The Australian Psychological Society (APS) Charter for Clients of Psychologists outlines your rights as a client when engaging in psychological services. It is designed to promote respectful, ethical, and transparent relationships between psychologists and clients, ensuring that your wellbeing, dignity, and autonomy are upheld throughout the therapeutic process.

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1. Respect and Dignity

You have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and without discrimination. Your cultural background, gender identity, sexuality, age, disability status, and religious or personal beliefs will be acknowledged and honoured throughout therapy.

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2. Privacy and Confidentiality

Your personal information and what you share in sessions is kept confidential, except under specific legal or ethical circumstances (e.g. risk of harm to self or others, court subpoenas). Psychologists are bound by privacy laws and ethical guidelines to protect your information.

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3. Informed Consent

You have the right to be fully informed about the nature, purpose, and expected outcomes of the psychological service. You can ask questions and are encouraged to make informed decisions about your participation and ongoing engagement.

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4. Competent and Ethical Practice

Psychologists must provide services that are grounded in evidence-based practice and align with professional ethical standards. They are responsible for maintaining professional development and working within their scope of competence.

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5. Clear Communication

You have the right to receive clear, honest, and timely information about your therapy, including fees, cancellation policies, and record-keeping practices. You can request a summary of your progress or ask for clarification at any time.

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6. Feedback and Complaints

You are encouraged to share feedback about your experience, and have the right to make a complaint if you feel your rights have not been respected. Complaints can be made directly to your psychologist or lodged with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or the Psychology Board of Australia.

This summary is intended to support transparency and empower you in your therapeutic journey. For the full Charter for Clients of Psychologists, please visit the Australian Psychological Society website at www.psychology.org.au.