Some clients find it useful to know about the different professional bodies that exist to regulate and support psychologists. This page provides a summary of the main bodies responsible for psychologists in Australia: the Australian Psychological Society, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority and the Psychology Board of Australia.
The following information is based upon an article from the APS’ ‘InPsych’ magazine, 2011. For more information, please refer to the relevant organisation websites:
Australian Psychological Society
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the leading organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing over 22,000 members, and is the largest of all non-medical health professionals organisations in Australia. The APS strongly advocates for the discipline and profession of Psychology, supports high standards for the profession, promotes psychological knowledge to enhance community wellbeing, and is dedicated to providing benefits to support members’ professional lives. The APS provides members with information, resources and expert advice, as well as access to professional development and networking opportunities. Membership of the APS is voluntary for psychologists.
Consulting an APS psychologist ensures you receive expert psychological services of the highest standard. APS psychologists have access to the latest research in the field and professional development, resources and support exclusive to members of the APS. APS psychologists follow strict guidelines about professional conduct, responsibilities and confidentiality, set and monitored by the Society in the APS Code of Ethics and the APS Charter for Clients.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority manages the registration processes for health practitioners and students, and manages investigations into the professional conduct, performance or health of registered health practitioners (except in NSW).
Psychology Board of Australia
The Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) is responsible for the registration of psychologists and provisional psychologists, developing standards, codes and guidelines for the profession, handling notifications, complaints, investigations and disciplinary hearings, assessing overseas trained practitioners who wish to practice in Australia, and approving accreditation standards and accredited courses of study.