Code of Ethics
Australian Society for Psychological
Medicine Code of Ethics
Acceptance of this Code of Ethics is a requirement of membership of the Australian Society for Psychological Medicine.
Compassionate and Respectful Care
We treat every patient with kindness, dignity, and care—always listening, supporting, and respecting your needs.
Professional Excellence
We uphold the highest standards of skill, knowledge, and care to ensure the best outcomes for every patient.
Practice Within Expertise
We provide care that aligns with our training and experience, always recognizing our limits, and referring when needed for your safety.
Empowering Patient Independence
We support patients in making informed choices, promoting autonomy while avoiding unnecessary dependence on care providers.
Equality and Inclusion
We treat all individuals with fairness and dignity, without discrimination based on ethnicity, culture, creed, gender, age, or social status.
Respecting Professional Boundaries
We maintain clear and appropriate boundaries to ensure a safe, respectful, and professional relationship with every patient.
Strict Professional Conduct
We strictly prohibit any form of sexual activity with patients, upholding trust, ethics, and professional integrity at all times.
Prioritizing Patient Care
We avoid conflicts of interest in all treatments. If one arises, the patient’s well-being and quality of care always come before any obligations.
Well-being for Better Care
We care for our own health to stay competent, focused, and avoid burnout—ensuring the best care for our patients.
Transparency in Practice
We provide clear information about our qualifications, therapy approach, availability & fees to help patients make informed choices.
Qualified Referrals Only
We refer patients only to trusted health professionals with verified qualifications to ensure safe, high-quality care.
Secure and Accurate Records
We maintain precise and confidential patient records, meeting all legal and professional standards for privacy and care.
Confidentiality and Data Security
We securely store all patient records and confidential information, protecting privacy in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Commitment to Ethical Standards
We fully adhere to the Society’s rules and this code, upholding the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct.
Reflective and Responsible Practice
We stay mindful of our clinical work and seek professional supervision when ethical concerns arise, ensuring accountable and ethical care.