Many consent packets are long, dense documents that clients sign without reading. A packet that people understand protects both the client and the practice.
Use plain language
Write at a reading level most adults find easy, avoid legal phrasing where you can, and explain terms like confidentiality and its limits in everyday words.
Cover the essentials
Include fees, your cancellation and no-show policy, how to reach you, what happens in an emergency, the limits of confidentiality, and how telehealth sessions work.
Walk through it
Spend a few minutes at the first session going over the key points aloud and invite questions. Record that the discussion took place.
Review the packet each year and have it checked against your state’s requirements.