Purpose

At Ballarat Women's Psychology, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and professional environment for our clients, practitioners, staff, students, and visitors.

This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected from everyone interacting with our practice and reflects our commitment to ethical, compassionate, and person-centred care.

Our Commitment

Ballarat Women's Psychology is committed to providing services that are:

• Respectful and compassionate

• Safe and inclusive

• Evidence-based

• Client-centred

• Ethical and professional

• Culturally responsive

• Trauma-informed

We are committed to treating every person with dignity, fairness, and respect.

Our Expectations

To help create a positive and safe environment, we ask that everyone interacting with our practice:

Treat Others with Respect

We expect all interactions with our psychologists, administration staff, students, contractors, and other clients to be respectful and courteous.

This includes communication:

• In person

• By telephone

• By email

• Through telehealth

• Via written correspondence

Maintain a Safe Environment

We are committed to providing a workplace that is safe for everyone.

The following behaviours will not be tolerated:

• Aggressive or intimidating behaviour

• Verbal abuse

• Threatening language

• Harassment

• Bullying

• Discrimination

• Physical violence

• Damage to property

• Behaviour that places staff, practitioners, students, or other clients at risk

Where necessary, Ballarat Women's Psychology reserves the right to end an appointment, request that a person leave the premises, or discontinue services where safety cannot be maintained.

Emergency services may be contacted where appropriate.

Respect Privacy

Clients are expected to respect the privacy and confidentiality of other clients attending the practice.

Photography, video recording, or audio recording within the practice is not permitted without prior consent.

Attend Appointments Responsibly

Clients are asked to:

• Attend appointments on time.

• Provide at least 48 business hours' notice when cancelling or rescheduling appointments.

• Notify the practice if they are running late.

• Review and comply with the practice's Cancellation and Non-Attendance Policy.

Communicate Openly

We encourage honest and respectful communication.

If you have questions, concerns, or feedback regarding your care, we encourage you to discuss these with your psychologist or contact the Practice Manager.

Constructive feedback is welcomed and helps us continuously improve our services.

Financial Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for:

• Paying appointment fees in accordance with our Fees and Financial Responsibilities.

• Providing current payment details where required.

• Advising us of any changes to funding arrangements.

Professional Boundaries

To maintain appropriate professional relationships:

• Psychologists do not accept friend or follow requests on personal social media accounts.

• Therapeutic communication should occur during scheduled appointments.

• Administrative enquiries should be directed to our administration team.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Ballarat Women's Psychology values diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all people regardless of:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender identity

• Sexual orientation

• Relationship status

• Pregnancy or parenting status

• Cultural or linguistic background

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity

• Religion or beliefs

Discrimination, harassment, or vilification will not be tolerated.

If This Code is Not Followed

Where behaviour is inconsistent with this Code of Conduct, Ballarat Women's Psychology may take appropriate action.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Discussing the behaviour with the individual involved.

• Issuing a warning.

• Ending an appointment.

• Refusing future appointments.

• Referring the client to another service where appropriate.

• Contacting emergency services or police if there is an immediate risk to safety.

These decisions are made with consideration for the safety and wellbeing of our practitioners, staff, students, clients, and visitors.

Our Commitment to You

In return, Ballarat Women's Psychology commits to:

• Treating you with dignity, compassion, and respect.

• Providing ethical and evidence-based psychological care.

• Protecting your privacy and confidentiality.

• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

• Listening to your concerns and responding fairly.

• Continuously improving the quality of our services.