Can Psychologists Use Testimonials or Reviews? (AHPRA Rules)

04 August 2026·2 min read

Quick answer: No — under section 133 of the National Law, registered health practitioners (including psychologists) can't use testimonials about the clinical aspects of care in their advertising. That includes client success stories, quotes and reviews you share yourself. However, you're generally not expected to remove unsolicited reviews on platforms you don't control (like Google) — you just shouldn't ask clients for them or repost them in your own marketing. Build trust through educational content and your expertise instead. 🤍

It's one of the most common questions psychologists ask about marketing — so here's the clear answer. 💖

The rules on testimonials

Testimonials are prohibited — in your own advertising
This includes client stories — and quotes about their care
Don't ask clients for reviews — soliciting them is risky
Don't repost reviews — into your ads, website or socials
Applies across channels — website, Instagram, ads — all advertising

💡 The safe rule: never use client feedback about care in your marketing. A 'testimonial' means a statement or review recommending or positively describing the clinical aspects of a service. That's what's caught — so keep client feedback about their care out of everything you publish.

The Google reviews nuance

AHPRA has been clear that practitioners aren't expected to remove unsolicited reviews on platforms they don't control, like Google. So an organic Google review isn't your breach to fix — but you shouldn't actively encourage reviews about clinical care, and you can't repost or feature them in your own advertising. Reviews strictly about non-clinical things (like how easy booking was) sit in a lower-risk grey area, but when in doubt, leave them out.

Please note: This is general information to help you market compliantly — it isn't legal advice. Advertising rules change, so always check the current guidance from AHPRA (and your own board or professional association) before you publish.

Frequently asked questions

Can psychologists use client testimonials?

No — section 133 of the National Law prohibits registered health practitioners from using testimonials about clinical care in their advertising. That includes client stories, quotes and reviews you publish yourself.

Do psychologists have to remove Google reviews?

Generally no — AHPRA doesn't expect you to remove unsolicited reviews on platforms you don't control, like Google. But you shouldn't solicit reviews about clinical care or repost them in your own advertising.

Can I ask clients to leave a review?

It's risky. Asking clients for reviews about their care can be seen as soliciting testimonials, which is prohibited. It's safer to build trust through educational content and your expertise instead.