Should I See a Therapist with a Board Complaint Against Them?

Should I See a Therapist with a Board Complaint Against Them?

No.

Okay, let’s talk about something that doesn't get discussed nearly enough: checking a therapist's professional disciplinary history before making an appointment.

In my opinion, if a therapist has a documented history of professional misconduct or public disciplinary action, you should think very carefully before trusting that person with your mental health. And in most circumstances, I'd encourage you to find someone else.

Here's why.

1. What You See on the Report May Only Scratch the Surface

If a therapist has a public disciplinary record, take the time to actually read it. Don't just look at the final outcome or the penalty imposed. Read the allegations, the findings, and the circumstances surrounding the case.

Sometimes, what appears to be a relatively minor disciplinary outcome can involve behavior that is anything but minor.

A case may be resolved through a consent agreement rather than a contested hearing. There may be limitations on what information becomes publicly available. The final disciplinary action may not tell you everything about the experience of the person who filed the complaint or the impact of the therapist's conduct.

And remember: disciplinary records are not novels. They are legal and administrative documents. They aren't necessarily written in a way that communicates the emotional, psychological, or relational impact of what happened.

A relatively brief report can represent an incredibly significant breach of professional trust, even if it might read as "not a big deal".

2. The System Isn't Designed to Give Complainants Everything They May Need

Let's talk about the complaint process.

In Pennsylvania, complaints against licensed professionals are handled through the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs and the applicable licensing board.

While the process exists to protect the public, it isn't the same thing as a civil lawsuit, and it isn't designed to provide victims with what they might hope to receive.

For example, the disciplinary process generally cannot provide monetary compensation for damages, no victim's services, etc. There are also limits on what information from an investigation becomes publicly available.

Although Pennsylvania does provide opportunities for impact statements in certain disciplinary proceedings, and complainants may be called to testify, the process is not necessarily an experience in which the person who was harmed feels heard, supported, or adequately represented.

A disciplinary outcome tells you what the licensing system determined and what action it took. It doesn't necessarily tell you the full story of the harm experienced by the person on the other side.

And that distinction matters - and it's significant to you, in choosing a therapist, too.

Even if your therapist doesn't harm you, can you trust a therapist who caused enough harm to someone to warrant a record?

3. For Every Rat You See, There Are 50 You Don't

Okay, maybe that's not the exact saying, but you get the point.

Not every person who experiences unethical behavior by a therapist files a board complaint.

Some people don't know where to report misconduct. Others don't understand that certain behaviors constitute ethical violations. Some may be too embarrassed, overwhelmed, intimidated, or emotionally exhausted to pursue a formal complaint.

And some people simply want to move on with their lives.

A therapist's public disciplinary history is not a complete record of every interaction they've ever had with a client. It is a record of what became part of the public disciplinary process.

Does one disciplinary action automatically mean a therapist has harmed other clients? No. We cannot make that assumption.

...But it should make you pause and consider whether you are comfortable taking that risk, particularly when you have other options.

4. There's No Shortage of Other Psychologists

Seriously.

There are other psychologists. There are other therapists. There are other doctors, nurse practitioners, etc. There are other qualified mental health professionals who can help you work through difficult experiences, build healthier relationships, process trauma, and navigate life.

You do not have to settle.

Therapy requires vulnerability. You're sharing things you may have never told another person. You're trusting someone with experiences, emotions, relationships, and parts of yourself that may feel incredibly difficult to share.

That trust is not a small thing.

You deserve a therapist who respects professional boundaries, follows ethical standards, and understands the responsibility that comes with being invited into someone's most vulnerable moments.

You shouldn't have to wonder whether your therapist is going to cross a professional boundary or whether their past conduct might affect your safety.

There are plenty of other options. Explore them.

So, Should You See a Therapist with a Documented Board Complaint?

My answer remains: In most circumstances, no.

To be fair, a complaint is not automatically proof of misconduct. Complaints can be dismissed, unfounded, or unresolved. But, what we've been talking about, a documented disciplinary action, however, is a different matter and deserves serious consideration.

Before choosing a therapist, take a few minutes to verify their license, review any publicly available disciplinary history, and understand what you're reading.

And if something doesn't sit right with you, you are allowed to walk away.

You don't owe a therapist the benefit of the doubt at the expense of your own peace of mind.

Your mental health deserves care. Your trust deserves respect. And your therapist should be someone you can feel safe with.

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Looking for a therapist in Pennsylvania?

Caring Conversations Therapeutic Services, LLC offers in-person therapy in Greensburg, PA, and secure online counseling to residents throughout Pennsylvania. Whether you're in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Erie, Somerset, Lancaster, or Milford, support is available.

We work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families because healing matters.

Call or text 724.201.9815 to learn more or schedule a free consultation.

Healing happens here.

Disclaimer: This blog is written and maintained by non-clinical staff at Caring Conversations Therapeutic Services, LLC. Its content is intended for psychoeducational and informational purposes only and reflects general opinions. It is not medical advice, legal advice, or a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or call/text 988.