RCP Workshop – Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa

RCP Workshop – Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa

RCP Workshop – Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa

Hosted by the PsySSA Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) Division

Join the PsySSA Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) for a free CPD-accredited online workshop on Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa.

Webinar Details:

  • Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
  • Time: 18:00 -20:00
  • Platform: Online Via Zoom
  • 2 General CPD Point
  • For more information, contact: rcp@psyssa.co.za

About the Workshop:

Medical Aid, ICD-10 Coding and Ethical Claims: A Practical Guide for Psychology Professionals

Navigating South Africa’s medical aid environment can be complex, particularly when it comes to ICD-10 coding, claims submissions, and documentation requirements. As medical schemes increasingly rely on accurate diagnostic coding to process claims, psychology professionals need a clear understanding of how coding supports ethical practice, clinical record-keeping, and reimbursement.

This practical workshop provides an introduction to the medical aid landscape in South Africa and explains how ICD-10 coding applies to psychological services. Participants will gain an understanding of the regulatory framework governing medical schemes, the role of the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), and the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF), as well as the responsibilities of healthcare practitioners when submitting claims.

The workshop will guide participants through the structure and purpose of ICD-10, with particular attention to mental and behavioural disorders, psychosocial Z-codes, and their appropriate use within professional scope of practice. Through practical examples, attendees will learn how to select appropriate codes for common client presentations, complete compliant documentation, avoid common reasons for claim rejection, and strengthen the quality and consistency of clinical records.

Designed to bridge the gap between clinical practice and administrative requirements, this workshop will equip participants with practical knowledge that can be immediately applied in private practice, community settings, educational environments, and multidisciplinary healthcare contexts.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Understanding South Africa’s medical aid system
  • ICD-10 coding essentials for psychology professionals
  • Using psychosocial (Z) codes appropriately
  • Ethical documentation and claims submission
  • Avoiding common coding and billing errors
  • Best practices for compliant, accurate record-keeping and reimbursement

Why attend?

  • Gain practical knowledge you can apply immediately in practice.
  • Improve confidence in ICD-10 coding and medical aid claims.
  • Reduce claim rejections through accurate documentation.
  • Strengthen ethical, compliant record-keeping and billing practices.
  • Stay informed about current South African medical aid and coding requirements.

Perfect for Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists who want to stay compliant, confident, and up to date.

Takeaway:

Leave with the knowledge and practical tools to code accurately, submit compliant medical aid claims, and strengthen your documentation practices.

Rekha Kangokar Rama Rao

Presenter

I am a psychologist and lecturer committed to supporting individuals and families across all stages of life, while contributing to the growth of psychological knowledge through teaching and research. My work focuses on trauma, life transitions, relationships, and overall psychological wellbeing, with an emphasis on creating a space where people feel heard, understood and empowered. Alongside my clinical practice, I lecture at tertiary institutions, where I aim to make complex concepts engaging, relevant and accessible. I encourage critical thinking and the practical application of psychological theories. 

International Council of Psychologists Webinar

International Council of Psychologists Webinar

ICP Webinar: PsySSA African LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Project

Context, Current Concerns, and Catalytic Capabilities

The International Council of Psychologists (ICP) invites you to join an important and timely webinar featuring PsySSA’s African LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Project. This engaging panel discussion forms part of ICP’s ongoing conversations with award recipients and highlights critical work advancing human rights, inclusive practice, and psychological science across the African continent.

Taking place on 7 July 2026 from 16h00 to 17h00 (South African time), this webinar will provide both a historical perspective and an overview of current priorities shaping the project. The discussion will explore the evolution of work in this space, alongside emerging challenges and opportunities for impact.

Key themes include:

  • The historical development and current focus areas of PsySSA’s African LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Project
  • Revised practice guidelines for working with sexually and gender diverse individuals in South Africa
  • The current state of scientific knowledge relating to sexual orientation and gender diversity
  • The influence and implications of the global anti-gender movement
  • An intersectional lens highlighting the lived realities of township-based, rural, Black, and non-national African lesbian women

This webinar offers a valuable opportunity for psychologists, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to engage with critical issues at the intersection of mental health, human rights, and social justice. It also provides practical insights for developing affirming, contextually relevant approaches to working with diverse communities.

We look forward to your participation in this meaningful and thought-provoking conversation.

PsySSA Commemorates PTSD Awareness Day

PsySSA Commemorates PTSD Awareness Day

PsySSA Commemorates PTSD Awareness Day

 

Today is Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day.

Trauma isn’t always visible—but its impact is real. Post-traumatic stress affects individuals, families, and communities, often in ways that go unseen. Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, deepen understanding, and create pathways to meaningful support, recovery, and healing.

At PsySSA, our commitment to trauma-informed psychological practice is reflected in the work of our Trauma and Violence Division (TVD) and our Division for Neuropsychology and Forensic Psychology (DNFP). Through research, professional practice, education, and advocacy, these divisions contribute to strengthening trauma-informed psychological services and advancing evidence-informed responses to trauma across South Africa.

With understanding, evidence-informed care, timely support, and compassionate communities, recovery is possible.

Each of us has a role to play. Listen without judgement. Learn about trauma and its impact. Support those who are affected. Advocate for accessible, trauma-informed psychological care and environments that promote healing.

Together, we can help create a society where trauma is understood, healing is supported, and no one has to face recovery alone.

Learn more about PTSD, trauma-informed care, and PsySSA’s work:

PiPS Division – Journal Club for Psychologists in Public Service

PiPS Division – Journal Club for Psychologists in Public Service

PiPS Division – Journal Club for Psychologists in Public Service

Hosted by the PsySSA Psychology in Public Service Division (PiPS)

 

About the Journal Club:

The Journal Club is a dedicated space for psychologists in the public sector to engage with literature, research, and practice relevant to their professional contexts. It offers a structured, recurring activity that strengthens PiPS’ visibility and fosters a shared identity across diverse registration categories, contexts, and departments. Participation may also be extended to non-members at a nominal fee, broadening reach while highlighting the value of PiPS membership. The Journal Club seeks to build community, promote professional growth, and deepen engagement among psychologists working in public service.

Journal Club Details:

Session 1:

Session 2:

SASCP Workshop –  Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Practical Strategies for Supporting Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Behavioural Challenges

SASCP Workshop –  Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Practical Strategies for Supporting Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Behavioural Challenges

 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Practical Strategies for Supporting Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Behavioural Challenges

Hosted by the PsySSA The South African Society for Clinical Psychology (SASCP) Division

 

Webinar Details:

  • Date: 14 July 2026
  • Time: 18:00 – 20:00
  • Platform: Online via Zoom
  • 2 General CPD Points

 

About the Webinar:

Join Philip for an engaging and practical introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an evidence-based approach for supporting neurodiverse individuals and people with intellectual disabilities.

This workshop will explore practical behavioural strategies for managing challenging behaviours, improving adaptive functioning, and creating consistent interventions across home, school, healthcare, and community settings. Participants will gain insight into Functional Behaviour Assessments, Behaviour Intervention Planning, reinforcement strategies, prompting, and skill-building techniques grounded in contemporary ABA practice.

With 18 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals and special needs populations, Philip brings together clinical knowledge, community-based experience, and practical behavioural support approaches relevant to multidisciplinary teams and public sector environments.

Ideal for psychologists, educators, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and support staff seeking practical, ethical, and person-centred behavioural support tools.

Overview:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a structured, evidence-based approach widely used to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and complex behavioural challenges. Increasingly, ABA principles are being integrated across educational, healthcare, and community settings to improve adaptive functioning, emotional regulation, communication, and quality of life.

This workshop provides an accessible and practice-oriented introduction to ABA, with a particular focus on working with individuals who present with challenging behaviours within family, school, residential, and healthcare environments. Participants will be introduced to core ABA principles, including reinforcement, prompting, chaining, functional behaviour assessment, and behaviour intervention planning. The workshop will also explore ethical and person-centred approaches to behavioural support, emphasizing dignity, consistency, and collaborative intervention.

Drawing from both research and extensive practical experience, the training will examine how behavioural interventions can be implemented realistically within multidisciplinary and resource-constrained settings. Case examples and applied strategies will be discussed to assist participants in developing practical skills that can be translated into everyday clinical and support environments.

The workshop is suitable for psychologists, interns, educators, nursing staff, allied health professionals, caregivers, and others working with neurodiverse individuals and people with intellectual disabilities.

Philip Viljoen

Philip Viljoen

Presenter

Philip qualified as an ABA therapist through the Florida Institute of Technology and has also received training in behavioural therapy. He holds undergraduate and honours degrees in psychology from the University of Pretoria and the University of South Africa respectively. He has worked with neurodiverse individuals and people with special needs for the past 18 years, with a particular focus on supporting individuals who present with aggressive behaviours and on developing consistent behavioural interventions across family and school environments. Philip currently manages a sheltered employment and skills-training centre for adults with special needs and facilitates weekly social events for socially isolated neurodiverse individuals. He is also a published author and has presented at the annual PsySSA Congress.

Divisional Annual General Meetings of PsySSA 2026

Divisional Annual General Meetings of PsySSA 2026

We invite all members to register and participate in the Divisional Annual General Meeting 2026. This important gatherings are an opportunity to engage with fellow members, review progress, and shape the future of our divisions.Your voice matters in this process, and your participation helps drive meaningful discussions and decisions.

Register now to be part of these key events and contribute to the direction of our divisions!

DIVISIONAL AGM SCHEDULE

Trauma and Violence Division

Date: Wednesday, 05 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Health Psychology Division

Date: Thursday, 06 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Artificial Intelligence Division

Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Climate, Environment and Psychology Division

Date: Thursday, 13 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Decolonising Psychology Division

Date: Tuesday, 18 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Division for Research and Methodology

Date: Wednesday, 19 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Division of Neuro and Forensic Psychology

Date: Thursday, 20 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Sexuality and Gender Division 

Date: Monday, 24 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

South African Association of Counselling Psychology

Date: Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists

Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Society for Educational Psychology of South Africa

Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Community and Social Psychology Division 

Date: Monday, 31 August 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Psychology in Public Service Division 

Date: Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

South African Society for Clinical Psychology 

Date: Wednesday, 02 September 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Student Division

Date: Thursday, 03 September 2026

Time: 18:00 – 19:00