What do the General Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services aim to achieve?

The General Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services are designed to promote self-regulation among practitioners while prioritizing the public interest. This means they encourage psychologists to adhere to ethical practices that not only benefit their clients but also enhance the overall integrity of the profession. By fostering self-regulation, these guidelines help create a standard of care that psychologists are encouraged to follow, ultimately leading to better outcomes for clients and maintaining public trust in psychological services.

The focus on self-regulation indicates that while these guidelines are important, they are not legally binding mandates, thereby distinguishing them from legal requirements. Additionally, while some financial considerations may arise in practice, the primary objective of these guidelines is not to regulate financial practices but to outline ethical responsibilities. Lastly, although research ethics play a significant role in psychology, the General Guidelines encompass a broader scope beyond just research, including clinical practice and professional conduct. Thus, guiding self-regulation in the public interest is the central aim of these guidelines.