Complaints & discipline

At ASPPB, we are unable to provide you with information on the discipline history of individual psychologists. You can obtain this information directly from the licensing board or college that licensed the psychologist. In some cases, this information is readily available on the website of the applicable licensing board.

Get up-to-date information about a psychologist in your region.

Disciplinary FAQs


Licensing boards will review any formal written complaint about a psychologist’s services or behavior related to the practice of psychology. A board will take disciplinary action if they find evidence that a psychologist provided incompetent or unprofessional services or engaged in unethical, unprofessional, or illegal behavior.

You may not know whether the psychologist’s behavior is incompetent or unprofessional without advice. If a psychologist’s behavior seems inappropriate to you, contact your region’s licensing board, professional association, or another psychology professional to share your concerns and seek guidance.


Feelings of confusion, protectiveness, shame, or guilt are especially common in this type of situation. Psychologists are often extremely important people in our lives. For your own well-being, get as much information as possible about your options and remember that you are in control. You are the one who gets to choose what actions to take.


Most state and provincial laws provide immunity to you from liability for good faith reporting of professional misconduct to a licensing board. Retaliation and harassment by the psychologist may be illegal and can be prosecuted. Consider seeking legal advice on your rights and options and seek legal counsel if your psychologist files a lawsuit.


Not all licensing boards accept anonymous complaints. Such complaints may be more difficult to investigate without the cooperation of the accuser. Check the specific procedures for your jurisdiction before deciding how to proceed.  


You are the best person to file a complaint because you have the most information regarding this issue. Even when you discuss your complaint with your new psychologist, they may not be authorized to notify the applicable licensing board.