Are you a member of the public or a PACFA member seeking ethics advice or wanting to make an ethics complaint? Please fill out the form for further information on next steps and links to relevant policies and documents.
Making a complaint
If you have concerns that your counsellor or psychotherapist may have acted unethically while providing counselling or psychotherapy services, you have the right to make a complaint.
You also have the right to make a complaint to PACFA about a PACFA Member Association if you have concerns that the Member Association has not dealt with an ethical matter appropriately.
We recommend reading the PACFA Code of Ethics which outlines PACFA’s standards for ethical practice.
Complaints about Counsellors or Psychotherapists
- First check that the practitioner is listed on the PACFA National Register.
- If listed, email [email protected] with your details, the therapist's name, a description of the complaint, and the date of the incident.
- You should receive an acknowledgment within 48 business hours and a follow-up within two weeks.
Complaints are handled in accordance with the Professional Conduct Procedures 2024.
*A complaint is known as a 'grievance' once eligibility criteria are met.
Complaints about Member Associations
PACFA Member Associations must follow the Membership Requirements and Guidelines for ethical operations.
To make a complaint, email [email protected].
What if the therapist is not on the PACFA register?
If the therapist is not on the PACFA register or with a PACFA Member Association, they may belong to another professional body. Otherwise, complaints should go to a state or territory health complaints commission: