2025 Conference Recording: Emerging Therapies - Legal Considerations for Health Practitioners

This one hour presentation was recorded at the ANSA Conference in Sydney in November, 2025. Presented by Wotton Kearney Partner Mr Edward Smith, this session examined disciplinary cases against mental health practitioners concerning the use of new and emerging therapies or the use of therapies for non-conventional purposes. The cases provide insight into the expectations of the Psychology Board and/or State Tribunals with respect to the use of evidence-based treatment and the standards that apply to new and emerging therapies. Topics for discussion included record keeping, clinical assessments, client communications and consent, and when the Board is inclined to make adverse findings. The session focussed on identifying practical learnings to assist practitioners to engage in the safe, ethical and professional use of treatment approaches for which evidence may still be emerging.