Telehealth consent should explain the virtual workflow
Telehealth consent helps clients understand how virtual therapy works, what technology is used, what privacy limits exist, how emergencies are handled, and what happens if the connection fails. It should be specific to the way the practice actually delivers care.
Use this checklist with How to Start a Telehealth Private Practice and Informed Consent Checklist for Therapists.
Client location and license coverage
Telehealth consent should explain why the therapist may need to know where the client is physically located during each session. State rules, emergency planning, and payer requirements can all depend on client location.
- Client location at the start of each session
- States where the therapist is licensed or authorized to practice
- What happens if the client travels or moves
- Emergency contact and local emergency resource process
Technology, privacy, and backup plans
Clients should understand the platform used, privacy expectations, risks of electronic communication, what devices or spaces are appropriate, and what backup plan applies if video, audio, or internet access fails.
The technology stack should align with A HIPAA-Safe Tech Stack for Therapists Starting Private Practice.
Emergency and crisis workflow
Telehealth consent should tell clients what to do in an emergency and what the therapist can and cannot provide between sessions. It should also cover how the therapist may use emergency contacts or local resources if safety concerns arise.
- Emergency instructions and crisis resources
- Local emergency contact or support person
- Client location verification workflow
- Limits of between-session communication
- When telehealth may not be clinically appropriate
Fees, insurance, and telehealth coverage
Telehealth consent should align with the financial policy. If insurance is accepted, therapists should verify payer participation, telehealth coverage, service location, client location, claim rules, and effective date before relying on in-network billing.
For insurance timing, read Can Therapists Bill Insurance Before Credentialing Is Complete?.
Review consent when telehealth changes
Review telehealth consent when the platform, communication workflow, services, fees, insurance participation, client-location rules, or emergency process changes. Virtual care can feel simple, but the consent language should stay aligned with the real workflow.
Frequently asked questions
What should telehealth consent include for therapy?
Telehealth consent should include technology, privacy, client location, emergency process, backup communication plan, limitations, fees, insurance status, and what happens if virtual care is not clinically appropriate.
Why do therapists ask where a telehealth client is located?
Client location can affect license coverage, emergency response, payer rules, and clinical safety planning, so many therapists confirm location during telehealth sessions.
Does telehealth consent replace informed consent?
Usually no. Telehealth consent is often a specific section or companion to broader informed consent, focused on the virtual-care workflow and its risks, limits, and procedures.