Clinical guidelines & publications library
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Cultural safety
Addressing health inequities, Culturally safe practice
This position statement advocates for universal cultural safety in mental health systems, services, and care.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #105
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Recognising and addressing the mental health needs of the LGBTIQ+ population
Addressing health inequities, LGBTIQ+
Evidence shows that discrimination and marginalisation experienced by the LGBTIQ+ population increases their risk of developing mental health issues, and also creates barriers to accessing services.
Position statement- Last updated: Aug 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #83
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The provision of mental health services for asylum seekers and refugees
Addressing health inequities, Asylum seekers and refugees
The RANZCP is concerned about the inadequate provision of mental health services to asylum seekers and refugees, and calls for policy change to improve mental health outcomes.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2024
- Published in Australia
- PS #46
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Principles for mental health systems
Addressing health inequities, Health service standards
This position statement outlines key principles of optimal mental health systems to inform governments and funders and achieve the best possible outcomes for consumers and the wider community.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #37
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Public insurance schemes: advocating for mental injury claimants
Addressing health inequities, Insurance
Aspects of personal injury and workers compensation schemes impose disadvantages on people with mental injuries, delaying recovery and compounding suffering.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2017
- Published in Australia
- PS #94
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Acknowledging and learning from past mental health practices
Addressing health inequities, Culturally safe practice, Historical practices, Professionalism
In the past, some psychiatric treatments were provided without an evidence base. Certain treatments were ineffective, harmful or distressing to patients.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #84
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Acknowledging the Stolen generations
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Addressing health inequities, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism
The forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families continues to affect the health and social wellbeing of communities and families.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2020
- Published in Australia
- PS#42
- Current
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Anxiety disorders: CPG and associated resources
Addressing health inequities, Anxiety disorders, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism
Guidance on the clinical management of anxiety disorders, specifically focusing on diagnosis and treatment strategies. PDF Clinical guideline
Clinical guideline- Last updated: Jun 2018
- Published in Australia
- Current
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Addressing the mental health impacts of natural disasters and climate change-related weather events
Addressing health inequities, Culturally safe practice, Natural disasters & emergencies, Professionalism
Natural disasters and weather events can lead to a wide range of health effects, including mental health problems. Psychiatrists have important roles in disaster planning and response.
Position statement- Last updated: Jan 2020
- Published in Australia
- PS #35
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Benefits of e-mental health treatments and interventions
Addressing health inequities, Culturally safe practice, E-mental health, Professionalism
E-mental health tools may provide affordable and equitable access to complementary forms of care and support but also bring challenges.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2023
- Published in Australia
- PS #98
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Mental health needs of child asylum seekers and refugees
Addressing health inequities, Asylum seekers and refugees, Children & adolescents
This guideline was rescinded in April 2024.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2018
- Published in Australia
- PS #52
- Rescinded
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Partnering with carers in mental healthcare
Addressing health inequities, Collaborative care, Families, whānau & carers, Professionalism
This position statement affirms the importance and value of respectful and cooperative partnerships between psychiatrists and carers.
Position statement- Last updated: Sep 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #76
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Perinatal mental health services
Addressing health inequities, Culturally safe practice, Perinatal, Professionalism
This position statement outlines requirements for effective perinatal mental health services for parents, their babies and families.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #57
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Psychiatry services for older people
Addressing health inequities, Culturally safe practice, Old age, Professionalism
The RANZCP recognises the importance of a holistic, age and culturally appropriate approach to addressing mental illness in older people, informed by the principles of recovery, independence, dignity and quality of life.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2019
- Published in Australia
- PS #22
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Recognising and reducing alcohol-related harm
Addressing health inequities, Alcohol, Professionalism
Excessive alcohol consumption has a detrimental effect on mental health with a well-documented relationship between alcohol misuse and mental health issues.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #87
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Recovery and the psychiatrist
Addressing health inequities, Collaborative care, Professionalism
Recovery is an important principle in psychiatry, with transformative potential for all people with mental illness.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #86
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The relevance of religion and spirituality to psychiatric practice
Addressing health inequities, Collaborative care, Ethics
This position statement provides guidance to psychiatrists on how consideration of religion and/or spirituality can improve outcomes for people living with mental illness.
Position statement- Last updated: Jun 2018
- Published in Australia
- PS #96
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Rural psychiatry
Addressing health inequities, Rural, Workforce
The RANZCP calls for dedicated strategies and funding to increase the number of psychiatrists working in rural and remote communities.
Position statement- Last updated: Feb 2022
- Published in Australia
- PS #65
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Sexual orientation change efforts
Addressing health inequities, Ethics, Historical practices, Professionalism
The RANZCP does not support the use of sexual orientation change efforts of any kind. There is no scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed. Sexual orientation change efforts risk causing significant harm to individuals.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2019
- Published in Australia
- PS #60
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The mental health impacts of climate change
Addressing health inequities, Climate & environment, Natural disasters & emergencies
This position statement recognises the mental health impacts of climate change and supports policy change that addresses these impacts.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #106