Charter for Clients of APS Psychologists

Registration & Professional Safeguards

• All practising psychologists in Australia must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia.

• APS (Australian Psychological Society) membership indicates additional professional commitment and adherence to the largest professional body of psychologists in Australia.

• Combined registration and APS membership help ensure:

  • Proper training and credentials.

  • Delivery of high-quality, ethical psychological services.

Core Client Rights

• Expectation of respect at all times, regardless of circumstances.

• Recognition and honouring of cultural background and language traditions.

• Receipt of a clear, plain-language explanation of all services offered.

• Provision of informed consent before services begin and as therapy progresses.

• Full disclosure regarding confidentiality, including:

  • Typical privacy guarantees.

  • Exceptional situations where confidentiality may legally or ethically be breached (e.g., imminent risk of harm, court orders).

• Transparent statement of fees for all psychological services.

• Discussion of the estimated number of sessions needed to achieve identified goals.

• Assurance that services remain skilled, professional, and evidence-based.

• Establishment of clear, collaborative goals between client and psychologist.

• Freedom to ask questions about any aspect of the service at any time.

Confidentiality Specifics & Ethical Significance

• Confidentiality underpins client trust and therapeutic alliance.

• Breaches are tightly circumscribed to protect life, comply with law, or prevent serious wrongdoing.

• Ethical compliance aligns with APS Code of Ethics and Psychology Board regulations.

Fees, Sessions & Practical Planning

• Prior, written disclosure of session cost (helps avoid financial surprises).

• Collaborative estimation of total sessions encourages realistic goal-setting and budgeting.

• Discussion of alternative treatments if goals cannot be met within estimated timeframe.

Questions, Feedback & Complaint Pathways

• Clients encouraged to voice concerns directly with their psychologist as a first step.

• If unresolved, formal avenues include:

  • Psychology Board of Australia — phone: $1300\ 419\ 495$.

  • Australian Psychological Society — phone: $(03)\ 8662\ 3300$.

• Open complaint pathways reinforce accountability and consumer protection.

Contact & Administrative Details

• Postal address: PO Box $38$, Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC $8009$, Australia.

• Telephone: $(03)\ 8662\ 3300$.

• Facsimile: $(03)\ 9663\ 6177$.

• Website: www.psychology.org.au

• © $2015$ The Australian Psychological Society Limited.

Broader Implications & Real-World Relevance

• Legal Framework: Registration with the Psychology Board is mandated by Australian law, protecting the public from unqualified practitioners.

• Quality Assurance: APS membership provides an extra tier of professional development, peer review, and adherence to best-practice guidelines.

• Client Empowerment: Clearly articulated rights encourage active participation, informed decision-making, and better therapeutic outcomes.

• Cultural Competence: Respect for cultural and linguistic diversity aligns with inclusive health-care principles and enhances treatment efficacy.

• Ethical Duty of Care: Confidentiality, informed consent, and transparency are fundamental ethical pillars that uphold the integrity of psychological practice.

• Accountability Mechanisms: Easily accessible complaint pathways deter misconduct and maintain public trust in the profession.