PACJA's Copyright Policy

Submission of an original article to the _Psychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia_ (PACJA) will be taken to mean that it represents original work not previously published, that it is not being considered elsewhere for publication, and that the author(s) is willing to assign copyright to the publisher, the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia Inc. (PACFA), by signing an Author Copyright Licence Deed. The Author Copyright Licence Deed will be sent to the author(s) for execution before publication of the article. If accepted for publication, the article will be published online at the PACJA website. The article will not be published unless a signed Author Copyright Licence Deed has been received by the Editor (editor@pacja.org.au). PACJA takes the position that the publication of scholarly research is meant to disseminate knowledge in the field of counselling, psychotherapy, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing practices, and publishing of the article benefits neither publisher nor author financially. The article is not to be published elsewhere in the same form, for commercial or non-commercial purposes, in any language, without the consent of the publisher. Authors retain the right to re-use the article as long as it is not sold or reproduced, in part or in full, for commercial purposes. This right applies without need to seek permission from PACFA. At any time before or after publication, the author may share print or electronic copies of the article with colleagues and use the article for educational and research purposes. Twelve months after publication by PACJA, the author may post an electronic version of the article on the author’s personal website, on the author’s employer’s website, or on free public websites in the author’s subject area. Electronic versions of the article must include a link to the published version of the article on the PACJA website.

PACJA's Artificial Intelligence Policy

**Author Policy** PACJA's policy regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) use is one of transparency. Authors are permitted to use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies such as Large Language Models (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL-E, NovelAI, Jasper AI, Rytr AI) in the writing process but only to enhance the quality of the language and readability of their manuscript and with appropriate disclosure (see below). These technologies are not to be used to analyse and draw insights from data within the research process or to generate or alter images. Manuscripts should be carefully reviewed as AI can generate content that is unoriginal, incorrect, incomplete or biased. Authors are ultimately responsible and accountable for the validity and accuracy of the contents of their manuscript, attribution of sources, and absence of plagiarism. **Disclosure of the Use of AI and AI-Assisted Technologies** If generative AI and AI-assisted technologies are used, authors must include the following statement immediately above the references: Declaration of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in the Writing Process In preparing this work, the author(s) used [name of AI technology] in order to [reason for its use]. The task of the technology was to [how the AI technology was used]. After using this AI technology, the author(s) reviewed the content of this work and take(s) complete responsibility for its originality and validity. **Authorship** AI and AI-assisted technologies should not be listed as an author or co-author, nor cited as an author, on the basis that authorship involves tasks and responsibilities which can solely be performed by and attributed to humans who agree to be accountable for the work. **Peer Review Policy** Reviewers should declare when submitting their review if they have used AI or AI-assisted technologies (e.g., to enhance language and word processing). However, reviewers should avoid inputting manuscripts into AI tools so as not to jeopardise the confidentiality of the peer review process. **Decision Making** PACJA will consider if the way in which AI or AI-assisted technologies was used and declared is consistent with its publication policies and practice. The Editor may request more information to be used internally and/or for publication. Manuscripts may be rejected or subject to post-publication changes or rejection in cases of inadequate declaration or the specific circumstances of the AI use.

The Experiences and Needs of Carers During Mental Health Crises: A Mixed-Methods Study