What does "capacity to consent" mean in psychology?

The concept of "capacity to consent" in psychology fundamentally refers to an individual's ability to understand relevant information and make informed decisions about their treatment options. This includes assessing whether the client comprehends the nature of the treatment, the potential risks and benefits, and the implications of their choices.

For a client to be considered capable of giving informed consent, they must be able to appreciate the significance of their decisions and weigh the consequences of those decisions appropriately. This ability is crucial not only for ethical practice but also for ensuring that clients are actively involved in their therapeutic journey.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects of consent that do not directly relate to an individual's cognitive ability to make informed decisions. While family member approval, signing consent forms, and awareness of therapy costs are certainly important elements of the consent process, they do not encapsulate the core meaning of "capacity to consent," which is centered around the client's understanding and decision-making capability.