Ethical Complaints

If you have an clinical issue with a CALPCC member, we suggest you submit a complaint to the Board of Behavioral Sciences.

People may have a complaint for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:

• They have been treated unfairly or poorly. 
• They have been the victim of a crime or other wrongdoing. 
• They have received defective or poor-quality goods or services. 
• They have been misled or deceived. 
• They have been denied their rights or entitlements. 
• They have been injured or harmed. 
• They have experienced discrimination or harassment. 
• They are concerned about the safety or well-being of others.

How to Submit a Complaint to the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California

The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is responsible for licensing and regulating mental health professionals in California. If you have a complaint about a licensed mental health professional, you can submit a complaint to the BBS.

To submit a complaint, you can:

• File online: The fastest way to file a complaint is to file it online through DCA BreEZe Online Services. 
• Mail a complaint form: You can also mail a complaint form to the BBS. The complaint form can be found on the BBS website. 
• Fax a complaint form: You can also fax a complaint form to the BBS. The fax number is (916) 574-7831. 

When you submit a complaint, you will need to provide the following information:

• Your name and contact information. 
• The name of the licensed mental health professional you are complaining about. 
• The nature of your complaint. 
• Any supporting documentation, such as medical records or letters from witnesses.

The BBS will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action. If the BBS finds that the licensed mental health professional has violated the law or the BBS's regulations, the BBS may take disciplinary action, such as issuing a warning, revoking the license, or suspending the license.

Here are some additional tips for submitting a complaint to the BBS:

• Be as specific as possible when describing the complaint. 
• Provide as much supporting documentation as possible. 
• Keep a copy of everything you submit to the BBS. 
• Be patient. The investigation process can take several months. 

For more information about making complaints to the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), or to find forms:

visit the BBS website