Professional practice

January 2021

Take steps earlyAs a psychologist there is a possibility that at some point in your time in practice you will receive a complaint from a client. Complaints from clients may happen for various reasons – sometimes justified, sometimes not. What can be critical is how you manage the complaint...

November 2020

With confirmation that the COVID-19 Medicare telehealth services will continue until the 31 March 2021, also confirmed is that psychologists can use their Medicare Provider Number (MPN) from a location other than their practice during this period. However there are some rules around this.An MPN...

November 2020

Members are reminded that the obligation for confidentiality of client personal information remains even after the client has died. Therefore, unless the exceptions to confidentiality, as outlined below, are met psychologists must not disclose personal information about the client to others.In...

September 2020

The APS was recently informed of two instances of disturbing misuse of psychological assessment. It involved two separate incidents where psychologists referred clients to another psychologist for provision of coaching and/or practice opportunities using the standard tests so that the client...

September 2020

The APS Recommended Schedule of Fees for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 has been updated to reflect CPI changes as is usual practice when entering a new financial year. The fee for the 46–60 minute standard consultation has been set at $260.Members are reminded that the fees...

June 2020 | The APS Ethics Committee

We are all living with immense uncertainty and anxiety about the real and potential challenges and threats we are facing. In this time, psychologists play a vital role in supporting wellbeing, mental health and social connectedness – even though we are all physically distanced.It is...

June 2020

To help reduce the transmission of COVID-19, new temporary Medicare telehealth items (videoconferencing and telephone) have been made available to enable services to be provided remotely. For many psychologists, selecting telehealth platforms for use in their practice, and providing telehealth...

June 2020

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has created an extraordinary situation with many changes to the way we live and work. These changes have happened with great speed and had an impact across sectors and settings. Information and guidance has been central to members being able to adapt quickly and comply...

April 2020

Members have sought information at times about the APS Ethics Committee. Overall, it provides both an educative and disciplinary function for members. The recent February 2020 article about record keeping is a valuable resource which assists psychologists in their practice and provides an example...