Professional Licensing Defense Attorneys for Psychologists in California
Our Kosnett Law professional licensing defense attorneys for psychologists in California protect our clients’ rights when they are being investigated for complaints, or during civil lawsuits filed by patients or their guardians.
Our Los Angeles psychologist defense lawyers know that our clients have worked tirelessly to obtain their professional license from the California Board of Psychology. When their license is compromised by a complaint, their lives can change in an instant.
Allegations of misconduct and/or psychological malpractice are common in Los Angeles County and throughout California, and when mental health professionals are accused of wrongdoing, they need a strong and experienced legal defense team by their side.
Our psychologist license defense attorneys in Los Angeles are trusted advocates and are here to help all mental health professionals — no matter where they practice in California — pursue a successful outcome for their unique legal matters, so they can preserve their reputations, integrity, and livelihoods going forward.
When Should I Consult with a Licensing Defense Attorney for Psychologists in California?
At Kosnett Law, our professional licensing defense attorneys for psychologists in Orange County know that not all professional investigations are related to discipline, which is why we offer end-to-end legal representation for mental health professionals throughout California.
If you are contacted by an investigator, attorney, or administrator for the Board, note their contact information, and call our California defense lawyers for psychologists today. We will identify the issue and, when possible, resolve it at the earliest stage by replying directly to the investigator. Going forward, we will manage all future communication through our law firm in a manner that is documented and controlled, so your rights are protected from the start.
Any statements you make to an investigator can become admissions that can be used against you later, which makes having an experienced California psychologist attorney an integral part of your professional success.
That means you do not have to speak with the Board, or any other investigative branch, without understanding your legal rights and options to pursue the best outcome.
Our Los Angeles and Irvine professional licensing defense attorneys for psychologists represent existing professionals throughout California and assist future psychologists in obtaining their licenses when obstacles like past criminal convictions are obstructing their professional paths.
What are the Most Common Accusations Alleged Against Psychologists in California?
Psychologists are not medical doctors, but their licenses and reputations can just as easily come into question. Some accusations alleged against psychologists involve their licenses being denied, under investigation, or subject to revocation and discipline by the Board.
Others may be subjected to personal injury or civil lawsuits filed by patients or their guardians.
The most common investigations involving psychologists are the result of allegations regarding:
- Accepting payments or paying for patient referrals
- Criminal charges
- Failing to report a patient making a threat to physically harm another person
- Failure to comply with mandatory reporting requirements
- Providing services in which they have not been trained or licensed
- Sexual relationships with clients
- Substance abuse
- Transference issues
- Unethical, unprofessional, or negligent acts
- Violating the patient’s confidentiality
Another major issue affecting psychologists in California is when or when not to report a patient for something they said in a therapy session. Historically, everything discussed in the session was protected and confidential by the patient-therapist privilege. Now the law requires mental health professionals to report patients for threats to physically harm another person, or other potentially dangerous statements.
If your psychology license is being reviewed by the Board for a complaint, or if you are facing a civil lawsuit filed by a patient or guardian, you must act quickly to avoid further detriment to your professional standing and reputation. Contact our skilled psychologist defense attorneys in California today for help.
At Kosnett Law, our professional licensing defense attorneys also following services:
- Accountants
- Chiropractors
- Dentists
- Doctors
- Insurance Professionals
- Medical Technicians
- Nurses
- Psychiatrists
- Real Estate Professionals
- Teachers
What Happens Once Contact From the Board Turns Into a Case?
Once contact from the Board evolves into an actual case, the investigator will file an internal report, which may result in the filing of a statement of issues, denying an application for licensure, or an accusation, seeking to discipline an existing licensee through a warning, public reproval, probation, suspension, or complete revocation.
If a case is filed, we will defend our client in the Office of Administrative Hearings, or OAH. We engage in discovery, attempt a settlement, and then go to an evidentiary hearing, or trial, if necessary.
After the trial, the Administrative Law Judge, or ALJ, issues a Proposed Decision, which is then either adopted or not adopted by the Board.
If the Board adopts a decision unfavorable to the client, we can seek Reconsideration, and if that is denied, or not sought at all, then we can proceed to file a Petition for Writ of Administrative Mandamus or Mandate in the Superior Court.
We will attempt to resolve it in a way that saves your license, protects your reputation, and minimizes or eliminates any disciplinary actions.
We will also use our litigation skills and unique experience to provide premier defense services aimed at protecting the license critical to your work and career if charges arise from the complaint.
How Will the Kosnett Professional Licensing Defense Attorneys for Psychologists in California Help With My Unique Case?
Our experienced Kosnett Professional Licensing Defense Attorneys for Psychologists in California represent clients during the initial investigation, formal actions, statements, administrative hearings, and appeals to help mental health professionals protect their licenses, reputations, and careers.
The law firm’s policy is to provide a free consultation, via telephone, online conference, or in our offices, to every person or business needing legal advice or representation. Our unmatched reputation in California extends throughout the United States, with international practice in the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe & Asia.
Contact our skilled Kosnett Professional Licensing Defense Attorneys for Psychologists in California today to schedule a free consultation by calling 310-445-5900 or contact us online to learn about our track record of success, and why it is second to none.
