What does informed consent entail in school psychology?

Informed consent in school psychology involves providing clients, which often include students and their guardians, with sufficient information about the services being offered. This process ensures that clients understand the nature and purpose of the services, the potential risks and benefits, and their rights regarding confidentiality and data use.

By giving this comprehensive information, clients can make knowledgeable decisions about whether to participate in the services. This principle supports ethical practice and emphasizes the importance of respecting the autonomy and decision-making rights of clients.

While financial information may be part of the broader context in some settings, it does not encapsulate the entirety of informed consent. Similarly, while signed legal documents can be part of the informed consent process, the essence lies in the communication of information rather than merely acquiring a signature. Approval for research purposes is also separate from the concept of informed consent as it specifically refers to permission to conduct studies rather than providing personalized services to clients.