Clinical guidelines & publications library

The roles and relationships of psychiatrists and other service providers in mental health services

Collaborative care, Professionalism

This guideline was rescinded in May 2025.

Psychiatrists as team members

GPs and psychiatrists, Health service standards, Professionalism

This guideline was rescinded in May 2025.

The role of the psychiatrist in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

Professionalism, Workforce

A psychiatrist is a specialist medical doctor who assesses and treats patients with mental health problems. Psychiatrists often work in collaboration with general practitioners and other health professionals to best meet the mental health and emotional needs of patients.

Prevention and Treatment of Gambling-Related Harm

Addiction, Professionalism

This position statement outlines the impact of gambling-related harm and the need for evidence-based preventative measures and therapeutic interventions.

RANZCP engagement with the pharmaceutical and medical device industry

Ethics, Professionalism

This Position Statement provides guidance on how the College may engage with pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and other commercial companies.

Suicide reporting in the media

Ethics, Suicide

Position Statement 70: Suicide Reporting in the media has been rescinded (May 2024).

The provision of mental health services for asylum seekers and refugees

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.

The mental health of veterans and defence force service members

Ethics, Military and veterans, Professionalism

The position statement outlines the necessary action to improve mental health outcomes for current defence force service members and veterans.

The role of psychiatrists in working with Trans and Gender Diverse people

LGBTIQ+

This statement outlines the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) position in working with Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) people in Australia and New Zealand and the role of psychiatrists in responding to their mental health needs.

E-cigarettes and vaporisers

Professionalism, Smoking cessation

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) recognises nicotine vaping products (NVPs) as a harm minimisation tool where pharmacotherapies and/or behavioural interventions have been unsuccessful, such as for those with a mental health condition.

Benefits of e-mental health treatments and interventions

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.

Lone actor grievance fuelled violence and the role of the psychiatrist

Forensic, Medico-legal

Sexual safety in mental health services in Australia and New Zealand

Health service standards

This Position Statement addresses the prevention of sexual harm and protection of consumers/tāngata whaiora in acute inpatient mental health services.

Deep sleep therapy

Historical practices

Position Statement 34: Deep Sleep Therapy was rescinded in June 2023.

Dementia - antipsychotic medications to care for people with behavioural and psychological symptoms

Addressing health inequity, Dementia, Professionalism

Best practices when considering the use of antipsychotic medications to care for people with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally safe practice

The RANZCP calls for reform of the Australian Constitution to support the mental health and human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

ADHD across the lifespan

ADHD, Professionalism

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a major mental disorder. This statement presents principles to develop a more appropriate, accessible, equitable health system that caters for the needs of people with ADHD across their lifespan.

Safety and wellbeing of psychiatrists and those in psychiatry training

Doctor's health, Professionalism

This position statement highlights the critical importance of the safety and wellbeing of psychiatrists and those in psychiatry training for competent and safe psychiatry practice.

Children with conduct disorder

Addressing health inequity, Children & adolescents, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism

Broad principles to guide governments, agencies, and services in meeting the mental health care needs of children with conduct disorder.

Autism: Addressing the mental health needs of Autistic people

Addressing health inequity, Autism, Professionalism

This position statement addresses the significant challenges and unmet mental health needs of Autistic people.