What elements should be included in an informed consent for coaching?

• A. Medical licensing details.
• B. Scope of practice, confidentiality limits, safety disclosures, types of services offered, and client rights.
• C. Payment schedule only.
• D. Confidentiality is unlimited.

Answer: (B)

Informed consent for coaching should clearly outline what the client should know before starting, including how the coaching relationship will work and what to expect. The best elements to include are the scope of practice, confidentiality limits, safety disclosures, types of services offered, and client rights. The scope of practice sets clear boundaries—what the coach will do (and won’t do), such as providing coaching support rather than medical diagnosis or therapy. Confidentiality limits explain what stays private and under what circumstances information might be shared (for example, safety concerns or legal requirements), and safety disclosures address any risks or potential emotional discomfort involved in the process. Describing the types of services offered helps clients understand what they are paying for and what formats or tools might be used (sessions, assessments, referrals, resources). Finally, stating client rights covers their ability to withdraw, ask questions, access information, and expect ethical, professional treatment. Options like medical licensing details aren’t typically part of coaching consent, since coaches aren’t providing medical care, and a payment schedule alone misses the essential information about how the coaching relationship works. “Confidentiality is unlimited” is inaccurate because there are defined limits to privacy in any coaching relationship.