LCSW California – Law And Ethics Practice Test

The main idea is that clients must be informed about what they will be charged before any therapy begins, so they can give informed consent and enter the relationship with transparency. Providing a clear explanation of fees and billing terms upfront is a standard ethical requirement in California; it helps protect clients from surprise charges and protects the practitioner from disputes or claims of misrepresentation. That’s why stating the fee before treatment begins is the best choice—it ensures clients understand the costs and can decide whether to proceed with full knowledge of the financial terms. Waiting to disclose until after the first session, SAMPLEchanging fees without notice, or treating fee disclosure as optional all undermine informed consent and professional accountability.