Clinical guidelines & publications library

Suicide prevention – the role of psychiatry

Ethics, Professionalism, Suicide

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, with far-reaching effects on families, whānau, and communities. Psychiatrists play a central role in suicide prevention by providing clinical expertise, leadership, and advocacy within multidisciplinary systems of care. Suicide prevention requires sustained effort and coordination across governments, health and social systems, communities, and individuals. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) advocates for compassionate, evidence-based, culturally safe and person-centred approaches to prevention, intervention, and postvention, underpinned by collaboration, equity, and kindness.

Minimising and eliminating the use of seclusion and restraint in mental health services

Ethics, Professionalism, Seclusion and restraint

The RANZCP is committed to the delivery of quality mental health services that seek to improve safe practice and promote optimal outcomes to those receiving care. 

Addressing the mental health impacts of disasters and crises

Culturally safe practice, Natural disasters & emergencies, Professionalism

This position statement outlines the importance of mental health support following acute disasters and crises and the role of psychiatrists in disaster response.

Safe, comprehensive, and equitable ADHD care

Addressing health inequity, ADHD, Ethics, Professionalism

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This guideline was rescinded in May 2025.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This guideline was rescinded in May 2025.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.

Medical benefits for psychiatric treatment and training

Medicare, Professionalism

Professional Practice Guideline 1: Medical benefits for psychiatric treatment and training was rescinded in May 2025.

Use of ketamine in psychiatric practice

Ethics, Ketamine, Professionalism

Information for psychiatrists about the potential utility of ketamine in psychiatric practice. PDF Clinical guideline

Ombudsman’s investigation into delay and procedural safeguards

Collaborative care, Health service standards, Professionalism

RANZCP submission to the National Health Practitioner Ombudsman (NHPO) regarding the Ombudsman’s investigation into delay and procedural safeguards PDF Submission

Valproate in healthcare

Professionalism

The RANZCP has endorsed the following resource produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom. URL Clinical guideline

Pharmacogenetics in healthcare

Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Genetic testing, Professionalism

The RANZCP has endorsed the following resources produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. URL Clinical guideline

Family Law Amendment Bill 2024

Addressing health inequity, Culturally safe practice, Families, whānau & carers, Medico-legal, Professionalism

RANZCP Submission to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee regarding the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024

The Psychiatry Workforce Training Pipeline in Aotearoa New Zealand

Professionalism, Workforce

This report provides and overview of the psychiatry workforce composition and sustainability of the training pipeline. Completed in collaboration with Te Whatu Ora │Health New Zealand

Public Safety and Serious Offenders: A Review of Preventive Detention and Post Sentence Orders

Addressing health inequity, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism

RANZCP NZ Submission to Te Aka Matua o te Ture | New Zealand Law Commission regarding the Public Safety and Serious Offenders: A Review of Preventive Detention and Post Sentence Orders

Proposal to Remove the Renewal Criteria for Stimulant Treatments

ADHD, Professionalism

RANZCP NZ Submission to Pharmac regarding the Proposal to Remove the Renewal Criteria for Stimulant Treatments

Medical Aspects of Fitness to Drive: A Guide for Health Practitioners

GPs and psychiatrists, Professionalism

RANZCP NZ Submission to NZ Transport Agency│Waka Kotahi regarding the Medical Aspects of Fitness to Drive: A Guide for Health Practitioners

Consultation on the Draft National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People

Autism, Mental health legislation, Professionalism

RANZCP Submission to the Department of Health and Aged Care regarding the Consultation on the Draft National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People

Inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia

Addressing health inequity, Culturally safe practice, Professionalism

RANZCP to Australian Parliament re Inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia.

Review of End of Life Choice Act 2019

Ethics, Mental health legislation, Professionalism

RANZCP NZ Submission to Manatū Hauora│Ministry of Health regarding the Review of End of Life Choice Act 2019