Are you a PACFA member seeking ethics advice? Please use this form for further information on next steps and links to relevant policies and documents.

Code of Ethics

PACFA sets high standards of ethical conduct for the counselling and psychotherapy profession. This supports the ethical practice of counsellors and psychotherapists and helps to protect the public from harm.

PACFA members, including practitioners, affiliates, students, educators, trainers and researchers, are required to work to the PACFA Code of Ethics 2017. PACFA Member Associations registrants are also required to abide by the Code of Ethics of any PACFA Member Associations to which they belong. PACFA and its Member Associations have complaints handling processes where there are concerns that the ethics standards have not been met. Practitioners are held accountable for any breaches of the relevant codes of ethics.

Download Code of Ethics (PDF)

Access Ethics Advice

The Ethics advice line is primarily accessed by registrants or members who are enquiring about their own practice and is separate from the complaint process. In the case where you have any ethical dilemmas or require ethical support, we recommend you consider the following options:

PACFA recommends you keep records of the source of any advice you receive, and any information involved in your decision making. 

PACFA also provides training in ethics and ethical practice to support practitioners and maintain high ethical standards.

Explore duty of care via the recording of the What is a mental health clinician’s duty of care? webinar (external resource by La Trobe Law School).

Submit a Complaint

Submit a concern

See information on how to make a complaint. All concerns are heard in accordance with PACFA’s Professional Conduct Procedures 2024.

PACFA’s ethical standards are implemented and reviewed by the PACFA Ethics Committee.