The Council has published many articles on a wide range of ethical issues to assist psychologists practice safely. The articles have now been collected in a digital compendium for ease of access and are likely to be a useful resource for both provisional and generally registered psychologists.
Assessment
Council has had occasion to read both client files and formal reports where screening tests have been used and discussed as if they were more substantial psychometric instruments. Formal diagnoses have also been made on the basis of the client’s self-report on a screening instrument. Read more.
Suicide risk assessments in psychological practice is a challenging area of clinical practice. Read more
Boundary violations
Boundary violations are one of the most common reasons why complaints are made about practitioners and one of the most potentially damaging experiences for clients. Establishing and maintaining clear professional boundaries is a key principle of ethical practice as a psychologist. Read more.
Client access to records
We frequently receive complaints from individuals who have requested from their current or prior treating psychologist access to their client record, but for whatever reason, this request has been denied by the psychologist. Read more
Client records
The Council is increasingly concerned that the content of client records is significantly below the accepted professional standard. The standard is quite varied, and often so poor, that Council is taking this opportunity to remind psychologists of their obligations under the profession’s codes and guidelines. Read more
Communiction
The Council often confronts injudicious use of email in therapy. Read more
Confidentiality
The Council has recently had cause to consider a complaint of breach of confidentiality in a situation where a psychologist worked in a General Practice. Read more
Couple counselling
Psychologists need to be aware that couple therapy poses a number of significant professional and ethical challenges. Read more
Endorsement
The Council frequently receives notifications about psychologists misusing protected titles, for example, referring to themselves as a Clinical, Forensic, Clinical Neuropsychologist or Organisational Psychologist, when they have not been endorsed as such. Read more.
Fees
Ethical and Professional Issues Associated with Pro Bono or Reduced Fee Service Provision. Read More
Informed consent
Obtaining consent from clients prior to providing them with psychological services is a fundamental given. Read more
Mandatory reporting
The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) (National Law) requires health practitioners, employers and education providers to report any health practitioner engaged in “notifiable conduct.” Read more.
Mandatory reporting obligations in NSW under The Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 and The NSW Crimes Act 1900. Read more.
Private practice
The pitfalls of private practice. Read more.
Report writing
Treatment reports: Do’s and don’ts. Read more.
Preparing a report for a party who is going through family law proceedings is not straightforward and is something which you should approach with some trepidation. This article aims to inform you of some of the questions that you may ponder when you are asked to prepare a report. Read more
Self care
While you spend a good deal of time managing the health of your clients, Robyn Vines looks at some of the ways you can ensure you don't neglect your own well-being. Read More
Supervisors
The responsibilities of supervisors. Read more.
Clinical Supervision: Critical to Best Practice. Read more.