AHPRA Psychological Screening: What Every Cosmetic Injector Must Know
If you’re a doctor, nurse, or cosmetic injector offering non-surgical procedures such as anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, or skin boosters, there’s one step you can’t afford to skip: psychological screening. According to the AHPRA Guidelines for Registered Health Practitioners Who Perform Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures (2025), you must assess a patient’s psychological suitability before every procedure — not just the first time.
Why AHPRA Requires Psychological Assessment for Cosmetic Procedures
A patient’s mental health and motivations can shift over time. A long-term client may develop unrealistic expectations, feel pressured by external influences, or begin to show signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). If you’re not actively screening before every treatment, you risk missing critical red flags.
Who Must Be Psychologically Screened Before Injectables?
All patients, every time. This includes:
First-time cosmetic patients
Returning patients
Patients changing procedure type or area
The guidelines are explicit: every treatment must begin with an assessment of patient suitability — including a check for psychological risk factors.
What to Include in Your Cosmetic Injectables Checklist
AHPRA does not mandate a single tool, but your screening should be structured, documented, and repeated consistently. Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Psychological Screening Checklist for Cosmetic Injectors
Ask: What is your motivation for this procedure?
Assess: Are expectations realistic?
Reconfirm: Any changes since the last visit?
Screen: Look for signs of BDD or external pressure
Use: Validated tools like the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ)
Document: Record the outcome of the screen and any action taken
Red Flags in Cosmetic Patient Suitability Assessments
If a patient shows any of the following, you should delay treatment and consider referral:
Fixation on minor or invisible flaws
History of dissatisfaction with procedures
Requests for perfection or dramatic change
Signs of distress, anxiety, or coercion
AHPRA Compliance Expectations for Nurse Injectors and Doctors
You must perform the assessment yourself (or under your direct supervision)
You must document it clearly in the patient record
You must ensure consent is valid, informed, and based on accurate understanding
Failing to comply could be seen as unprofessional conduct under the National Law — exposing you to serious risk, especially in the case of patient complaints.
Download Your Free BDD Screening Form
At Medicom, we provide a downloadable Psychological Screening Form with prompts and DCQ-based questions. It’s designed to meet AHPRA’s expectations and streamline your assessment process.
🔍 Download now: