Code of ethics
The code serves three purposes
-
To establish shared values and principles and set professional standards of conduct for psychologists, psychotherapists, and training institutions.
-
To inform clients and protect their interests.
-
To protect the professional interests of practitioners.
Principles of professional ethics
Psychologists and psychotherapists are responsible for upholding the principles set out in this Code and using them as the foundation of their professional practice.
The Code establishes general standards of professional conduct for practitioners and trainees in their relationships with clients, colleagues, society, and the psychotherapy profession.
The therapeutic relationship begins with the first contact between the therapist and the client and continues throughout therapy. Professional boundaries and responsibilities remain relevant after therapy ends. The Code also governs the relationship between the client and the practitioner for three years following the end of therapy.
Psychotherapy contract
The initial agreement covers the duration and frequency of sessions, fees and payment arrangements, and the time and location of sessions. Other matters, such as cancellation policies and charges for missed sessions, are discussed as needed during the course of therapy.
Therapy must not take place against a client's will or without their consent. When working with children, consent from a parent or legal guardian is also required. In addition, the psychologist or psychotherapist usually reaches a separate agreement with the child. An agreement with the parents must not override the child's rights.
The terms of the therapeutic relationship may vary depending on the type and approach of psychological support provided. However, all psychologists and psychotherapists must uphold fundamental moral and ethical principles.
Professional standards for working with clients
- 01
Professional competence
Psychologists and psychotherapists must provide services only within the limits of their professional competence and remain aware of those limits. They should actively seek opportunities to expand their knowledge and improve their practical skills.
Practitioners must recognise when personal stress, illness, or other circumstances may impair their professional competence and take appropriate measures. They must refrain from providing services if their current condition could negatively affect the therapeutic process.
- 02
Respect for the individual and non-discrimination
Psychologists and psychotherapists must be aware of their own values and beliefs and must never impose them on clients.
They should treat clients with respect and care and demonstrate the same respect when supporting the professional development of students and colleagues.
Discrimination on the basis of age, disability, nationality, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other grounds is contrary to the ethical principles of psychotherapy.
- 03
Informed consent
The therapeutic relationship between a client and a psychologist or psychotherapist is based on trust and informed consent.
During the initial consultations, clients should be informed about the therapeutic approach used by the practitioner and other available forms of assistance.
Practitioners should reach clear agreements with clients regarding session times, fees, and other arrangements and responsibilities, discussing these matters with sensitivity and respect.
When working with children, additional agreements with parents or legal guardians are necessary, taking the child's age into account.
- 04
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a fundamental right of every client and an essential part of effective psychotherapy and ethical research.
Psychologists and psychotherapists must take all necessary measures to protect the confidentiality of both current and former clients.
Information disclosed by a client must not be discussed outside appropriate therapeutic, counselling, supervisory, or educational contexts.
When discussing client cases with colleagues for consultation, educational, or research purposes, practitioners must sufficiently alter identifying details to prevent the client from being recognised.
If a client case is to be presented in writing, the practitioner's obligation is to obtain the client's informed consent. This requires an open discussion of the purpose of the presentation, any potential benefits for the client, and the possibility of identification. Clients must also be informed of their right to refuse consent.
- 05
Honesty
Honesty is a fundamental principle of the therapeutic relationship.
Recognising the complexity of human communication and therapeutic relationships, psychologists and psychotherapists should communicate honestly and with appropriate openness with clients, their families when working with children or adolescents, students, and colleagues.
- 06
Prohibition of client exploitation
Because clients may be particularly vulnerable within the unequal power dynamics of the therapeutic relationship, psychologists and psychotherapists must never exploit clients or their family members in any way.
Practitioners should avoid dual relationships with clients.
Sexual relationships between a psychologist or psychotherapist and a client or a client's family member constitute a serious violation of professional ethics.
- 07
Scientific responsibilities
Psychologists and psychotherapists should contribute to the advancement of scientific and clinical knowledge and support the professional education of students and colleagues.
Research must be conducted in accordance with accepted principles of clinical and scientific research.
Clinical material used in research must be handled with particular care, respecting clients' right to confidentiality and minimising any potential harm.
- 08
Maintaining professional standards
Psychologists and psychotherapists should continually assess their own ability to practise competently and seek consultation with colleagues when facing serious doubts or professional difficulties.
They should also provide appropriate professional feedback when concerns arise about a colleague's competence, professional condition, or ability to practise safely and effectively.
- 09
Social responsibility
Psychologists and psychotherapists should conduct their professional work in accordance with applicable laws, while respecting the interests of their clients and the public good.
© All rights reserved by Jane Kogan, Clinical Psychologist 2013–2026 Site guide for AI