Telepsychiatry informed consent
An illustrative outline of the topics a telepsychiatry informed-consent document commonly covers. State telehealth and licensure rules vary and change; verify current requirements.
Current as of July 7, 2026. Laws, payer rules, and billing codes change, so confirm the current requirements for your jurisdiction and setting before you rely on it.
What's inside
What telepsychiatry is
A plain description of care delivered by live video, what it can and cannot do, and that the clinician may recommend in-person care when appropriate.
Technology, privacy, and records
- The platform used and its security posture, and the patient's responsibility for a private location
- How records are kept and protected
- That no technology is perfectly secure
Location, licensure, and coverage
- Confirmation of the patient's physical location at each visit, which drives licensure and prescribing rules
- That the clinician must be licensed where the patient is located
Emergencies
What to do in a crisis: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, and call or text 988 in the US. Telepsychiatry is not for emergencies.
Consent
- Statement that the patient has had questions answered and consents to treatment by telehealth
- Signature and date
About this resource
This template is part of the shrinkiatry resource library, a set of free, clinician-facing references and examples. It's reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, a board-certified psychiatrist, on a quarterly schedule. Next scheduled review: October 1, 2026. First published July 7, 2026, last reviewed July 7, 2026.
Browse the rest of the resource library, or verify who reviews this site. Spotted something out of date? Email corrections@shrinkiatry.com.