Provisional psychologists and registrars

Provisional psychologists and registrars are still learning to work with clients, and learning opportunities build their skills and the future workforce. Effective practice means the psychologist: (a) recognises the built-in power imbalance that can leave provisional psychologists and registrars vulnerable; (b) models professional and ethical behaviour and keeps appropriate boundaries with them, a responsibility that rests with the psychologist; (c) treats them with respect; (d) where appropriate, makes clear and records the scope of their role with clients and explains it to associated parties and clients; and (e) where appropriate, tells clients that provisional psychologists and registrars are supervised and share information with their supervisors.

• Written scope of practice for each provisional psychologist or registrar
• Client consent forms disclosing supervised status and information sharing with the supervisor
• Supervisor log of boundary and role discussions

• Clients not told the practitioner is provisionally registered
• Provisional psychologist working outside a documented scope