Frequently Asked Questions

Grateful acknowledgement goes to the California Board of Psychology for their permission to use and modify their excellent information for consumers available on their website (http://www.psychboard.ca.gov/).

Be aware that every jurisdiction may have differences in their laws and rules regarding the practice of psychology and licensed professionals.  The information contained in this section is general information.  If you have a question regarding a licensed psychologist, please check with the state, province or territory where the individual is licensed to obtain specifics about your questions.

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What kind of complaints do licensing boards accept?
Licensing boards will review any formal written complaint about a psychologist's services or behavior.  They will take action to discipline the psychologist if they find evidence that the psychologist provided incompetent, or unprofessional services or engaged in unethical or inappropriate or illegal behavior.  You may not know whether the psychologist's behavior is incompetent or unprofessional without advice.  If the psychologist's behavior seems inappropriate to you, contact the licensing board, the professional association or another professional to share your concerns and receive guidance.

Is it normal to feel attracted to my psychologist?
Yes. It is normal to feel attracted to someone who is attentive, kind, and caring. This is a common reaction toward someone who is helping you. However, all psychologists are trained to be aware of this and to maintain a therapy relationship that is beneficial to the patient.

What if I was the one who brought up having sex?
That doesn’t matter. The psychologist is the one who is responsible for keeping sexual intimacy out of therapy.

Does this happen a lot?
A national study revealed that probably less than 10% of all psychologists have had sexual contact with their patients and that 80% of the sexually exploiting psychologists have exploited more than one patient. In other words, if a psychologist is now sexually exploiting a patient, he or she probably has done so before and is likely to do so again.

Why do some psychologists sexually exploit their patients?
There are probably as many excuses as there are psychologists. But no excuse is acceptable for using the trusted, therapeutic relationship for the psychologist’s own sexual gain. All psychologists know that this conduct is unethical and illegal.

Why do I feel scared or confused about reporting my psychologist?
Feelings of confusion, protectiveness, shame, or guilt are especially common in this type of situation. After all, in most cases, the psychologist was an extremely important person in the patient’s life. However, it is important for you to get as much information as possible about your options. Keep in mind that you are in control and can choose what to do.

What if the psychologist retaliates against me, harasses me, or files a lawsuit against me for reporting him or her?
Retaliation and harassment of complainants is illegal and can be prosecuted. Contact your local district attorney. If the psychologist files a lawsuit against you, you will be required to defend yourself in the lawsuit. However, most state and provincial laws do provide immunity from monetary liability for reporting misconduct to a licensing board.

How can I prevent this from happening again?

1. Acknowledge your right to receive competent, professional services, and to be free from sexual exploitation.
2. When choosing a psychologist, check with the licensing board to see if the psychologist is licensed and if the license is under suspension or probation. Also check on any complaints filed with a professional association and with your county court to see if any malpractice lawsuit judgments are on file against the psychologist.
3. Question any action that may seem sexual in nature.
4. Remember that while feelings of attraction are natural, therapy is supposed to be a means to explore and resolve feelings,  without having to act them out.
5. Feel free to end a relationship that no longer seems safe.

Can I file an anonymous complaint with a licensing board?
Anonymous complaints are accepted in most jurisdictions, but they are almost impossible to investigate without the cooperation of the accuser.

 

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