Informed Consent Requirements for Therapists in Tennessee (TN)

Overview

Mental health professionals practicing in Tennessee must provide informed consent before initiating treatment. This page summarizes the key requirements under Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-201 et seq., including minor consent rules, mandatory reporting obligations, and telehealth consent requirements.

Informed Consent Requirements in Tennessee

• Psychologist's license information, education, and areas of competence
• Nature and purpose of treatment services
• Confidentiality rights and exceptions including mandatory reporting
• Fee schedule and financial policies
• Client's right to terminate and complaint procedures with the Board of Examiners

Governing Statute

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-201 et seq.

Minor Consent for Mental Health Treatment

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

Tennessee generally requires parental consent for mental health treatment of minors. Exceptions exist for emergency situations and mature minor doctrine in limited cases.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

Governing law: Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-403

Any person who has knowledge of child abuse or neglect must report immediately to DCS or law enforcement. Tennessee uses a universal mandatory reporting standard.

Telehealth Consent in Tennessee

Separate telehealth consent required: Yes.

Informed consent is required. Provider must inform the patient about telehealth before obtaining consent.

Modality requirements: Video-based synchronous telehealth is the standard. Audio-only and store-and-forward are authorized.

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

PSYPACT member state. Non-PSYPACT providers must hold a Tennessee license.