Who can file a complaint against a licensed psychologist in Florida?

In Florida, the law allows anyone to file a complaint against a licensed psychologist, which includes not only clients who have received services from the psychologist but also colleagues, family members, and members of the general public who may have concerns about the psychologist’s conduct. This broad eligibility for filing complaints is designed to protect public safety and ensure that ethical standards are upheld within the profession. It empowers multiple stakeholders to hold psychologists accountable for their professional behavior, thereby promoting trust and integrity in the field of psychology.

The ability for a diverse group of individuals to lodge complaints enhances the oversight of psychologists and fosters a system of checks and balances that helps maintain a high standard of practice. This approach acknowledges that unethical or incompetent behavior can be observed by various people in different contexts, not just those who have been directly served by the psychologist.