How Do I File a Complaint?You may file a complaint if you believe a licensed Counselor, Social Worker or Marriage & Family Therapist has violated the law, rules or ethical standards governing the practice of social work. Complaints must be submitted in writing using one of the following two options:
1) The State's occupational licensing portal (preferred), or:
2) You can also submit a paper complaint form: Download Consumer Complaint Form
How Do I Know if I Should File a Complaint? You should file a written complaint if a licensed Counselor, Social Worker or Marriage & Family Therapist has:
What Happens after I File a Complaint?
The Board has the authority to discipline Licensed Counselors, Social Workers or Marriage & Family Therapists. All complaints are reviewed by the Deputy Director to assess jurisdiction and severity. If warranting investigation, complaints are set up as official investigations and assigned an investigator. Through an investigation process that may include interviews, research, subpoenaing documents, or legal consultation, the allegations are substantiated or dismissed. The Board's Professional Standards Committees review all investigations. The committee may require the licensed Counselor, Social Worker or Marriage & Family Therapist to respond in writing, in a face-to-face meeting, or through legal counsel. A committee may decide that it should investigate the complaint further, or the committee may take action based on the findings of the investigation. If the investigation shows that a licensed Counselor, Social Worker or Marriage and Family Therapist has violated laws, rules or ethical standards they may face:
NOTE: Investigative information is confidential, however, all reprimands and consent agreements are public record and made available.