CODE OF ETHICS​

  1. Members acting in their professional capacity are expected to behave in a manner which enhances and does not damage the status of the profession. The place at which a member is consulted should meet the usual requirements of professional rooms, providing confidentiality for clients and records. Members must upgrade their professional knowledge on a continuing basis through reading and participation in conferences, seminars and professional meetings etc.
  2. Announcements and advertisements of psychological services should contain the relevant factual details of the member’s practice, qualifications, services offered and, if desired, the area of specialisation. Readers of such announcements and advertisements are entitled to expect the Member to be available during normal office hours unless advised to the contrary.
  3. Statements about services or products should be factual and in good taste, not taking the form of emotional or persuasive advertising, not claiming superior competence, nor offering guarantees of a particular outcome as an inducement.
  4. Members should protect and assist in the development of fellow Institute member’s practices as the opportunity arises.
  5. The fee charged is a matter between the member and their client. However, members are encouraged to consider setting a fee which will allow the provision of a reasonable income for the psychologist and the maintenance of a viable, professional, independent practice from that fee for service charged.
  6. Members must demonstrate integrity and professional practice with respect to arrangements made to exact a fee for service. Members are expected to be knowledgeable of the relevant legal requirements with respect to setting fees, billing and accounting practices.
  7. Sexual relations between Members and their clients are prohibited.
  8. Members who disagree with a colleague about professional issues must refrain from public criticism that casts doubt on the colleague’s professional competence. Critical evaluation of published works should conform to high standards of science and scholarship.
  9. Members must not collaborate in nor approve the use of psychological techniques by untrained or inadequately trained persons.
  10. When clients indicate that they would like a second opinion, members must offer every practicable assistance to obtain a competent opinion.
  11. When there is evidence of a problem or a condition with which the member is not competent to deal, this must be made clear to the client and the client must be referred to an appropriate specialist.
  12. Members should respect ethical, religious and political beliefs of clients which may not be the same as those of the member. Where such differences appear likely to affect treatment members should refer to more suitable therapist.
  13. Except where professional communication is required by law (this includes the subpoenaing of notes), or where the nature of the consulting relationship has been clarified and understood by all parties to allow communication, a member must not divulge any confidential information without the client’s permission.
  14. If a Member has reason to believe that a colleague is behaving unethically, the member should first approach the colleague in a helpful way. If this proves to be ineffective, the member must warn the colleague of any intention to report the matter, and unless the matter is then resolved, should proceed with this action.

 

Download a PDF version of the Code of Ethics here.