Code of Conduct

Meaning Matters Psychology – Telehealth Clinical Psychology Services
Effective Date: 11/08/2025

 

Purpose

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of professional behaviour, ethical practice, and mutual respect that guide the provision of telehealth psychological services at Meaning Matters Psychology.
It ensures compliance with:

  • The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (as in force in each State and Territory)

  • The Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics

  • The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles

  • Any relevant State/Territory health records legislation

 

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All registered psychologists and provisional psychologists at Meaning Matters Psychology

  • Administrative and support staff

  • Contractors providing services on behalf of the practice

  • Clients engaging with our services, including via telehealth

 

Professional Conduct for Psychologists

All psychologists working for Meaning Matters Psychology must:

  1. Act with integrity, honesty, and professionalism at all times.

  2. Maintain professional boundaries and avoid dual relationships with clients.

  3. Provide evidence-based treatment within the scope of their competence.

  4. Uphold confidentiality and explain its limits clearly to clients.

  5. Obtain informed consent before commencing treatment or sharing information.

  6. Respect client autonomy, values, and cultural background.

  7. Engage in ongoing professional development and supervision.

  8. Manage conflicts of interest transparently and appropriately.

  9. Comply with all telehealth best-practice guidelines, including security and privacy measures.

 

Conduct for Clients

We ask clients to:

  1. Attend sessions on time and provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations.

  2. Engage respectfully with psychologists and staff — verbal abuse, threats, or harassment will not be tolerated.

  3. Participate in sessions in a private and safe environment to protect confidentiality.

  4. Not record sessions without prior written consent.

  5. Be truthful and open about their concerns, history, and needs so treatment can be effective.

 

Telehealth-Specific Responsibilities

  • All sessions are conducted via secure, encrypted platforms approved by Meaning Matters Psychology.

  • Psychologists will ensure they are in a private, distraction-free location when conducting sessions.

  • Clients are encouraged to use headphones and a stable internet connection to reduce privacy risks.

  • Neither party may share telehealth session links with anyone not involved in the session.

 

 Breaches of the Code

  • Staff who breach this Code may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of engagement.

  • Clients who breach this Code may have their services suspended or terminated, except where doing so would place them at significant risk — in which case alternative referral pathways will be provided.

 

Review

This Code will be reviewed annually or as required to reflect changes in legislation, professional guidelines, or practice needs.

 

Contact

Questions about this Code of Conduct can be directed to:
Practice Director / Principal Psychologist – Arzaan Coetzee – Meaning Matters Psychology

Email: info@meaningmatterspsychology.com.au