Which statement best defines informed consent in counseling?

• A. The clinician signs a consent form on behalf of the client
• B. Make sure the client understands the information contained in the consent form before signing it
• C. Consent is valid if the client attends the session
• D. The patient signs the form even if they do not understand

Answer: (B)

Informed consent is a process that ensures the client understands what they are agreeing to and voluntarily agrees to it. The best statement reflects this active understanding: the clinician must explain the information in the consent form in a way the client can grasp, and the client should understand it before signing. This protects autonomy and ensures the client truly agrees, not just signs a form.

The other scenarios fail because signing on behalf of the client bypasses the client’s autonomous decision, simply attending a session does not prove understanding, and signing without comprehension does not constitute informed consent. In practice, this means using clear language, checking comprehension, answering questions, and revisiting consent as treatment evolves.