate, and perhaps ethics, ethical charges, and alternative treatments.