Clinical guidelines & publications library

The relationship between psychiatrists and commercial organisations within the health care industry

Ethics, Professionalism

This guideline is intended to help psychiatrists who have a financial interest in a treatment or management facility to identify, assess, and manage conflicts of interest, and highlight ethical judgements psychiatrists should reflect on when engaging with the healthcare industry and the treatment of patients. PDF Ethical guideline

Consultation–liaison psychiatry

The role of consultation–liaison psychiatry exists at the intersection of mental and physical health. Consultation–liaison services must be evidence informed and applicable to the local context.

Members having a financial interest in a treatment or management facility

Ethics, Professionalism

PDF Ethical guideline

Therapeutic use of medicinal cannabis products

Cannabis, Ethics, Professionalism

Information for psychiatrists about the therapeutic use of medicinal cannabis products, including in psychiatric practice. PDF Clinical guideline

Voluntary assisted dying

Ethics, Voluntary assisted dying, Professionalism

The primary role of medical practitioners in end of life care is to facilitate good quality patient-centred care. This statement should not be taken as explicit or implied support of the legalisation of physician assisted suicide. 

Social determinants of mental health

Social conditions play a key role in shaping mental health and wellbeing. RANZCP advocates for sustained inter-agency investment and leadership by psychiatrists in addressing the structural and systemic barriers that drive social inequities.

Inquiry into the Youth Justice (Circuit Breaker) Amendment Bill 2026

RANZCP QLD Branch Submission to the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee regarding the Inquiry into the Youth Justice (Circuit Breaker) Amendment Bill 2026

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Workforce Report

A report and accompanying infographic written to inform psychiatrists, the medical profession and other health professionals, service providers, governments, and the Australian and New Zealand communities about the current child and adolescent specialist psychiatry workforce.

RANZCP formal response to NSW Coroner re NSW Bondi Junction recommendations

RANZCP President, Dr Astha Tomar’s formal response on behalf of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) to the recommendations directed to RANZCP from the Inquest into the deaths at Westfield Shopping Centre, Bondi Junction on 13 April 2024 (the Inquest). PDF Submission

Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill

RANZCP Tū Te Akaaka Roa Submission to the Aotearoa New Zealand Social Services and Community Committee regarding the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill PDF Submission

Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill

RANZCP Tū Te Akaaka Roa Submission to the Aotearoa New Zealand Justice Committee regarding the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill PDF Submission

Improvements to Disability Support Services

RANZCP Tū Te Akaaka Roa Submission to the Ministry of Social Development regarding Improvements to Disability Support Services
PDF Submission

Violent Workplace Incidents Amendment Bill 2026

RANZCP QLD Branch Submission to the Queensland State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee regarding the Inquiry into the Strengthening Protections Against Violent Workplace Incidents Amendment Bill 2026

Corrections Amendment Bill 2026

RANZCP Tū Te Akaaka Roa Submission to the Aotearoa New Zealand Justice Select Committee regarding the Corrections Amendment Bill 2026.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation Paper and Brief Consultation Letter

RANZCP Tū Te Akaaka Roa Submission to the Aotearoa New Zealand Ministry of Health regarding the Draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Discussion Paper. PDF Submission

Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Bill 2026

RANZCP Tū Te Akaaka Roa Submission to the Aotearoa New Zealand Health Select Committee regarding the Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Bill 2026 PDF Submission

Aotearoa NZ Disability Support Services Bill 2026

RANZCP Tū Te Akaaka Roa Submission to the Aotearoa New Zealand Social Services and Community Committee regarding the Disability Support Services Bill. PDF Submission

Termination of Pregnancy (Restrictions on Terminations After 24 Weeks and 6 Days) Amendment Bill

RANZCP SA Branch Submission to the Deputy Premier of South Australia regarding the Termination of Pregnancy (Restrictions on Terminations After 24 Weeks and 6 Days) Amendment Bill PDF Submission

Suicide prevention – the role of psychiatry

Ethics, Suicide, Professionalism

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.

Guidance for authorised prescribers of MDMA and psilocybin

Psychedelics

To provide guidance to psychiatrists following the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) May 2026 recommendations regarding access to 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybin for the purpose of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). PDF Clinical guideline