Resources for Australian Psychologists

Would your psychology website pass an Ahpra review?

Identify potential compliance issues in minutes with our free website audit.

A practical guide to the Ahpra advertising requirements psychologists need to understand, including examples of common website compliance issues and a free AI-powered audit designed to identify potential risks in minutes.
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Why psychologists specifically?

Psychology websites are subject to specific advertising standards

Psychology advertising in Australia is governed by strict advertising requirements designed to protect the public from misleading health information.

The Psychology Board of Australia and Ahpra expect psychologists to ensure that website content accurately represents the services they provide and does not create unrealistic expectations about treatment outcomes.
Psychologist taking notes during session.

The practical reality.

Most psychology advertising breaches are not deliberate. In many cases, they stem from everyday website content that was written to promote services, explain areas of practice or help prospective clients understand what to expect. Claims, testimonials, practitioner profiles, promotional offers and other patient-facing content can all create compliance concerns when they are not assessed against Ahpra’s advertising requirements.
Because these issues are not always obvious, many practices are unaware of them until a concern is raised. Reviewing your website before that happens gives you the opportunity to identify potential risks, make informed changes where necessary, and demonstrate that reasonable steps have been taken to address compliance concerns. This guide and audit tool are designed to support that process.
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The Five Rules

What Ahpra assesses when reviewing psychology websites

These are the five advertising prohibitions under Section 133 of the National Law, written for psychologists and illustrated with examples commonly found on psychology websites.
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Claims should be truthful, accurate and supported (Section 133(1)(A))

Psychology websites often discuss mental health conditions, therapeutic approaches, practitioner expertise and the benefits of seeking support. Information can become misleading when claims extend beyond what can be supported, overstate the effectiveness of therapy, or imply expertise that cannot be substantiated.

Likely breach

"Australia's leading trauma psychologists."

Better wording

“Our psychologists have experience working with clients affected by trauma.”

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If you have an offer or incentive, make the terms clear (Section 133(1)(B))

Advertising may breach the National Law if it promotes a gift, discount or other inducement without clearly communicating the terms and conditions attached to the offer. Patients should be able to understand the full nature of the offer, including any eligibility requirements, exclusions, limitations or additional costs that may apply.

Likely breach

“Book now and save 50% on your first appointment!” with no further information about eligibility, expiry dates or conditions.

Better wording

“New clients receive 50% off their initial psychology consultation. Offer valid until 31 December 2026 and available to new clients only.”

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Testimonials about clinical care are prohibited (Section 133(1)(C))

Testimonials that discuss a clinical aspect of care cannot be used in advertising for regulated health services. This includes reviews or patient stories that refer to symptoms, diagnoses, treatment experiences or outcomes, even when the feedback is genuine and voluntarily provided.

Likely breach

★★★★★ “I finally overcame my anxiety thanks to the support I received here.”

Better wording

Non-clinical feedback relating to communication, professionalism or facilities are usually okay.

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Advertising should not create unrealistic expectations of therapy (Section 133(1)(D))

Website content should help people understand what your services involve without implying that a particular outcome is guaranteed. Ahpra is concerned with advertising that creates expectations about treatment results that may not be achievable for every individual.

Likely breach

“Relationship counselling can save marriages."

Better wording

"Relationship counselling can help couples explore challenges, improve communication and work towards their goals."

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Don't encourage unnecessary use of your services (Section 133(1)(E))

The decision to seek psychological support should be based on an individual’s needs, circumstances and goals. Advertising can create compliance concerns when it promotes psychology services in a manner that encourages their use without regard for whether they are appropriate or necessary for the person receiving them.

Likely breach

“Regular psychology sessions are essential for maintaining good mental health."

Better wording

"The frequency and duration of psychological support varies depending on an individual's needs, goals and circumstances."

Free site audit

Check your psychology website for potential advertising compliance issues

Paste your website URL below and our AI will review the page for wording that may create compliance concerns under Ahpra advertising requirements. The audit highlights potentially problematic content, identifies areas for review and provides suggested adjustments.

Audit your psychologist website

Takes about 15 seconds. We don't store your URL or send you anything unless you ask us to.

Free audit includes an initial review of up to five pages. For full-site recommendations, see our complete AHPRA audit service.

Designed for psychology websites

The AI is briefed on guidance from Ahpra and the Psychology Board of Australia, helping it identify advertising risks commonly found on psychology websites.

Independent self-review

We don't report findings to Ahpra. The audit is designed to help you review your own website, identify potential issues and make informed decisions about your content.

Guidance, not legal advice

If a claim is complex, contentious or requires formal interpretation, you should seek advice from your professional indemnity insurer or a suitably qualified regulatory lawyer.

About this tool. Built as a self-assessment aid based on the Ahpra Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service, section 133 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, and published guidance from the Psychology Board of Australia. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee compliance. For formal advice, consult your professional indemnity insurer or a regulatory lawyer. Official Ahpra resources are available at ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Advertising-hub.

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