Informed Consent Requirements for Therapists in North Dakota (ND)

Overview

Mental health professionals practicing in North Dakota must provide informed consent before initiating treatment. This page summarizes the key requirements under N.D. Cent. Code § 43-32-01 et seq., including minor consent rules, mandatory reporting obligations, and telehealth consent requirements.

Informed Consent Requirements in North Dakota

• Psychologist's credentials, license status, and areas of practice
• Nature of proposed services and treatment plan
• Confidentiality rights and all exceptions
• Fee structure and financial policies
• Client's right to terminate treatment and file a board complaint

Governing Statute

N.D. Cent. Code § 43-32-01 et seq.

Minor Consent for Mental Health Treatment

Age of consent for minors: 18 years old in North Dakota.

North Dakota generally requires parental consent for mental health treatment of minors. No specific statute authorizes minor consent to outpatient psychotherapy.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

Governing law: N.D. Cent. Code § 50-25.1-03

Psychologists are mandated reporters. Must report suspected child abuse or neglect to the DHS or law enforcement.

Telehealth Consent in North Dakota

Separate telehealth consent required: Yes.

Informed consent is required before telehealth services begin. Must be documented appropriately.

Modality requirements: Video-based synchronous telehealth is the standard. Audio-only is permitted in certain circumstances.

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

PSYPACT member state. Non-PSYPACT providers must hold a North Dakota license.