Client Autonomy

POLICY: Services provided by the Company are client-directed. The service plan responds to a client's stated needs and is developed in consultation with him/her. As active partners in their service, clients have the right to make decisions regarding their well-being, to state their preferences, and to refuse service. The Company will respect the client's choice unless there is a concern that the client's ability to make decisions is impaired and that this decision will result in imminent harm to the client or others. In addition, the Company reserves the right to refuse requests that are discriminatory (see Discriminatory Requests for Service Policy).

Procedures

• Clients have the right to state their preference to a service provider within the confines of available resources and the organization's service approach. The Company will strive to match client preference to service provider within reasonable limits.
• Staff will attempt to maintain connections with hesitant or resistant clients but, at the same time, will respect the wishes of the client.
• If the client decides to end service within a session, this decision should be respected. If appropriate, the client should be asked if the counselor can follow up in the future.
• When a client drops out of service, cancels, or fails to show up for an appointment, staff will attempt to make direct contact with the client to clarify the situation. This should not be an attempt to persuade the client to return to service but to make it safe for the client to express his/her views and receive validation. This contact should include acceptance of any feedback that the work was not helpful in whole or in part.
• If the client no longer wants the service or does not want a particular treatment that has been recommended by the provider, the discussion will be recorded in the client file.