The practitioner agrees to provide appropriate services, according to generally accepted professional standards, and the patient agrees to pay for services provided. Either one can end the relationship at any time. You should select a practitioner who is licensed and is practicing within the limits of his individual competence. You may also choose to receive combined treatment, meaning you will see more than one professional for psychiatric care. This may be the case when an individual sees a psychiatrist to prescribe medication and a mental health professional for therapy.
Informed consent occurs when a client agrees to treatment after understanding everything involved.
Clients almost always have the right to refuse treatment, even though there are some exceptions where refusal is unsafe for the individual or others. Mental health professionals are obligated to keep all communications about treatment, any records, and the fact the treatment is taking place in the strictest confidence. Practitioners can ask your permission to reveal information. When this happens, you should investigate carefully what information will be given out and to whom. Mental health professionals may also discuss their patients with their peers, but must keep all facts about identity confidential.