In distance counseling, what should informed consent include?

Informed consent in distance counseling is a critical component that ensures clients are fully aware of the counseling process, the potential risks, and what to expect. Including emergency procedures and anticipated response time in informed consent is essential because distance counseling can lead to situations where immediate help is required, and clients may not have a clear understanding of how these situations will be handled.

Emergency procedures inform clients of what steps to take if they experience a crisis or require immediate assistance, thereby promoting their safety. Additionally, clarifying anticipated response time helps set realistic expectations about how quickly they can expect to hear back from the counselor, which is particularly important in a distance context where communication may not be as immediate as in face-to-face settings.

Both of these aspects empower clients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their counseling journey and understand the boundaries and capabilities of the counseling service they are engaging with. Thus, the inclusion of emergency procedures and anticipated response time is a vital part of the informed consent process in distance counseling.