Charlatan individuals claiming to be psychologists pose a serious threat to the community, warns the peak body representing the profession in Australia.
Australian Psychological Society (APS) President Ros Knight has today reassured the public that they can have confidence in the care, treatment and professionalism of the psychology profession.
“Allowing people to believe that you are a registered health professional when you are not presents a significant risk to the Australian public, particularly because they often work with the most vulnerable members of society.”
“In Australia, psychology is a regulated profession. Psychologists undertake a minimum six years of university training and supervised experience. To remain registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), they must commit to continuing professional development to keep their skills and knowledge up to date, and they must adhere to strict professional standards and various other requirements.”
“The APS supports AHPRA’s regulatory role in keeping Australians safe,” she said.
Ms Knight said as the peak body for psychology in Australia, representing more than 24,000 members, the APS only acknowledges practitioners who strictly adhere to its Code of Ethics.
“Our 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 and expectation of what is considered ethical professional conduct by psychologists.”
“Every day, tens of thousands of psychologists across Australia devote themselves to helping people and communities thrive by enhancing mental health and wellbeing, learning, performance, relationships, and societal cohesiveness,” she said.
The APS encourages the use of its online Find a Psychologist service to find an APS psychologist.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the registering body for health practitioners in Australia. AHPRA’s primary role is to protect the public, and set standards and policies that all registered health practitioners must meet. Any member of the public with evidence of an individual or individuals incorrectly portraying themselves as a registered health practitioner is advised to make a report directly to AHPRA.
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/
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For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on Twitter: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 27,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.