Informed Consent Requirements for Therapists in Illinois (IL)

Overview

Mental health professionals practicing in Illinois must provide informed consent before initiating treatment. This page summarizes the key requirements under 225 ILCS 15/1 et seq. (Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act), including minor consent rules, mandatory reporting obligations, and telehealth consent requirements.

Informed Consent Requirements in Illinois

• Nature and scope of services to be provided
• Psychologist's qualifications, license number, and training
• Limits of confidentiality and exceptions (mandatory reporting, court orders, imminent danger)
• Fee arrangements and cancellation/no-show policies
• Client's rights under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act

Governing Statute

225 ILCS 15/1 et seq. (Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act)

Minor Consent for Mental Health Treatment

Age of consent for minors: 16 years old in Illinois.

Minors age 16 and older may consent to outpatient mental health services. Younger minors age 12+ may consent in limited circumstances involving sexual assault or substance abuse.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

Governing law: 325 ILCS 5/4 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act)

Psychologists are mandated reporters. Must immediately report suspected abuse or neglect to the DCFS hotline.

Telehealth Consent in Illinois

Separate telehealth consent required: Not explicitly required, but recommended as best practice.

Illinois does not have a specific separate telehealth consent requirement beyond standard informed consent. General consent to treatment applies.

Modality requirements: Video-based synchronous telehealth, audio-only, and asynchronous services are all permitted.

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

PSYPACT member state. Non-PSYPACT providers must hold an Illinois license to treat clients in the state.