Free client consent forms for therapists (HIPAA-compliant)

30,000+ therapists use Mentalyc

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Use these templates to get your client's consent before you use Mentalyc. Audio is deleted once your note is ready and transcripts are anonymized. See exactly what we keep on our Security page.

Standard client consent (HIPAA)

For most clinicians and practices, this template is sufficient. It explains how Mentalyc assists with documentation and outlines patient consent for use of the software.

Should a client choose not to give consent for recording, you can still benefit from our platform by using Mentalyc's dictation feature.

Download HIPAA consent form

42 CFR Part 2 consent (substance use disorder programs)

If your practice qualifies as a federally assisted substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program subject to 42 CFR Part 2, you may need a more specific authorization form. This template includes additional elements required under § 2.31 for disclosure of SUD treatment records.
If you are unsure whether Part 2 applies to your practice, consult your compliance or legal advisor.
Download Part 2 consent form

Practicing in Colorado?

Since August 12, 2026, Colorado law (HB26-1195) requires you to tell clients in writing, before you start, that an AI system will record or transcribe their sessions and why, and to get their written consent. Use this template for both: it gives the notice, and the client signs it as their consent. Colorado also bars denying care to a client who refuses or later revokes consent, so offer an alternative, for example dictation. Keep the signed copy in the client record.

Clarifying Note
These templates are provided for informational purposes and may require customization to reflect your specific practice and legal obligations. Mentalyc does not provide legal advice.

How to introduce Mentalyc to your clients

Client talking points →

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FAQs

Can I customize the client consent form for my practice?

Yes. The consent form template provided by Mentalyc is fully editable. You should customize it to include:

  • Your practice name, address, and license number
  • Your specific fee structure and cancellation policy
  • Any state-specific mandatory disclosures required by your licensing board
  • Your telehealth or in-person session policies

The template is provided as a starting point, always consult your state licensing board or a legal advisor if you are unsure about any required inclusions. Download the template here.

Do clients need separate consent for AI session notes?

Yes. If you use an AI scribe to assist with session documentation, clients should provide separate informed consent for AI-assisted note generation, this is distinct from the general therapy consent form.

This is considered best practice for HIPAA compliance and ethical standards. It ensures clients understand:

  • That their session audio or content is being processed by an AI system
  • How that data is stored, anonymized, and deleted
  • That they have the right to decline without affecting their care

Mentalyc includes an AI scribe consent addendum and talking points to make this conversation easy. Download the consent forms here.

What should a therapy client consent form include?

A therapy client consent form should cover the following:

  • Session structure and fees: session length, frequency, and cancellation policy
  • Confidentiality and its limits: including mandated reporting obligations
  • Therapist credentials and license
  • Telehealth policy: if you offer remote sessions
  • Recording and AI note-taking consent: if you use an AI scribe like Mentalyc, clients should provide separate consent for AI-assisted documentation
  • Client rights: including the right to withdraw consent at any time

Mentalyc provides a free, customizable client consent form designed to meet HIPAA requirements and cover all of the above.

If a patient revokes consent under Part 2, what happens?

Under Part 2, consent/authorization handling matters; generally, revocation affects future disclosures, not actions already taken based on valid consent.

Our agency treats SUD clients. What do we need to do?

Confirm whether you handle Part 2-protected records, and if yes, use a Part 2-compliant consent/authorization process (with the required elements).

Do you provide a form/certificate that “confirms Part 2 compliance”?

No. Part 2 compliance depends on whether Part 2 applies to the provider and whether the provider has obtained Part 2-compliant consent/authorization and follows Part 2 disclosure rules. Part 2 consent has required elements set by regulation.

Is Mentalyc compliant with 42 CFR Part 2?

Mentalyc provides HIPAA-aligned safeguards under a BAA. If a provider is subject to Part 2, the provider is responsible for obtaining any Part 2-required patient consent/authorization before using Mentalyc to process Part 2-protected SUD records. Part 2 governs when/how SUD records may be disclosed. You can download a template here.

Does Mentalyc provide a BAA?
Yes. Every account is covered by our BAA, created when you sign up. Download your personalized copy any time from your profile settings, whether you're solo or part of a group.
Will my clients know if I'm using Mentalyc or recording our sessions?
Will my clients know I’m using Mentalyc?
Not automatically. It’s up to you whether to share that you’re using Mentalyc, but we recommend being transparent to support trust and a strong therapeutic relationship.

Will clients know if their session is being recorded?
It depends on how you record:
- using external recorders: e.g. Zoom’s built-in recording: Clients are typically notified automatically when recording begins.
- using Mentalyc’s recorder (also during a Zoom call): only audio is recorded. Mentalyc doesn’t contact your clients. You decide how to inform them and get consent; our free consent template helps.

What if a client doesn’t want to be recorded?
That's okay, you can still use Mentalyc by summarizing the session afterward using our simple dictation feature.

Need help getting consent?
We provide a customizable Client Consent Form along with helpful talking points to make the process clear and smooth.
Is there a client consent form available for use on Mentalyc?
Yes! Mentalyc provides a ready-to-use client consent form designed by industry experts to ensure privacy and compliance. You can easily download, customize, and share it with your clients while keeping a copy for your records. We also offer helpful talking points to guide your discussions about consent. And if a client prefers not to be recorded, you can still use Mentalyc’s dictation feature to document sessions smoothly.

View all FAQs →