Ethical guidelines for the provision of

psychological services for, and the conduct

of research with, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................... 8

2. Respect and Justice.............................................................................................................. 8

3. Informed consent................................................................................................................. 9

4. Competence......................................................................................................................... 10

5. Psychological testing and assessment of Indigenous clients................................. 10

6. Research................................................................................................................................ 12

7. Provision of psychological services in the area of mental health.......................... 12

8. Summary.............................................................................................................................. 12

9. References............................................................................................................................ 13

10. Further reading................................................................................................................... 14

 7
 1. Introduction
1.1. In these Guidelines Indigenous refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia. The APS
recognises Indigenous cultures and people as the first people of Australia who have a longstanding and
enduring relationship to the land. Both traditional and contemporary expressions of Indigenous cultures are
diverse in many respects. Membership of Indigenous cultures can be determined by considerations such as
ancestral descent, individual affirmation, and Indigenous community affirmation.

1.2. The APS recognises that Indigenous people, both collectively and individually, have been and are deeply
disadvantaged by the European settlement of Australia, which has severely affected their rights to political
and cultural autonomy, land ownership, self-determination and other rights specific to all indigenous peoples
(United Nations, 2008). Further, much of the research and the professional practices with Indigenous clients
have not been sensitive to the cultures, customs and knowledge of Indigenous peoples.

1.3. The APS recognises the importance of using a diverse approach to Indigenous health and wellbeing concerns
when working with Indigenous clients, families and communities - “Individuals, families and communities
are shaped by connections to body, mind and emotions, family and kinship, community, culture, land
and spirituality” (Gee, Dudgeon, Schultz, Hart & Kelly, 2014). Psychologists acknowledge that when these
connections are disrupted, there is a likely impact on Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing.

1.4. As part of its commitment to a Reconciliation Action Plan (2012), the APS gives unequivocal support to the
need for reconciliation between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples. The APS is committed to building
respect, relationships and understanding between Indigenous and other Australians to help close the gap in
mental health, and social and emotional wellbeing outcomes experienced by Indigenous peoples.

1.5. Psychologists are aware of reports from major public inquiries and initiatives on matters concerning Indigenous
health, mental health, and psychological wellbeing, such as “Closing the Gap” (2008), “Bringing Them Home”
(1997), “The Elders’ Report into Preventing Indigenous Self-harm and Youth Suicide” (2014), and the book,
“Working Together” (2014).

2. Respect and Justice

Refer to the APS Code of Ethics (2007), General Principle A: Respect for the rights and dignity of people
and peoples.

Psychologists regard people as intrinsically valuable and respect their rights, including the right to autonomy
and justice. Psychologists engage in conduct which promotes equity and the protection of people’s human
rights, legal rights, and moral rights. They respect the dignity of all people and peoples.

2.1. When making professional decisions about Indigenous clients, psychologists take into account their clients’
particular ethnicity and culture. Psychologists are aware of contextual issues such as intergenerational
trauma and racism that might adversely affect the wellbeing of Indigenous clients and the effectiveness of the
psychological services they provide. Decisions related to the type of psychological service to be provided are a
collaborative exercise between the psychologist and the Indigenous client.

Refer to the Code, standard A.1. Justice.

A.1.1. Psychologists avoid discriminating unfairly against people on the basis of age, religion, sexuality, ethnicity,
gender, disability, or any other basis proscribed by law.

A.1.2. Psychologists demonstrate an understanding of the consequences for people of unfair discrimination and
stereotyping related to their age, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, or disability.

A.1.3. Psychologists assist their clients to address unfair discrimination or prejudice that is directed against the
clients.

2.2. Psychologists are aware of, and show due acknowledgment and respect for, the value systems and authority
structures operating in Indigenous communities. Psychologists recognise and value the strength and resilience
of Indigenous peoples and communities. They are sensitive to their clients’ wider responsibilities to kin, elders
and community that operate in Indigenous cultures, and practise accordingly.

8 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia

 Refer to the Code, standard A.2. Respect.

A.2.1. In the course of their conduct, psychologists:

…
(b) do not behave in a manner that, having regard to the context, may reasonably be perceived as coercive or
demeaning;
(c) respect the legal rights and moral rights of others; and
(d) do not denigrate the character of people by engaging in conduct that demeans them as persons, or
defames, or harasses them.

2.3. Psychologists respect the importance of providing Indigenous clients with Indigenous community resources and
interpreter assistance when required.

2.4. 
Psychologists respect Indigenous clients’ wishes to consult with available Indigenous-specific services (refer to
Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Services in Aboriginal Australia; see section 5.5.).

2.5. 
Psychologists are aware of best practice guidelines on Indigenous identification in research and practice
settings, and provide opportunities for clients to identify themselves culturally (Australian Institute of Health
and Welfare, 2010).

3. Informed consent
Refer to the Code, standard A.3. Informed Consent.

A.3.1. Psychologists fully inform clients regarding the psychological services they intend to provide, unless an
explicit exception has been agreed upon in advance, or it is not reasonably possible to obtain informed consent.

A.3.2. Psychologists provide information using plain language.

A.3.3. Psychologists ensure consent is informed by:

(a) explaining the nature and purpose of the procedures they intend using;
(b) clarifying the reasonably foreseeable risks, adverse effects, and possible disadvantages of the procedures
they intend using;
(c) explaining how information will be collected and recorded;
(d) explaining how, where, and for how long, information will be stored, and who will have access to the
stored information;
(e) advising clients that they may participate, may decline to participate, or may withdraw from methods or
procedures proposed to them;
(f) explaining to clients what the reasonably foreseeable consequences would be if they decline to participate
or withdraw from the proposed procedures;
(g) clarifying the frequency, expected duration, financial and administrative basis of any psychological services
that will be provided;
(h) explaining confidentiality and limits to confidentiality (see standard A.5.);
(i) making clear, where necessary, the conditions under which the psychological services may be terminated; and
(j) providing any other relevant information.

3.1. Psychologists are aware of language and cultural issues when ensuring that informed consent is appropriately
obtained and understood by their Indigenous clients.

3.2. When working with young Indigenous people who are not able to give consent, psychologists establish who
has legal authority for the young person, and are aware that on occasions multiple Indigenous community
members may have responsibility for the young person.

Refer to the Code, standard A.3. Informed consent.

A.3.6. Psychologists who work with clients whose capacity to give consent is, or may be, impaired or limited,
obtain the consent of people with legal authority to act on behalf of the client, and attempt to obtain the
client’s consent as far as practically possible.

A.3.7. Psychologists who work with clients whose consent is not required by law still comply, as far as practically
possible, with the processes described in A.3.1, A.3.2, and A.3.3.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia  9

 3.3. If psychologists are not able to gain informed consent from an Indigenous person due to issues of capacity, they
establish an appropriate protocol in consultation with the relevant family members and/or community.

Refer to Ethical guidelines when working with young people (2009).

4. Competence
Refer to the Code, standard A.3. Informed Consent.

B.1.1. Psychologists bring and maintain appropriate skills and learning to their areas of professional practice.

B.1.2. Psychologists only provide psychological services within the boundaries of their professional competence.
This includes, but is not restricted to:
(a) working within the limits of their education, training, supervised experience and appropriate professional
experience;
(b) basing their service on the established knowledge of the discipline and profession of psychology;
(c) adhering to the Code and the Guidelines.

4.1. When providing psychological services to Indigenous clients, psychologists are aware of and sensitive to both
cultural and contextual factors associated with Indigenous mental health, and social and emotional wellbeing.
Where practical and/or when requested, psychologists seek guidance from an appropriate Indigenous cultural
consultant.

4.2. 
Psychologists deliver their psychological services in a culturally competent manner acceptable to Indigenous clients.

4.3. To ensure competent psychological services with Indigenous clients, psychologists consider their need for
appropriate cultural competence training.

4.4. Psychologists are aware of, and address on a case-by-case basis, the impact their own beliefs, stereotypes and
communication styles may have on their interpretation of the behaviour of Indigenous clients.

4.5. 
Psychologists document in their records the relevant cultural, linguistic and other social factors related to the
provision of psychological services to Indigenous clients.

4.6. 
Psychologists are aware that some Indigenous styles of interpersonal interaction may differ from those interaction
styles found among non-Indigenous people (Dudgeon and Ugle, 2014; and Westerman, 2004). Psychologists are
aware that such differences may affect the outcome of psychological assessment, and in particular the outcome
of a clinical interview, and consider these factors when interpreting or making formulations.

Refer to the Code, standard A.5. Confidentiality.

A.5.2. Psychologists disclose confidential information obtained in the course of their provision of psychological
services only under any one or more of the following circumstances:
…
(c) if there is an immediate and specified risk of harm to an identifiable person or persons that can be averted
only by disclosing information; or
…

4.7. 
Psychologists are aware of the high rates of suicide and self-harm within Indigenous communities. When
working with Indigenous clients at risk of suicide or self-harm, psychologists may work in conjunction with the
client’s community to reduce the risk of self-harm occurring.

Refer to Ethical guidelines relating to clients at risk of suicide (2014); and

Ethical guidelines for psychological practice in rural and remote settings (2004).

5. Psychological testing and assessment of Indigenous clients

5.1. Psychologists who provide psychological testing and assessment services to Indigenous clients are aware that
there are many factors that can influence the assessment process and the client’s test performance, such as
the manner and pace of questioning, cultural differences in response styles, whether English is the client’s first
language, and some clients’ fear of how the test results may be used.

10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia

 5.2. Before conducting an assessment, psychologists clarify the particular interpersonal communication styles and
customs occurring in the Indigenous communities for which the assessment services are being provided, and
any expected gender differences in interpersonal communication. They consider Indigenous kinship structures,
the use of appropriate nomenclatures for reference to people of Indigenous and non-Indigenous descent, and
appropriate forms of greeting and leave-taking.
5.3. Prior to psychological assessment of Indigenous clients, psychologists address any uncertainties regarding the
cultural appropriateness of the assessment by consulting with Indigenous psychologists or health workers
or psychologists, or with non-Indigenous psychologists with relevant prior experience and knowledge, and
obtaining relevant biographical, social and cultural information about the test taker.

Refer to the Code, standard B.13. Psychological assessments.

B.13.2. Psychologists specify the purposes and uses of their assessment techniques and clearly indicate the
limits of the assessment techniques’ applicability.

B.13.3. Psychologists ensure that they choose, administer and interpret assessment procedures appropriately
and accurately.

5.4. 
Psychologists understand the purpose and uses of the tests and assessment instruments they select, and
consider any potential limits to their use with Indigenous clients. Psychologists attempt to ascertain the extent
to which the test has previously been used with Indigenous clients, and any documented problems arising out
of its use. The relative benefits of the test, other similar available tests, and other methods of assessment are
considered prior to administering the test.

5.5. There are few psychological measures that have been developed specifically for use with Indigenous peoples
and provide current norms and measurement statistics. Before administering a psychological test to Indigenous
clients, psychologists review the available tests which have been developed and validated specifically for
use with Indigenous people. For example, refer to the tests that are available via the Social and Emotional
Wellbeing and Mental Health Services in Aboriginal Australia website: http://www.sewbmh.org.au/resources.

Refer to the Code, standard B.13. Psychological assessments.

B.13.4. Psychologists use valid procedures and research findings when scoring and interpreting psychological
assessment data.

B.13.5. Psychologists report assessment results appropriately and accurately in language that the recipient can
understand.

5.6. When conducting an assessment, psychologists are aware of the importance of respectful behaviour that is
expected for intergenerational communication, any limits to the use of personal names (including taboos
associated with their use), accepted non-verbal communication styles (including eye contact or non-contact),
ways of expressing emotion, and posture.

5.7. To assist the interpretation of test results, where available and appropriate, psychologists combine multiple
sources of information with information from Indigenous clients’ everyday life.

5.8. When interpreting psychological test results, psychologists are particularly cautious when the tests have not
been extensively used with Indigenous people, and where test norms for those Indigenous populations do not
exist.

5.9. When the reliability and validity of individual and group test results for Indigenous test takers are limited,
psychologists record any necessary qualifications on the interpretation of the test results.

Refer to Ethical guidelines on psychological assessment and the use of psychological tests (2009).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia  11

 6. Research
Refer to the Code, standard B.14. Research.

B.14.1. Psychologists comply with codes, statements, guidelines and other directives developed either jointly or
independently by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council,
or Universities Australia regarding research with humans and animals applicable at the time psychologists
conduct their research.

6.1. 
Psychologists ensure that there is thorough consultation between researchers and Indigenous communities,
families and individual participants. Psychologists follow the current NHMRC Guidelines Values and Ethics –
Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research (2003), which relate to
ethical matters in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research. See also NHMRC (2006).

6.2. When psychologists are conducting research and disseminating information related to Indigenous people, the
process is completed in collaboration, or after due consultation with Indigenous people, including Indigenous
psychologists, who could reasonably be expected to have either expertise and/or interest in such research and
information.

6.3. When publishing material about Indigenous people, psychologists state the extent to which they consulted,
collaborated or co-authored the publication with Indigenous people.

7. Provision of psychological services in the area of mental health

7.1. 
Psychologists in educator and trainer roles are aware that accredited psychology courses are required to have a
component on intercultural diversity and Indigenous psychology (APAC, 2010).

7.2. 
Psychologists working as psychology educators respect the life experience as well as discipline knowledge of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academics and community elders, and work closely with them in delivering
a psychology curriculum.

7.3. When conducting professional development training related to Indigenous people and communities,
psychologists include content which incorporates cultural competence. Psychologists understand that cultural
competence incorporates the ability to question one’s personal values, perceptions and cultural assumptions
and to work in inclusive, safe and respectful partnership with Indigenous people.

7.4. When conducting professional development training related to Indigenous people and communities,
psychologists include content which relates to cultural safety frameworks of their local Indigenous community.
Psychologists appreciate that a cultural safety framework recognises that health is embedded in cultural, social,
historical and political contexts.

8. Summary
When working with Indigenous clients, psychologists respect the value systems and authority structures that
operate in Indigenous communities. They are sensitive to both cultural and contextual factors associated
with Indigenous health and wellbeing. Psychologists ensure that informed consent is validly given and
understood. They understand the importance of providing a culturally competent and respectful service, and
where practical and/or requested they involve an appropriate Indigenous cultural consultant. When assessing
Indigenous clients, psychologists select an appropriate test or instrument. When the reliability and validity of
individual and group test results for Indigenous test takers are limited, psychologists note any necessary caveats
on the interpretation of the test results. When conducting research and disseminating information related
to Indigenous people, psychologists complete the process in collaboration, or after due consultation with an
Indigenous person or people who could reasonably be expected to have either expertise and/or interest in such
research and information.

12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia

 9. References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2010). National best practice guidelines for collecting indigenous
status in health data sets. Retrieved from: www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=6442468342 on 18
February 2015.
Australian Psychological Accreditation Council. (2010). Rules for accreditation & accreditation standards for
psychology courses. Melbourne: Author.
Australian Psychological Society. (2004). Ethical guidelines for psychological practice in rural and remote settings.
Melbourne: Author.
Australian Psychological Society. (2007). Code of ethics. Melbourne: Author.
Australian Psychological Society. (2009). Ethical guidelines for psychological assessment and the use of
psychological tests. Melbourne: Author.
Australian Psychological Society. (2012). Reconciliation Action Plan. Melbourne: Author.
Australian Psychological Society. (2014). Ethical guidelines relating to suicidal clients. Melbourne: Author.
Council of Australian Governments. (2009). Closing the gap: National urban and regional service delivery
strategy for Indigenous Australians. Retrieved 18 February 2015 from: www.coag.gov.au/node/67
Dudgeon, P., Milroy, H., & Walker, R. (Eds.). (2014). Working together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental
health and wellbeing principles and practice (Revised ed.). Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.
Dudgeon, P. & Ugle, K. (2014). Communication and engagement: Urban diversity. In P. Dudgeon, R. Walker &
H. Milroy (Eds.), Working together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing principles
and practice (Revised ed.). Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.
Gee, G., Dudgeon, P., Schultz, C., Hart, A., & Kelly, K. (2014). Social and emotional wellbeing and mental health. In
P. Dudgeon, R. Walker & H. Milroy (Eds.), Working together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health
and wellbeing principles and practice (Revised ed.). Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.
National Inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. (1997).
Bringing them home: Report of the national inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children from their families. Retrieved 18 February 2015 from:
www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/bringing-them-home-report-1997
National Health and Medical Research Council (2003). Values and ethics – guidelines for ethical conduct in
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research. Retrieved 18 February 2015 from:
www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/e52
National Health and Medical Research Council. (2006). Keeping research on track: a guide for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples about health research ethics. Retrieved 18 February 2015 from:
www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/e65
People Culture Environment. (2014). The elders’ report into preventing Indigenous self-harm and youth suicide.
Sydney: Author.
United Nations. (2008). Declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. Published by the United Nations
07‑58681—March 2008—4,000. Retrieved 18 February 2015 from:
www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf
Westerman, T. (2004). Guest Editorial. Engagement of Indigenous clients in mental health services: What role
do cultural differences play? Australian e-journal for the Advancement of Mental Health (AeJAMH), Volume 3,
Issue 3, 1-8. OR
Advances in Mental health: Vol. 3, Indigenous Mental health, 88-93. Doi: 10.5172/jamh.3.3.88

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia  13

 10. Further reading
Dudgeon, P., Garvey, D., & Pickett, H. (Eds.). (2000). Working with Indigenous Australians: A handbook for
psychologists. Perth: Gunada Press.
Garvey, D. (2007). Indigenous identity in contemporary psychology: Dilemmas, development and directions.
Melbourne: Thomson Learning.
Gillies, C. (2013). Establishing the United Nations’ declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples as the
minimum standard for all forensic practice with Australian Indigenous peoples. Australian Psychologist, 48,
14‑27.
Kelly, K., Dudgeon, P., Gee, G. & Glaskin, B. (2010). Living on the edge: Social and emotional wellbeing and risk
and protective factors for serious psychological distress among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People,
Discussion Paper No. 10, Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health, Darwin.
Lee, C. (Ed.). (2000). Special issue: Australian Indigenous psychologies. Australian Psychologist, 35(2).
Ranzijn, R., McConnochie, K., & Nolan W. (2009). Psychology and Indigenous Australians: Foundations of cultural
competence. South Yarra: Palgrave Macmillan.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Health (2012). Identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian general practice.
www.racgp.org.au/download/Documents/AHU/identbooklet.pdf

Revised version approved by the Board of Directors, August 2015

Previous version entitled, “Guidelines for the provision of psychological services for, and the conduct of
psychological research with, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia”.

14 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia