Social Media Policy

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

 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Protect the privacy, confidentiality, and wellbeing of our clients.

  • Maintain clear professional boundaries between psychologists and clients.

  • Ensure compliance with the Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics, and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

  • Provide guidance on the responsible and ethical use of social media by staff representing Meaning Matters Psychology.

 

Professional Boundaries Online – Interactions and Followings

  • Psychologists will not accept friend requests or follow requests from current or former clients on personal social media accounts.

  • We do not engage in clinical discussions or provide therapy via social media messaging. All communication must occur through approved professional channels (phone, email, secure telehealth platform).

  • We do not post, “like,” or comment on clients’ personal posts or profiles.

  • Any public interaction between staff and clients may risk breaching confidentiality and is therefore avoided.

 

Official Practice Accounts

  • Social media accounts for Meaning Matters Psychology may be used for:

    • Sharing mental health resources and psychoeducation.

    • Announcements about practice updates (e.g., holiday closures, new services).

    • Promoting mental health awareness events and campaigns.

  • All content must:

    • Be accurate, respectful, and evidence-based.

    • Avoid offering individualised therapeutic advice.

    • Include disclaimers that information is general in nature and not a substitute for professional advice.

 

Online Searches

·       Meaning Matters Psychology will not use search engines or social media platforms to seek information regarding present, future or prospective clients.

·       This is considerate an invasion of your privacy and knowledge of your online activities and can blur the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. 

 

Business Reviews 

·       It is unethical for psychologists to solicit testimonials from therapy clients, as outlined in the Australian Psychological Association's Ethics Code.

·       If you happen to find Meaning Matters Psychology on review sites, please note that these listings are not prompted by Meaning Matters Psychology and are developed by unrelated third parties. You certainly have the right to express yourself on these sites if you wish, however, due to

·       confidentiality, Meaning Matters Psychology will be unable to respond to any review on such sites, whether positive or negative. We are committed to safeguarding your confidentiality and we encourage you to do the same.  

 

Please be aware that google business accounts have an inbuilt review function of which Meaning Matters Psychology is unable to remove. Please do not view this function as a request for a testimonial, and we recommend you do not provide any reviews or testimonials to protect your confidentiality. Any feedback you wish to provide can be provided to us at info@meaningmatterspsychology.com.au.