Reporting Licensed Therapists

Reporting a therapist for unethical behavior is a serious responsibility, as it protects both individual clients and the integrity of the mental health profession.

Therapists hold a position of trust, and any violation—such as breaching confidentiality, exploiting clients, or engaging in inappropriate relationships, and acting unethically online—can cause lasting harm. Speaking up ensures that harmful practices are addressed, potentially preventing further damage to vulnerable individuals seeking care and for individuals who end up viewing/consuming content that they did not actively seek.
 

At the same time, reporting should be done thoughtfully and based on clear evidence and not emotion, since such accusations can significantly impact a therapist’s career and reputation. Ultimately, taking action reinforces accountability, upholds ethical standards, and safeguards the therapeutic environment as a place of healing and professionalism. It is not appropriate or helpful to send letters anonymously, have no credible evidence, or just because you are emotionally angry at your personal situation.

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Reporting will require your identity, and even though the process is supposed to be anonymous, please understand any legal implications in your state, or the state where the therapist practices, to protect yourself.A licensing board will only consider your complaint if you provide clear and irrefutable evidence of how the licensed practitioner has violated either the laws in their state, or their applicable code of conduct. Your complaint must be based on one, or more, of the following:

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• Violation of law or ethics codes: The complaint must allege conduct that breaks the state’s mental health licensing law or a professional code of ethics (such as those from the ACA, AAMFT, or NASW). Examples include breaches of confidentiality, sexual or romantic relationships with clients, financial exploitation, practicing without a license, discrimination, or gross incompetence.
   

• Evidence and specificity: Boards usually require specific, factual information rather than vague dissatisfaction. Dates, times, documentation, and direct examples carry much more weight than general statements.
   

• Jurisdiction: The professional must be licensed (or seeking licensure) in that state, and the alleged behavior must have occurred while they were acting in their professional capacity.
   

• Harm or risk of harm: The behavior must pose, or have posed, actual or potential harm to the client or public. Boards generally do not act on issues of personality conflicts, minor communication problems, or simple dissatisfaction with therapy.

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If you still believe that you need to report a licensed practitioner, you can look up the state where the person practices below. Please note that it is important to get their license number and to ensure that they, indeed, have authorization to practice in their state.​​​​​

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ONE OF THE GREATEST GAINS THAT WE CAN

HOPE TO ACHIEVE IS THAT ALL LICENSED THERAPISTS

MUST BE REQUIRED TO CLEARLY POST THEIR

CONTACT INFORMATION AND LICENSE INFORMATION
ON ANY PAGE OR WEBSITE WHERE THEY ARE LEADING
WITH THEIR LICENSE. THERE SHOULD BE A SPIRIT

OF ACCOUNTABILITY, ETHICS, AND TRANSPARENCY
THAT IS SEVERELY LACKING IN THIS ONLINE NICHE.