Informed consent is most accurately described as:

Informed consent is best characterized as an ongoing dialog with the client because it encompasses not just an initial agreement but also an interactive process that continues throughout the therapeutic relationship. This means that informed consent involves discussing the nature of the therapeutic process, the risks and benefits of the treatment, and any other relevant information that might arise as therapy progresses. This ongoing conversation ensures that clients remain fully informed and can make decisions about their care as circumstances change.

Furthermore, this dynamic approach reflects ethical principles in psychology, which prioritize client autonomy and the right to make informed choices. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open line of communication between the psychologist and the client, reinforcing trust and understanding.

While informed consent does require certain foundational elements to be established—such as explaining the purpose of treatment, fees, and confidentiality—these aspects should evolve as both the client and psychologist continue their work together. This continual reassessment emphasizes the necessity of adapting informed consent to accommodate the client's changing needs and circumstances.