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Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology complaints: what every psychologist should know

6 min read · Updated July 2026

A complaint to the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology can feel like a judgment on your career, but it is the start of a defined, rules-based process — and most complaints never result in discipline. This guide explains who regulates psychologists in Pennsylvania, who can complain, the conduct that draws scrutiny, the confidentiality protections that apply, and what happens at each stage, so you can respond from an informed position.

Who regulates psychologist complaints in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, psychologists are licensed and disciplined by the State Board of Psychology, which sits within the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA). Complaints are investigated by the BPOA's Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation (BEI), and prosecuted by a Commonwealth attorney before the Board, which acts as the adjudicating body.

The framework is set by the Professional Psychologists Practice Act (63 P.S. §§1201–1218) and the Board's regulations at 49 Pa. Code Chapter 41. Chapter 41 includes the Code of Ethics (§41.61), which adopts the American Psychological Association's ethical principles — so an ethics breach can itself be a basis for discipline.

Who can file a complaint against a Pennsylvania psychologist?

Almost anyone. Clients and their families are the most common source, but complaints also come from colleagues, employers, other agencies, and courts. Complaints can be filed with the Department of State, and the Board will act on any that raise a potential violation of the Act or its regulations.

Many cases also begin from mandatory sources rather than client complaints — malpractice actions, criminal charges, or disciplinary action taken against the psychologist in another state (which licensees must self-report). This is one reason careful records and clear professional practice matter long before any complaint arrives.

What conduct can lead to a complaint?

Section 8 of the Act and Chapter 41 set out the grounds. The most common in psychology are boundary violations and dual relationships, sexual misconduct (the rules expressly restrict treating former sexual partners as clients), breaches of confidentiality, failure to obtain informed consent, practising outside one's area of competence, inadequate recordkeeping, and impairment affecting practice.

Fraud, criminal convictions, and violations of the Code of Ethics (§41.61) are also grounds. Because the Board applies a preponderance of the evidence standard, a case can proceed on considerably less than the criminal threshold — which is why every complaint deserves a careful response.

What happens after a complaint is filed?

Once the BPOA has reviewed the complaint, a BEI investigator is assigned. The investigator interviews the complainant and any witnesses, requests documents, and conducts other fact-finding. You may be asked to respond in writing to the allegation — a response that can end the matter, but that can equally be used against you, so it should be prepared with counsel.

The findings go to a prosecuting attorney. The Board will reject a complaint that is not supported by the investigation. Where the evidence is sufficient, the Board may seek to negotiate a consent agreement in lieu of a hearing, or issue an Order to Show Cause that moves the case toward a formal hearing.

Are complaints against Pennsylvania psychologists confidential?

Largely, yes — while the matter is under investigation. Complaints and investigative files are generally treated as confidential and non-public unless and until formal disciplinary action is taken. Client records receive additional protection: the Board's subpoena power does not extend to patient records without the patient's consent or a court order.

The position changes if discipline results. Final disciplinary orders are public, appearing in the Board's disciplinary actions and on the license verification system. Cases that are dismissed or closed without action do not become public.

What penalties can the Board impose?

The Board's powers under the Act include a public reprimand, civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, probation, suspension, and revocation of the license, together with recovery of the costs of investigation. It can also restore or reinstate a license subject to conditions, or impose other corrective measures.

Most complaints resolve well short of revocation. Many are dismissed, and of those that proceed, a large share are settled by consent agreement with a lesser sanction — particularly where the psychologist responds professionally and shows insight.

What should you do if you receive a complaint?

Take it seriously from the outset. Note any deadline in the notice, and do not contact the person you believe complained. Do not alter or add to your records — changes are readily detected and convert a defensible case into a serious one. Notify your malpractice carrier, as many policies fund license-defense counsel, and retain an attorney experienced in Pennsylvania Board matters before you write anything.

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 Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology, the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, and your own attorney before acting.