Final answer:
Consent for psychiatric treatment is typically obtained from the patient if they are voluntarily admitted; if involuntarily admitted, consent might come from a substitute decision-maker. The principle of autonomy requires that patients have the right to make their own healthcare decisions where capable, and informed consent is pivotal in upholding this right.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering when consent for treatment is typically taken for psychiatric patients, it is important to understand that consent can be obtained from different sources depending on the patient's admission status and their capacity to consent. Generally, consent for treatment would be obtained from the client themselves if they are voluntarily admitted to a psychiatric facility. If a client is involuntarily admitted, they may have been deemed unable to make informed decisions about their care, in which case a substitute decision-maker may provide consent. It's critical to respect the principle of autonomy, which ensures that patients have a right to make decisions about their own healthcare when they are capable of doing so.
In the event where patients are not able to consent, which could include situations such as minors who are not deemed competent to make healthcare decisions, substitute decision-makers like parents or legal guardians are generally involved. Competence is presumed unless adjudicated otherwise, and the standard of informed consent must be upheld to protect patient autonomy and prevent exploitation.