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Ethics and practice standards

APS members are required to abide by General Principles of the Code of Ethics, and the complementary Ethical Guidelines.

The General Principles were set by the APS in its Code of Ethics. The Code was developed to safeguard the welfare of clients of psychological services and the integrity of the profession. In 2010 it was adopted by the Psychology Board of Australia as the code that all psychologists should abide by.

Access the APS Code of Ethics

APS Ethical Guidelines

The APS Code of Ethics is complemented by a series of 28 Ethical Guidelines, which apply the Code to issues encountered in everyday professional practice. The Ethical Guidelines Committee oversees the development of new Guidelines, and regularly reviews and revises existing Guidelines.

APS Ethical Guidelines can be found in the Resource Finder (members only)

Charter for clients

The Charter for clients outlines the standards that clients should expect from an APS psychologist.

The charter is typically provided by psychologists to their clients,or displayed in psychologists' offices. The charter covers concepts such as clear explanations of fees, confidentiality and informed consent.

Access Charter for clients

Ethics complaints

Complaints about the ethical conduct of APS members are usually initially referred to the Psychology Board of Australia because it is the regulator of the profession of psychology in Australia.

On occasions the APS Ethics Committee may also review complaints against APS members. Should you wish to make a complaint about an APS member, please contact the APS.

Code of Ethics Translation Table

The APS Code of Ethics Translation Table was prepared by the Code Review Committee as a guide and reference to identify how clauses from the 1997 Code are represented in the 2007 Code.

APS Code of Ethics

The APS Code of Ethics articulates and promotes ethical principles, and sets specific standards to guide both psychologists and members of the public to a clear understanding of what is considered ethical professional conduct by psychologists