Some complementary therapists are registered and accredited, but depending on the type of therapy they offer, some may not be.
Learn more about:
Registered health practitioners
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and 15 National Boards regulate health practitioners such as doctors (medical practitioners), nurses, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists and Chinese medicine practitioners (including acupuncturists).
To be registered with a National Board, health practitioners must meet certain standards. This helps ensure they are trained and safe to practise within these professions. It is against the law for a person to pretend to be a registered health practitioner or use protected professional titles, such as doctor or nurse, if they are not registered. To check a practitioner is properly registered, visit ahpra.gov.au. If you have concerns about the performance or conduct of a registered health practitioner, contact Ahpra.
Unregistered health practitioners
Some health practitioners are not legally regulated under the national registration and accreditation scheme. They are known as unregulated health practitioners or general health service providers. They may choose to join a professional association that sets minimum standards. But membership is voluntary and requirements may vary between organisations. In some states, unregulated health practitioners must follow a Code of Conduct, which must be displayed in the premises. If you have an issue with an unregulated practitioner, learn what to do if something goes wrong.
Some complementary therapists not registered with Ahpra have set up their own regulatory bodies, including:
Naturopaths and western herbalists – The Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH) is a self-governing body that sets minimum standards for safe practice. Visit aronah.org.
Natural Medicine – The Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) represents natural medicine practitioners in a range of areas (e.g. naturopathy, herbalism, acupuncture, massage). Visit atms.com.au.
Massage therapists – Visit Massage and Myotherapy Australia (AAMT) at massagemyotherapy.com.au and the Association of Massage Therapists (AMT) at amt.org.au, and search for oncology massage.
Reflexologists – The Reflexology Association of Australia is the national professional body for reflexologists. Visit reflexology.org.au.
Meditation and yoga – Visit the Meditation Association of Australia at meditationaustralia.org.au for meditation teachers, and Yoga Australia at yogaaustralia.org.au to find a yoga teacher.
Homeopaths – The Australian Register of Homoeopaths (AROH) outlines professional standards. Visit aroh.com.au.
→ READ MORE: What can I do if something goes wrong?
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Key resource
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More resources
A/Prof Geraldine McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; A/Prof Christine Carrington, Senior Consultant Pharmacist Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Metro South Health and The University of Queensland, QLD; Kellie Giannarelli, Consumer; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Vivienne Hansen, Bush and Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner, WA; Karla Jaji, Administration Officer, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Dr Laura Kirsten, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, NSW; A/Prof Judith Lacey, Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Adjunct Professor Danforn Lim, Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney, NSW; Dr David Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW; Professor Avni Sali AM, Founder and Director, National Institute of Integrative Medicine, VIC; Gillian Thompson, Consumer; A/Prof Kate Webber, Medical Oncologist, Monash Health, VIC; Tanya Wells, Integrative Oncology Consultant and Naturopath, Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group, VIC; Prof Kate White, Professor Cancer Nursing, Cancer Care Research Unit, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW.
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