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AAPi continues to pursue every available avenue following the TGA's decision to restrict the role of primary psychotherapist in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) to clinically endorsed psychologists.
After engaging legal counsel, AAPi lodged Freedom of Information requests with both the TGA and Ahpra to better understand how this decision was made. We have now received the TGA documents, while the Ahpra and Psychology Board documents remain outstanding following a further extension to the FOI process.
The released documents provide an important insight into the consultation process, including the Psychology Board's advice to the TGA and broader questions about transparency, scope of practice and the ongoing division of the psychology profession.
Read the full update to learn what the documents reveal so far, why AAPi believes this issue extends well beyond PAT, and what our next steps will be once the remaining FOI documents are received.
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AAPi continues to ensure the voice of psychologists is heard as the NDIS undergoes significant reform.
As part of our ongoing engagement with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), AAPi has been invited to participate in a dedicated workshop informing the NDIA Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Market Analysis Project.
The project will examine the current Early Childhood Intervention market, consider how broader disability reforms may affect children and families, and assess whether best-practice early intervention supports are being delivered consistently across Australia.
AAPi will use this opportunity to advocate for the vital role psychologists and allied health professionals play in delivering evidence-based early childhood supports. We will also seek to understand whether the NDIA's analysis is considering the impact of current reforms on the allied health workforce that provides ECI services, and how workforce changes may affect children's ongoing access to supports.
AAPi remains concerned that changes across the NDIS and the introduction of new foundational supports, including the Thriving Kids reforms, may create viability challenges for many allied health providers delivering early childhood intervention. Any reduction in workforce capacity risks limiting timely access to therapy for children and families and may have broader consequences across the NDIS and emerging support systems.
We will continue to represent members through NDIA advisory mechanisms and advocate for sustainable, high-quality early childhood services that meet the needs of children, families and the allied health workforce.
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As Medicare continues to strengthen its compliance and integrity activities, practitioners may increasingly be asked to engage with the Australian Government's Online Compliance Platform (OCP) during claim reviews and other compliance processes. The platform provides a secure, digital way to respond to Medicare review requests, submit supporting documentation, and track the progress of compliance matters online.
AAPi has recently been advised by Medicare that psychologists will be a focus of compliance review activities this year. While being selected for review does not necessarily indicate any wrongdoing, it highlights the importance of understanding Medicare requirements, maintaining accurate clinical records, and ensuring that services billed meet Medicare's rules and claiming requirements.
Familiarising yourself with the OCP now can help ensure you are prepared should you be asked to participate in a compliance review in the future. We also encourage all psychologists to regularly review the Medicare billing requirements that apply to psychological services and to ensure they remain up to date with any changes to claiming arrangements. Taking the time to understand both your billing obligations and the compliance review process can help reduce stress and ensure you are well prepared if Medicare seeks information about your claims.
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Rural Placement Support Needed to Strengthen Psychology Workforce
AAPi Board Director Dr Naomi Malone was featured in the Loddon Herald and the Weekly Times, welcoming the Federal Government's announcement of paid placements for psychology students as an important first step in addressing workforce shortages. Naomi highlighted that while financial support during placements is long overdue, rural and regional students continue to face significant barriers, including travel, accommodation and relocation costs. She called for targeted investment in rural training pathways and placement providers to help ensure Australians can access mental health care regardless of where they live.
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Cyber criminals have gained access to some myGov-linked NDIS accounts through phishing and social engineering activity. While there is currently no indication that psychology practice management systems have been directly affected, the incident may have implications for psychologists supporting NDIS participants and clients who use myGov-linked services.
Psychologists are encouraged to remain alert to potential scams targeting clients, including phishing emails, SMS messages or phone calls requesting personal information. Your clients should be reminded that government agencies will not ask for passwords, authentication codes or login details, and any suspicious account activity should be reported promptly.
We recommend you review your own cyber security practices, including using strong passwords, enabling multifactor authentication and if you have staff ensuring they too are aware of phishing risks.
Further information is available from:
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The NDIA has opened registrations for an online community forum about testing the new way of NDIS planning, ahead of its planned rollout in April 2027.
The session will provide an overview of the testing process, including who can participate, what involvement looks like, how participant feedback will be used and how the NDIA will ensure testing does not impact current or future plans.
The online forum will be held on Wednesday, 19 August 2026 at 11:00am AEST. Registrations are open until 17 August 2026.
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The Psychology Board of Australia has reminded all 4+2 interns and supervisors that internship requirements must be completed and applications for general registration submitted by 30 June 2027, when the 4+2 pathway officially retires. With only three National Psychology Examination periods remaining before the deadline, interns who have not yet completed the exam are encouraged to plan ahead.
Further information is available in the Guidelines for the 4+2 Internship Program and on the Psychology Board of Australia 4+2 Internship Webpage.
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Looking to get even more from your conference experience? Enhance your registration by adding one of our Pre-Conference Workshops being held on Monday 19 October, before the main conference kicks off on Tuesday 20 October. These immersive half-day workshops provide practical, hands-on learning and the opportunity to explore key topics in greater depth.
Choose from:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention with Children and Adolescents with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with Children and Adolescents with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Navigating the Minefields of Separated Family Work with Flexibility and Compassion
Exploring and resolving some of the dilemmas arising when providing therapy to parents or children from separated families with through an applied functional-contextual framework.
Subtleties, Systems and Expanded States – How Somatic Psychotherapy Protects Psychologists and Rebuilds Bridges
This experiential workshop explores how somatic (body-informed) and relational approaches can protect and empower therapeutic work before, within and after expanded states of consciousness.
The Business of Psychology (What They Didn’t Teach Us at Uni)
In this workshop, Tess will teach you what she wishes she’d known when she began her private practice over 20 years ago. Six core pillars of business form the workshop’s foundation: Operations, Finances, Products/Services, Sales, Marketing, Staffing/Outsourcing.
Practical AI: Uses of AI for psychologists beyond the scribes
There is a growing fascination around the uses of AI in psychology and this session will show you why. Whether you are new to the space or already using a scribe, this half-day workshop will be eye-opening.
Working With Pain in Practice: Tools for Psychologists
Chronic pain arising from illness and injury is a complex presentation frequently encountered across psychological practice. This practical, skills focused workshop supports psychologists to work confidently and compassionately with pain using an evidence informed, biopsychosocial, and trauma informed framework.
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The below is shared on behalf of Zanda, AAPi's 2026 Conference Diamond Sponsor
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We're proud to be a Diamond Sponsor of the AAPi conference this October on the Gold Coast. Zanda is practice management software built for mental health and allied health professionals. It brings your scheduling, client notes, telehealth, billing, and documentation into one secure place, so you spend less time on admin and more time with clients.
Exclusive AAPi conference offer
Writing notes and keeping up with documentation takes time you'd rather spend with clients. BizzyAI helps you cut down the admin so your day feels lighter. Start a free trial using this link and get 50% off (incl. AI Scribe) for 6 months + 500 SMS credits! *New customers only
A free copy of Damien's book
Damien wrote this for practitioners building and running a private practice, with practical lessons on growing a healthy, sustainable business. We're sharing free copies to AAPi members! Get your copy here.
If you're coming to the conference, stop by and say hello. We'd love to talk through how Zanda can make the day-to-day side of your practice simpler.
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End of Life Law for Clinicians and Advance Care Planning Australia have released a range of free resources to help health professionals build confidence in advance care planning and support patient-centred care.
New resources include:
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It's Loneliness Awareness Week this week, and this year's theme, Make Room for Connection, reminds us that belonging starts with everyday moments of kindness and inclusion.
Research from Ending Loneliness Together found:
- Nearly 1 in 2 Australians experience some form of loneliness or social isolation.
- Having just one close friend can significantly reduce the risk of loneliness.
- Spending 1–3 hours a week with friends and participating in community activities are among the strongest protective factors against loneliness.
Learn more about Loneliness Awareness Week, access resources, or find an event near you.
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Consultation open: Inclusive Communities Fund
The Australian Government is seeking feedback on the new Inclusive Communities Fund, a $200 million initiative designed to help community organisations become more inclusive and accessible for people with disability. Funding will support initiatives such as disability inclusion training, accessibility improvements, partnerships with disability organisations and other measures that encourage greater participation in community life. Consultation is open until 31 August 2026, with the first funding round expected to commence by June 2027.
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$18.1 million investment to support LGBTIQA+ health
The Australian Government has announced more than $18.1 million in funding to support projects that improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ Australians. The investment includes $10 million for a new national training and accreditation program to help primary care providers deliver safe, inclusive and affirming care, alongside $8.1 million in grants for 18 community-led initiatives across Australia. The funding supports implementation of the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025–2035.
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Relationship study highlights risk factors for elder abuse
Relationships Australia has released a new special report examining the relationship experiences of older Australians and the factors associated with elder abuse and neglect. Drawing on findings from the 2024 Relationship Indicators survey, the report highlights the links between relationship distress, loneliness, caring responsibilities and poor mental health, with many older adults reporting they manage relationship difficulties alone rather than seeking support. The report also calls for greater investment in prevention, stronger support pathways and tailored responses to better protect older Australians and address the risk of elder abuse.
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Report calls for housing to be central to mental health reform
Homelessness Australia has released a new report calling for housing to become a central component of Australia's mental health system. Breaking the Crisis Cycle highlights the strong link between homelessness and mental ill health, estimating more than 31,000 Australians are caught in a cycle of homelessness, hospitalisation and crisis services. The report calls for a national supportive housing program based on Housing First principles, arguing that stable housing linked with ongoing support is one of the most effective ways to improve mental health outcomes while reducing pressure on the health and justice systems.
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NSW: New health-led response to mental health emergencies
The NSW Government has announced a new health-led response model for mental health emergencies, backed by more than $270 million over 10 years. Under the model, people who call Triple Zero (000) during a mental health crisis may be connected with dedicated mental health teams who can provide immediate support and link them with appropriate care. The initiative will establish a statewide Virtual Mental Health Hub and eight Mental Health Acute Assessment Teams to improve coordination, reduce pressure on emergency services and ensure people receive the right support at the right time.
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WA: Mobile mental health care launches in the south west
The Western Australian Government has launched a new mobile Acute Care Response Team (ACRT) to provide community-based crisis support for children and young people experiencing mental health challenges in the South West. The service will offer rapid responses for young people up to 18 years old, as well as support for families and carers, providing an alternative to hospital-based care where appropriate. The initiative forms part of a $13.8 million investment to expand infant, child and adolescent mental health services across the region.
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Ava, AAPi's Virtual Assistant, is designed to help members quickly access information from across the AAPi website. Whether you're looking for professional practice resources, member benefits, events or general information, Ava can provide clear answers and direct you to the relevant content.
Log in and give Ava a try today!
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We are aware of a number of scam and phishing emails currently circulating, claiming to be from AAPi and offering to sell contact lists. Please be aware that these are scam/phishing emails. AAPi does not sell or share member or event attendee information.
We recommend deleting these emails and not responding or clicking any links.
Reminder: Cyber Wardens offer free online cyber security training, including modules on scams. Learn more.
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