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What happens when a complaint is filed against a psychologist in Michigan

5 min read · Updated July 2026

A complaint against a psychologist in Michigan sets in motion a defined, deadline-driven process run by the state licensing department — and most complaints never result in formal discipline. But Michigan's process contains one trap that can undo an otherwise strong case: a strict deadline to respond, which, if missed, is treated as an admission. This guide explains who handles complaints, the grounds, that critical deadline, the confidentiality rules, and what happens at each stage.

Who handles psychologist complaints in Michigan?

In Michigan, psychologists are regulated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), through its Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL). Complaints are received by the Bureau's Complaint Intake Section and investigated by its Investigations and Inspections Division. Discipline is imposed not by the full Board but by a Disciplinary Subcommittee (DSC) of the Michigan Board of Psychology.

The framework is the Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978). Its general disciplinary provisions — MCL 333.16221 (grounds), 333.16226 (sanctions), and 333.16231 (the complaint and investigation process) — apply to psychologists alongside the psychology-specific provisions of Part 182.

Who can file a complaint, and how?

Any person or governmental entity that believes a violation of the Public Health Code exists may submit an allegation in writing to the department. Clients and their families are the most common source, but complaints also come from colleagues, employers, other agencies, and courts.

Some matters reach the department as mandatory reports rather than complaints — for example, Michigan requires licensees to report criminal convictions within 30 days, and final adverse action by another state's board is itself a ground for discipline. Careful records and clear practice are a psychologist's best protection long before any complaint is filed.

What happens when the complaint comes in?

The Complaint Intake Section reviews the allegation to decide whether it may describe a Public Health Code violation. If there is a reasonable basis to believe a violation exists, the department may investigate — but only with the authorization of a panel of at least three board members, including the chair. Where the concern involves possible impairment from substance use or a mental health condition, the case may be referred to the Health Professional Recovery Program (HPRP).

After the investigation, the department either closes the case or issues a formal administrative complaint — the document that begins the disciplinary phase and triggers your deadline to respond.

What grounds can lead to disciplinary action?

MCL 333.16221 sets out the grounds. The general-duty ground — negligence or failure to exercise due care — is the most far-reaching, but the statute also covers incompetence, boundary and sexual-misconduct violations, breaches of confidentiality, lack of good moral character, impairment affecting practice, fraud, and criminal convictions.

Final adverse action by another state's licensing board is also a ground, and a certified copy of that board's record is treated as conclusive evidence. Each allegation is measured against these statutory grounds and the Board's rules.

What is the 30-day rule you must not miss?

This is the single most important thing to understand. Once the department issues an administrative complaint, you have 30 days from receipt to submit a written response (you are deemed to receive it three days after mailing). Under MCL 333.16231, the department treats a failure to respond within that 30-day period as an admission of the allegations — and the Disciplinary Subcommittee may then impose a sanction.

In other words, missing the deadline does not just weaken your position; it can concede the case outright. This is why obtaining counsel the moment a complaint arrives is essential, not optional.

Are complaints against Michigan psychologists confidential?

While a matter is under investigation, yes. Under MCL 333.16238, allegations and investigation records are confidential, and the department keeps the identity of the person who submitted the allegation confidential until disciplinary proceedings are initiated.

The position changes once discipline is final. Under MCL 333.16241, LARA publishes final disciplinary actions — and since 2015 it posts each final decision, with the reason and description, on its public licensing website. So the investigation is confidential, but a final disciplinary outcome is public.

What should you do if a complaint is filed?

Act immediately. Diary the 30-day deadline the moment a complaint arrives, and do not contact the person you believe complained. Do not alter or add to your records; changes are readily detected and turn a defensible case into a serious one. Notify your malpractice carrier, as many policies fund license-defense counsel, and retain a Michigan license-defense attorney at once.

Beyond the immediate response, the psychologists who fare best can show insight and, where appropriate, remediation — evidence that they have reflected on the issue and taken concrete steps to prevent recurrence. Building that record early consistently strengthens your position.

This article is general information for psychologists, not legal advice. Regulatory processes change and every case turns on its own facts — confirm current requirements with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the Board of Psychology, and your own attorney before acting.