History of the ACPCPP (Vic)

The College was formed in Victoria on the 3rd August 1980 by a group of psychologists who felt that it was imperative than an organisation be created to meet the specific needs of those psychologists who were in private practice.

This organisation was initially called the Australian College of Private Clinical Psychologists (ACPCP).

This College has gone from strength to strength.  In September 1980 the criteria for various grades of membership were established and a committee elected.

In 1986 the ACPCP became an incorporated body. 

Following an extraordinary general meeting members voted to rename the College as the Australian College of Psychologists in Clinical Private Practice.

The College, with other private practitioner organisations in each State, formed the Federation of Organisations of Privately Practising Psychologists in Australia. This organisation is “Psychology Private Australia Incorporated (PPAI).

The College, together with the Federation, participated in the conjoint psychologists’ presentation to the Medicare Benefits Review Committee requesting benefits for psychological health services.  The Federation circulated all State and Federal parliamentarians with a survey providing updated research on the benefits of general rebates for psychological health care.

Through the Federation the College played a significant role in obtaining rebates for psychologists from private health funds and also from Workcover, TAC, Comcare and Victims of Crime.  For a number of years the ACPCPP has published reports, participated in deputations and appeared before important tribunals.

Aims

The Aims of the College are:

• To advance the professional practice of psychology, particularly through private practice.

• To create opportunities for psychologists in private practice to improve their skills and knowledge.   

• To promote and maintain high standards of professional ethics amongst all members of the profession.

• To inform members of other professions, potential clients and members of the public about the kinds of services available through private practitioners.

• To encourage harmonious relationships between psychologists in private  practice and members of other professions.

• To negotiate with appropriate authorities on reimbursement of fees from health benefit funds.