Trust and safety
Understand what the marketplace checks and what you still need to assess before using a resource.
Who operates PsychVault
PsychVault is operated by Ethan Smith, a sole trader in Western Australia, 6076. The legal entity name on the Australian Business Register is SMITH, ETHAN. ABN 18 693 344 969 (ABN Lookup). Read Ethan’s author profile for his stated professional background and LinkedIn link.
For founder or editorial enquiries, email ethan@psychvault.com.au. Marketplace support is separate from individual clinical advice.
Creator credentials and badges
Submitting a professional credential is not the same as having it checked. The publishing form checks formatting; it does not automatically query a professional register. Administrators, superadministrators and designated test accounts have limited credential-field exceptions. Those exceptions do not establish professional registration.
The “Verified creator” badge is assigned by an administrator. New assignments require the administrator to record a current credential and identity check, with the evidence and scope in the moderation audit trail. AHPRA registration and AASW membership are different kinds of credential. Neither establishes endorsement in a particular psychology area, clinical suitability of a resource or Board endorsement of PsychVault.
Older badges were assigned without the new evidence-recording requirement. Do not assume that an older badge has a dated register check or that any badge is continuous monitoring of registration status. Use the AHPRA register or contact AASW if current credential details matter to your decision.
Moderation is not clinical validation
Moderation addresses marketplace safety, copyright, impersonation and listing concerns. Approval, a badge, sales history or a rating does not mean a resource has been independently clinically reviewed, validated as an assessment or found appropriate for every client. Our internal creator risk score supports moderation decisions; it is not a professional competence rating or a Google trust score.
Check before purchase or use
Check the intended audience, purpose, evidence, limitations, preview, file format and software requirements. Confirm whether the file is editable and whether printing, private client copies or team use are permitted. Missing information is not a permission or a clinical assurance. Ask the creator or support before purchase. The licence terms distinguish PsychVault-owned resources from independent creators’ work.
Reviews and concerns
The review flow requires an eligible purchase or free claim and a verified account. Reviews must be about the resource, not testimonials about clinical outcomes. Reviews may be moderated for confidentiality, prohibited claims, abuse or other policy breaches, not simply because they are negative. A rating is buyer feedback, not proof of treatment effectiveness. Use a listing or review report control, or contact support with the URL and evidence, to raise a concern or request reconsideration of a moderation decision.
Articles and corrections
Articles identify their author and link to the editorial policy. Scheduled reviews are not completed reviews. No independent clinical review should be assumed without a named reviewer, completed date and scope. Report factual errors with the article URL and an authoritative source. A business ABN establishes business identity, not clinical expertise.
Contact and support
Operated by Ethan Smith (sole trader), legal name SMITH, ETHAN. ABN 18 693 344 969. We aim to acknowledge enquiries within 3 business days. This is a response target, not a guarantee of resolution within that time.
If you need help with billing, downloads, refunds, privacy, or a policy question, contact the PsychVault team directly or use our contact page.