Informed Consent Requirements for Therapists in Georgia (GA)

Overview

Mental health professionals practicing in Georgia must provide informed consent before initiating treatment. This page summarizes the key requirements under Ga. Code Ann. § 43-39-1 et seq., including minor consent rules, mandatory reporting obligations, and telehealth consent requirements.

Informed Consent Requirements in Georgia

• Credentials and licensure status of the psychologist
• Description of treatment modality and theoretical orientation
• Confidentiality protections and their legal limits (mandatory reporting, duty to warn, subpoenas)
• Fee structure and financial responsibility of the client
• Client's right to refuse treatment and obtain a second opinion

Governing Statute

Ga. Code Ann. § 43-39-1 et seq.

Minor Consent for Mental Health Treatment

Age of consent for minors: 18 years old in Georgia.

Georgia generally requires parental consent for mental health treatment of minors. Exceptions exist for emergency situations and certain substance abuse services.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

Governing law: Ga. Code Ann. § 19-7-5

Psychologists are mandatory reporters. Must report suspected child abuse within 24 hours to the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS).

Telehealth Consent in Georgia

Separate telehealth consent required: Yes.

Informed consent must be obtained and documented in the patient's record, explaining the capabilities and limitations of telehealth.

Modality requirements: Video-based synchronous telehealth is the primary modality. Store-and-forward is also recognized.

PSYPACT member: Yes — Georgia participates in PSYPACT, allowing licensed psychologists from other PSYPACT states to provide telehealth services to clients in Georgia.

PSYPACT member state. Non-PSYPACT providers must be licensed in Georgia to deliver services to clients in the state.