Code of Ethics

Review Date: May 2025
Version: 1.0

IAAMHP – Inclusive Australian Agency of Mental Health Practitioners
Important: IAAMHP reserves the right to make updates to this document at any time.

Who We Are
The Inclusive Australian Agency of Mental Health Practitioners (IAAMHP) aims to become the national peak professional body dedicated to maintaining high standards of practice, ethics, and qualifications within the mental health sector. We advocate for equity and equal opportunity for all mental health professionals, recognising and supporting individuals based on their qualifications, experience, and commitment to their work.

We are committed to bridging the gap between regulated and non-regulated mental health professionals by promoting ethical, inclusive, and reliable service provision. We foster collaboration and mutual respect among practitioners. By encouraging professional integrity and ethical conduct, we believe that both groups can complement each other’s efforts and contribute to raising the overall standards and impact of mental health services across Australia.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive, competent, and collaborative mental health landscape in which all professionals are empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of clients and the wider community.

Who Can Join
Mental health practitioners such as General Practitioners (GPs), Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Mental Health Nurses, as well as allied health professionals including Social Workers, Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Psychoanalysts, Behaviour Analysts, Behaviour Therapists, Mental Health Workers, Art Therapists, Music Therapists, Community Workers, and holders of other relevant mental health qualifications are welcome to apply for membership.

International membership is also available to similarly qualified individuals. However, IAAMHP does not regulate international members’ professional activities or licensure. It remains the responsibility of international members to ensure compliance with their local legislation and regulatory bodies.

The organisation prioritises inclusivity, ensuring diversity and equity for all individuals who meet the required professional standards, and operates without any form of racial or systemic discrimination.

Where appropriate, the following policies may be adapted from an international framework to comply with Australian legislation. Alternatively, a separate Code of Ethics (CoE) may be introduced specifically for Australian Mental Health Practitioners (MHPs) to avoid ambiguity or legal misinterpretation.

Disclaimer

The IAAMHP Code of Ethics is developed as a guiding document for members of the Inclusive Australian Agency of Mental Health Practitioners (IAAMHP). It sets out the values, responsibilities, and professional expectations for individuals associated with our organisation. While this document aims to support ethical and respectful practice, it does not constitute legal advice, nor does it replace any local, national, or international laws or statutory obligations applicable to practitioners.

IAAMHP is not a statutory regulatory authority and does not have the power to enforce legal compliance. However, adherence to the IAAMHP Code of Ethics is a mandatory condition of membership, and IAAMHP reserves the right to suspend, revoke, or deny membership to any individual who fails to honour or uphold these standards.

This document is intended for general guidance and may be updated periodically. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain typographical errors, outdated information, or unintended inaccuracies. Members and readers are advised that:

• Hyperlinks to third-party websites or regulatory resources are provided in good faith but may become outdated or non-functional over time. IAAMHP does not guarantee the availability or accuracy of external content.
• Content within this Code may change without prior notice. Updates may reflect evolving best practices, organisational policies, or ethical considerations.
• Members are strongly encouraged to review the Code of Ethics at least once every six months and again at the end of each calendar year.
• IAAMHP intends to formally review and revise this document on an annual basis, generally between May and August each year, based on the feedback of members and industry experts, if the code is needed to change. The latest version will always supersede any prior versions.

By maintaining membership with IAAMHP, all members acknowledge their responsibility to familiarise themselves with the most current version of the Code of Ethics and to uphold its principles during the course of their membership.

For further clarification or questions about this document, please contact IAAMHP directly.

Preamble: Code of Ethics (CoE)
This Code of Ethics (CoE) sets forth a standardised set of values expected to guide members in their professional, educational, training, and scientific endeavours, as well as in the delivery of services to both members and non-members. The CoE establishes self-regulatory principles to address circumstances faced by members, clients, customers, and/or patients, with the primary objective of promoting the well-being, rights, and safety of individuals and groups with whom members engage.

International Code of Ethics (ICoE)
The IAAMHP observes and draws guidance from the codes of ethics established by leading international organisations for mental health and health professionals. While international membership is facilitated, IAAMHP is an Australian entity, registered and operating within Australia. Accordingly, Australian legislation, regulatory frameworks, and industry standards will be upheld where applicable.

All international members are required to comply with IAAMHP’s core ethical principles in addition to fulfilling legal and professional obligations in their respective jurisdictions. Members must ensure that their practice is consistent with the health and mental health laws and codes of conduct applicable in the country where they primarily operate.

Code of Ethics (CoE)

Rules for All Members
All members are required to adhere to the Code of Ethics of IAAMHP. Compliance with this Code is a condition of membership.

Rules for Office Bearers and Board Members Regarding Client/Customer Services
Directors, secretaries, and board members of IAAMHP who are also mental health practitioners are required to adhere to the same ethical standards and rules applicable to other members. Professional conduct and responsibilities apply equally, regardless of organisational role.

AHPRA-Regulated Health Practitioners

Health practitioners regulated by AHPRA, including but not limited to General Practitioners (GPs), Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Mental Health Nurses, are required to comply with the AHPRA Code of Conduct and the Code of Ethics applicable to their respective professions. These standards are set by AHPRA and are fundamental to ensuring professional integrity and the delivery of quality care.

It is the responsibility of AHPRA-regulated practitioners to stay informed of and adhere to the relevant codes of conduct and ethics. These can be accessed through the AHPRA website or other official resources.

While IAAMHP may provide links to these resources on its website for convenience, IAAMHP does not take responsibility for the functionality or availability of these links, as they may change or become inaccessible over time. Practitioners are advised to verify all information directly with AHPRA or through other official channels.

AHPRA:
(These links are accurate as of the time of publication and are provided for reference purposes only. Individuals regulated by AHPRA are responsible for ensuring their understanding and compliance with the applicable Code of Conduct for their profession. For further inquiries, please contact AHPRA or consult their website.)

Good medical practice: a code of conduct for doctors in Australia:
https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Code-of-conduct.aspx?_gl=1*1stz8y9*_ga*MTc2MDY5MzE3NC4xNzQyNjk4MTQ2*_ga_F1G6LRCHZB*czE3NDczODY3MDckbzE0JGcxJHQxNzQ3Mzg3MzAzJGowJGwwJGgw

Code of conduct for psychologists released:
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2024-11-25-code-of-conduct-released.aspx

Code of conduct for the professionals of Nursing and Midwifery:
https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/Professional-standards.aspx?_gl=1*1qhr230*_ga*MTc2MDY5MzE3NC4xNzQyNjk4MTQ2*_ga_F1G6LRCHZB*czE3NDczODY3MDckbzE0JGcxJHQxNzQ3Mzg3MzAzJGowJGwwJGgw

Shared code of Conduct: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Code-of-conduct/Shared-Code-of-conduct.aspx     ( The shared code of conduct applies to the practitioners regulated by the following National Boards:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice, Chinese medicine, Chiropractic, Dental, Medical radiation practice, Occupational therapy, Optometry, Osteopathy, Paramedicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry.  Please note that the shared Code of conduct does not apply to the following professions as of May 2025: Medical, Midwifery, Nursing. Psychology

Non-Regulated Mental Health Professionals (Australia)

Mental health professionals who are not regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)—such as counsellors, psychotherapists, art therapists, and other practitioners not covered by a National Board—are not governed by a statutory registration scheme. However, they are still subject to oversight through state and territory health complaints entities, which have legal authority to manage complaints and take action where necessary.

It is the responsibility of non-regulated practitioners to conduct their services ethically, professionally, and in accordance with applicable state and territory laws. Clients and members of the public have the right to raise concerns or complaints through the appropriate statutory authority in their jurisdiction.

IAAMHP provides the following information in good faith and for reference only. These links were accurate at the time of publication. IAAMHP does not guarantee the continued accuracy or availability of external content.

Health Complaints Bodies by Jurisdiction:

1. New South Wales (NSW)
   1. Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC)
      Website: https://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au
      Phone: 1800 043 159
2. Queensland (QLD)
   1. Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO)
      Website: https://www.oho.qld.gov.au
      Phone: 133 646
3. Victoria (VIC)
   1. Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC)
      Website: https://www.hcc.vic.gov.au
      Phone: 1300 582 113
4. Western Australia (WA)
   1. Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO)
      Website: https://www.hadsco.wa.gov.au
      Phone: (08) 6551 7600 or 1800 813 583
5. South Australia (SA)
   1. Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner (HCSCC)
      Website: https://www.hcscc.sa.gov.au
      Phone: 1800 232 007
6. Northern Territory (NT)
   1. Health and Community Services Complaints Commission (HCSCC)
      Website: https://www.hcscc.nt.gov.au
      Phone: 1800 004 474
7. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
   1. Human Rights Commission – Health Services Commissioner
      Website: https://hrc.act.gov.au
      Phone: (02) 6205 2222

International Mental Health Professionals

IAAMHP welcomes members from diverse countries and cultural contexts. While IAAMHP is an Australian-based organisation, its ethical framework is intended to support mental health professionals internationally in upholding high standards of integrity, safety, and professionalism.

All international members of IAAMHP are required to respect and adhere to the IAAMHP Code of Ethics for the full duration of their membership. This code represents the collective values and professional expectations of our organisation and is central to maintaining the trust of the public and the credibility of the IAAMHP membership.

In addition to following the IAAMHP Code of Ethics, international members must also ensure full compliance with:

1. The laws and regulations governing mental health practice in the country or jurisdiction in which they reside or provide services;
2. The professional standards, licensing rules, and codes of conduct or ethics that apply to their discipline within their local regulatory or statutory framework;
3. Any registration, qualification recognition, or continuing professional obligations required by authorities in their region.

IAAMHP does not replace, override, or act as a substitute for statutory bodies or legal requirements in any country. Members remain individually responsible for understanding and meeting all legal and ethical obligations relevant to their practice in their local context.

While IAAMHP offers guidance through its Code of Ethics, it cannot guarantee compliance with international or local regulations. Therefore, members are encouraged to regularly consult with their country’s official regulatory bodies, professional councils, or legal advisors where necessary.

By becoming a member of IAAMHP, international practitioners acknowledge their responsibility to uphold both the IAAMHP Code of Ethics and the applicable standards of their own jurisdiction.

Human Rights
Members must uphold the highest standards of conduct in alignment with international and national human rights principles. Professionals must respect the dignity and autonomy of individuals and avoid engaging in any conduct that compromises the safety, rights, or well-being of clients or others. Members must seek support through debriefing, supervision, or IAAMHP resources where necessary. In cases of uncertainty regarding ethical boundaries, consultation with supervisors or qualified peers is recommended.

Legal and Ethical Obligations
Members are required to meet all legal, professional, and ethical standards relevant to their profession and location. This includes understanding and fulfilling duties around privacy, consent, service delivery, and advertising. When offering services online to clients in other jurisdictions, members must ensure that clients understand the nature of the services, the limits of professional responsibility, and that any disclaimers are clear and accessible. Informed consent must be obtained and appropriate terms and conditions must be made available to clients before service delivery begins.

Competence
Members must provide services only within the scope of their qualifications, training, and professional experience. They must engage in continuous professional development and remain informed of developments in their areas of practice. IAAMHP offers approved training opportunities including workshops, online programs, and resources. Members must ensure that their training sources are recognised by IAAMHP to avoid future discrepancies.

Where a practitioner lacks adequate training in a particular area, they must not provide services in that area. Clients should be referred to qualified professionals when required. Referrals must be made with due diligence and in accordance with local standards and IAAMHP guidance.

Integrity
Members are expected to act with integrity in all professional activities. This includes honesty, fairness, transparency, and respect for clients, peers, and the community. Members must base their professional decisions on sound, evidence-based knowledge and clearly communicate their roles and responsibilities. Accountability is essential in all aspects of service delivery.

Informed Consent
Members must ensure that clients are fully informed about services, including the scope, risks, benefits, fees, privacy policies, and their rights as clients. Information must be presented in clear and comprehensible language. Clients or their legal guardians (in the case of minors or individuals with limited decision-making capacity) must provide informed written consent prior to receiving services.

Fees and Financial Arrangements
All financial arrangements must be clearly outlined in writing before the commencement of services. This includes fees, session duration, payment policies, cancellation rules, and procedures for missed appointments. Members should seek professional advice from legal and financial experts in their area to ensure their arrangements comply with applicable laws. Transparency is essential in all financial dealings.

Privacy and Confidentiality
Members must safeguard all private client information. Disclosure to third parties must only occur with written consent or where legally mandated (e.g., subpoenas). Clients must be informed if their data is to be disclosed. Sessions, notes, digital records, and recordings must be securely stored and handled in line with Australian privacy laws.

Audio or video recordings must not be made without explicit written permission from the client (or a legal guardian in the case of minors or vulnerable individuals). If case material is used for training, supervision, or publication, it must be anonymised, and written consent must be obtained in advance.

Consultations and Referrals
Members must facilitate consultations and referrals in the best interests of the client, ensuring informed consent and professional boundaries are respected. Information shared during referrals should be limited to what is necessary, and privacy must always be maintained.

Terminating a Therapeutic Relationship
Services must be terminated when it is clear that the client no longer requires them, or when continuation may no longer serve the client’s best interests. This includes cases of ethical conflicts, ruptured rapport, or personal bias. Termination should be planned respectfully and with adequate notice, ensuring support and continuity of care.

Plagiarism and Other Work Product Violations
Members must respect the intellectual property of others, including those affiliated with IAAMHP or any other organisation. It is strictly prohibited to use, copy, distribute, or incorporate another person’s work without explicit written consent and appropriate acknowledgment. Members must credit the original authors of any work used in their own practice, research, or presentations. Plagiarism or misrepresentation of another’s work as one’s own is a serious breach of professional ethics.

Advertising Protocol
All advertising, whether online or offline, must be truthful, clear, and accurate. Members are prohibited from making misleading claims about their services, qualifications, or expertise. Advertising must not include any content that could be considered defamatory or harmful to others. If any errors or inaccuracies are identified in advertisements, they must be corrected within 30 days of notification.

Members should refrain from engaging in or supporting negative campaigns against colleagues or other members of IAAMHP, unless credible evidence exists to support such actions. Endorsements or testimonials used in advertisements must either have written consent from the endorsing individual or remain anonymous. IAAMHP must be informed and provide approval before using its name or logo for endorsements.

Mandatory Reporting for Mental Health Professionals
Mental health professionals are legally and ethically obligated to report suspicions of abuse, neglect, or harm, particularly involving vulnerable populations such as children or individuals with disabilities. Confidentiality should be maintained, except when there is a legitimate concern that the individual may be at risk of harm. In such instances, professionals must report these concerns to the appropriate authorities immediately, as per the applicable laws of their jurisdiction.

Mental health practitioners are granted legal protection from liability when making such reports in good faith. Members are encouraged to remain familiar with their jurisdiction’s reporting requirements and seek guidance if they are uncertain whether a report is necessary.

General Rules to Observe
Members are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times, whether in their professional settings or personal environments. Compliance with all relevant national, state, and local laws is mandatory.

Mental health professionals must ensure that they report any incidents of professional negligence that could cause harm to a client or others. This includes reporting to relevant statutory bodies such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC), or similar international bodies. Failure to report suspected negligence or misconduct may result in membership revocation.

Conflicts of Interest
Members must avoid any conflicts of interest that may compromise their professional judgment or integrity. If a conflict arises, the member must immediately disclose it to the client and take necessary steps to mitigate any potential harm. Members should never engage in professional relationships with friends or family members for monetary gain, and should consider non-professional methods of applying mental health techniques within their personal circles. Any exceptions should be approved by IAAMHP and subject to appropriate consent and confidentiality agreements.

Duty of Care and Professionalism
Members must always prioritize the well-being of their clients and act in a manner that demonstrates a high level of professional responsibility. A duty of care exists not only towards clients but also to colleagues and the broader community. Members should maintain professional boundaries at all times, refrain from exploiting clients emotionally, sexually, or financially, and avoid any relationships that could create a conflict of interest.

Members should also be mindful of any personal values or beliefs that may influence their practice, ensuring that such values do not negatively impact their professional duties. If conflicts arise due to differing values, members should refer the client to a more appropriate practitioner, ensuring that they remain ethically aligned with IAAMHP standards.

Supervision Policy
Members are required to participate in professional supervision for a minimum of 10 hours annually or in accordance with the guidelines set by their local regulatory body. The purpose of supervision is to enhance the practitioner’s skills, ensure ethical standards are maintained, and provide a support system for professionals working in the mental health field.

Supervision should be conducted by an approved supervisor in the relevant area of practice. Members are required to submit evidence of their supervision sessions as per IAAMHP’s documentation requirements. Any endorsement or clinical responsibility may need to be supervised based on local industry standards and IAAMHP’s guidelines.

First Aid and CPR Certification
Certain mental health professions require certification in First Aid, with a refresher course every three years and annual CPR updates. While IAAMHP does not mandate this certification for all members, those involved in direct client care should ensure that they meet the requirements of their jurisdiction or governing body. In addition, members are encouraged to stay informed about local legal and regulatory requirements for first aid and CPR training.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Members must engage in ongoing professional development to enhance their knowledge and skills. This includes attending workshops, seminars, conferences, and completing relevant courses. Members are also encouraged to document and reflect on their professional growth by submitting evidence of CPD activities. IAAMHP provides various CPD opportunities that help members stay informed about new developments in their fields of expertise.

Insurance Requirements
Members are required to hold professional indemnity and liability insurance, as required by local standards and regulatory bodies. This insurance must cover professional practice and any potential liabilities associated with service delivery. IAAMHP encourages members to maintain this insurance, but the specifics of coverage may vary depending on the jurisdiction in which a member practices.

Verification of Qualifications
IAAMHP is committed to ensuring the integrity of its membership by verifying the qualifications of all applicants. This can be done through:

1. Assessment by Statutory Regulatory Bodies
   IAAMHP will recognize assessments conducted by regulatory bodies in a member’s country or jurisdiction, such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), for validating qualifications and professional standing.
2. Assessment by Approved Professional Bodies
   IAAMHP will consider assessments performed by recognised professional bodies, such as the Australian Psychological Society (APS) or Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), for meeting necessary qualification standards.
3. IAAMHP’s Own Assessment Process
   If no external verification is available, IAAMHP may conduct its own independent assessment of a member’s qualifications to determine eligibility for membership.

Updates and Changes
This document may be amended periodically to reflect changes in professional standards, legal requirements, and IAAMHP policies. Members are encouraged to regularly review the IAAMHP website or contact the organisation to stay informed about any changes.

Social Media Policy
Members must uphold the same ethical standards when engaging on social media platforms. This includes refraining from posting misleading, harmful, or defamatory content related to their professional practice. Conflicts arising from social media interactions should be addressed in a professional and respectful manner, and unresolved issues may be referred to IAAMHP’s ethics committee for review.

Members are encouraged to participate in IAAMHP’s official social media groups for professional discussions, updates, and networking. It is important to remember that social media activity is public and can affect a member’s professional reputation.

By adhering to the IAAMHP Code of Ethics, members can foster trust and credibility within the mental health community and the broader public. This commitment ensures that the highest standards of professionalism and ethical practice are maintained at all times.

Further References:

For more detailed information on professional guidelines, legal responsibilities, and best practices in mental health, members are encouraged to refer to the following resources:

1. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA): www.ahpra.gov.au
2. Australian Psychological Society (APS): www.psychology.org.au
3. Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA): www.mhca.org.au
4. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines: www.nhmrc.gov.au
5. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP): www.ranzcp.org
6. Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC)