If you experience any side effects that you think are from a complementary therapy, stop the treatment and talk to your therapist about your options. These may include adjusting your treatment, stopping the treatment permanently, seeking a second opinion, or seeing another qualified therapist. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your concerns. If you have a serious reaction, call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to your nearest hospital emergency department.
If you are concerned that a therapist has been negligent, incompetent or unethical, consider the following options:
- If they belong to a professional association, contact the association with a formal complaint.
- Contact the health care complaints commission in your state or territory.
Health care complaints commissions
These organisations protect public health and safety by investigating and resolving complaints about health care providers. They can also prosecute serious complaints.
| State/ territory | Contact details |
| ACT | ACT Human Rights Commission 02 6205 2222 |
| NSW | Health Care Complaints Commission 1800 043 159 |
| NT | Health and Community Services Complaints Commission 1800 004 474 |
| QLD | Office of the Health Ombudsman 133 646 |
| SA | Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner 1800 232 007 |
| TAS | Health Complaints Commissioner Tasmania 1800 001 170 |
| VIC | Health Complaints Commissioner 1300 582 113 |
| WA | Health and Disability Services Complaints Office 08 6551 7600 / 1800 813 583 |
→ READ MORE: Making informed decisions
Meditation and Relaxation Podcast
Listen to more of our meditation and relaxation podcast for people affected by cancer
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
Dr David Joske, Clinical Haematologist, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and PathWest, Chairman and Founder Solaris Cancer Care Foundation, Clinical Professor of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, WA; Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA); Dr Robert Blum, Clinical Director, Cancer Services, Bendigo Health, NSW; Sally Brooks, Senior Pharmacist, Medicines Information, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Prof Danforn Lim, Adjunct Professor and Advisory Board Member, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, and Adjunct Professor, UTS, NSW; Christina Line, Statewide Services Senior Coordinator, Cancer Council WA; Jen McKenzie, Physiotherapist (Lymphoedema) and ESSA Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The McKenzie Clinic, QLD; Simone Noelker, Wellness Centre and Pastoral Care Manager, Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Nirzari Pandit, General Practitioner, RACGP Specific Interests Integrative Medicine Group, NSW; Georgie Pearson, Consumer; Cris Pirone, Counsellor, Cancer Council SA; Dr Elysia Thornton-Benko, Specialist General Practitioner, and UNSW Research Fellow, NSW; Kirsty Trebilcock, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Looking for transport, accommodation or home help?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment
Cancer information
Dealing with the diagnosis
Common reactions to a cancer diagnosis and how to find hope
Explore our resource hub
Explore and download our booklets, fact sheets, podcasts, webinars and videos for people affected by cancer