Informed Consent Requirements for Therapists in South Carolina (SC)

Overview

Mental health professionals practicing in South Carolina must provide informed consent before initiating treatment. This page summarizes the key requirements under S.C. Code Ann. § 40-55-10 et seq., including minor consent rules, mandatory reporting obligations, and telehealth consent requirements.

Informed Consent Requirements in South Carolina

• Psychologist's qualifications, license, and areas of practice
• Nature and purpose of treatment and expected outcomes
• Confidentiality protections and legal exceptions
• Fee structure, insurance billing, and payment policies
• Client's right to terminate treatment and how to contact the Board of Examiners

Governing Statute

S.C. Code Ann. § 40-55-10 et seq.

Minor Consent for Mental Health Treatment

Age of consent for minors: 16 years old in South Carolina.

Minors age 16 and older may consent to outpatient mental health services. Younger minors may consent to substance abuse treatment.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

Governing law: S.C. Code Ann. § 63-7-310

Psychologists are mandatory reporters. Must report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately to DSS or law enforcement.

Telehealth Consent in South Carolina

Separate telehealth consent required: Yes.

Informed consent is required before telehealth services are provided. Must be documented.

Modality requirements: Video-based synchronous telehealth is the primary modality. Audio-only and store-and-forward are also permitted.

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

PSYPACT member state. Non-PSYPACT providers must hold a South Carolina license.