Bupa recognition criteria

Bupa has absolute discretion in granting recognition to any ancillary provider. Meeting the criteria below does not guarantee recognition. Bupa will exercise this discretion where required on a case-by-case basis.

Psychologists seeking Bupa recognition must refer to Bupa's recognition criteria for Psychologists.

Bupa recognised provider status may be granted to applicants who meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Private practice

    Bupa recognised providers are required to be in private practice.

  2. Modalities and Interventions

    3. Counselling interventions utilised must have an evidence base for effectiveness. Only interventions that are evidence-based psychological therapies will be accepted.

  3. Qualifications

    4. Australian undergraduate degree issued by a registered higher education provider with 3 years full-time (or part time equivalent) training in Counselling*:

    • Training is at a bachelor's degree (AQF7) in terms of level and training as defined by the Australian Qualifications Framework
    • Training includes a minimum of 40 hours of supervised client contact during training

    Or

    Australian postgraduate qualification with 2 years full-time (or part time equivalent) training in Counselling*:

    • Training standards are at postgraduate degree (AQF8-9) in terms of level and training as defined by the Australian Qualifications Framework
    • Training includes a minimum of 40 hours of supervised client contact during training.

    *Bupa will only recognise providers for counselling services where the course of study awards a Counselling qualification.

    Providers are ineligible for Bupa provider recognition for counselling services if they have completed counselling units as a component of a separate course of study.

  4. Clinical Experience

    5. The Practitioner must have at least a minimum of 2 years of post-qualifying experience with a minimum of 750 hours of post-qualifying client contact hours and 75 hours of clinical supervision within that period.

  5. Association Membership

    6. A current member of either:

    Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)

    • Clinical membership or registration; or
    • Provisional membership or registration, subject to satisfactory completion of the required supervised client contact specified in point 4 above

    Or

    Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

    • Level 2 membership

    AND

    Current Registration with the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

  6. Continuing Professional Education

    7. Annual requirements for Continuing Professional Education must be maintained as required for Association membership or registration at the relevant level.

    Please speak with your association on these requirements.

  7. Professional Indemnity Insurance

    8. Must be current and maintained with the policy covering a minimum of $2,000,000 professional indemnity per claim and $20,000,000 public liability per claim. The provider must supply evidence confirming this on request. The insurance policy must cover each practice address covered by the registration.

  8. Provide First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011)
  9. Agree to abide by Bupa's Ancillary Provider Terms (PDF).