The purpose of a professional disclosure statement is to inform clients about your professional background and the limitations of your professional relationship. It is sometimes referred to as a document of informed consent.
It is important to note that the state you practice in may dictate what must be included in your statement of disclosure.
The following items are often included:
Your professional disclosure statement is a living document. By that I mean that it will grow and change as your experience, training, and practice changes. It’s a good idea to review (and amend as needed) your disclosure statement at least annually.
When writing your disclosure statement, you may find it helpful to gather samples of other professionals statements. You will find a copy of my disclosure statement here at my counseling website.
Michelle Stevens, MA, JD of Introspection Counseling just reminded me that we also need to include permission to consult with other professionals. Thanks, Michelle!
Tamara,
I just found your website and I think I am going to like it. I wish I would have found it 2 years ago when i started my private practice! Jacqui
Hi, Jacqui! Welcome to Private Practice from the Inside Out! How did you find us here? We are building a very supportive and resource-rich based online community here and I’m so glad to meet you and add you to the gang! Looking forward to hearing your voice as part of the dialogue concerning building a strong and vibrant private practice! Let me know if there is anything I / we can do to support you on your journey!
Hi Tamara, I am a School Counsellor but did various other courses too. I need you advice on where to start online counselling. People contact me anonymously, mostly school children and parents. Can you please guide me on this?
Hi, Martella! Love having School Counselors as part of this online community! Thanks for dropping in! What an interesting dilemma you have – anonymous callers asking for your counseling services! I’m not sure if you are asking where to start when they call you or what platform to use when you start online counsolling or if you are asking something else entirely. Happy to provide some guidance if I can – can you be more specific about what you might be looking for?
Hi Tamara, I’m looking for your personal disclosure statement on your website and I don’t see it. Where should I look? Thanks!
Hi, Joy! I know that many therapists use part or all of other therapist’s disclosure statements however I do not share mine. (That’s why I wrote this post) Nor do I recommend purchasing “canned” statements from other businesses. Therapists should craft their own disclosure statements that reflect their own values, practices, and policies as well as their own jurisdiction’s laws and standards of practice, and fall within the ethical guidelines that they practice under. I also recommend that once you have drafted your own disclosure statement you run it by an attorney’s eyes to make sure you’ve covered all your bases. I do realize that this is not the popular answer – but I do believe it is an ethical one. Wishing you all the best, Joy!
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