Obtaining Ethics Assistance

In addition to assisting the public, the APA Ethics Office assists members by guiding them to relevant ethical standards of the Ethics Code that help address their ethical dilemmas. The Office may also help the member distinguish between those aspects of the dilemma that involve a legal question, require clinical consideration, or relate to risk management. However, the Ethics Office does not provide legal, clinical or risk management advice. Please consult with your colleagues, licensing board, attorney, or malpractice carrier for additional assistance as needed.

The APA Ethics Office provides consultation on the APA Ethics Code only to APA members including associates, graduate student members, and affiliates, and to the public. If you are eligible and are not a current member or affiliate, you may obtain information concerning applying for membership.

Frequently asked questions

How do I file a complaint about a psychologist?

Please review our process and procedures surrounding complaints against APA member psychologists.

For information regarding filing complaints against licensed psychologists (both APA and non-APA members), contact the psychology licensing board in the state where the individual works. Information regarding state boards can be found at the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.

If you have questions or complaints that relate to a psychiatrist, social worker or other non-psychologist, please contact the relevant licensing board or association for that profession:

• American Psychiatric Association
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
• National Association of Social Workers
• American Counseling Association

How do I file a complaint about a book, journal article, article in the press or on the web?

The Ethics Office is unable to take action on materials not under its direct control. Please contact the publisher or the webmaster of the webpage.

How do I ask a question about the Ethics Code Task Force?

Please review, ask questions and provide feedback through the Ethics Code Task Force webpage.

How do I ask a question about the ability of psychologists to practice in my state, records management or requests, state law and regulations, or other regulatory issues?

Please consult the licensing board in your state through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boardsopens in new window.

Who do I consult about my duty to report suspected child or elder abuse?

Your obligations to report suspected child or elder abuse arise from your state law. If you are unsure whether you need to report, you should contact the state agency in your state designated to receive and investigate reports concerning that type of abuse. Explain the situation to them in general terms without confidential information. The agency will be able to tell you if they will accept a report in that situation as well as how to make an official report if one is necessary. In the event that you are required to report and are unable to obtain the appropriate consent of the patient, Standard 4.05(b) of the APA Ethics Code allows you to disclose confidential information without such consent if you are mandated by law.

What if I have a question or complaint that relates to an individual professor's behavior?

The APA only accepts complaints against an individual APA member if there is no alternative forum for the complaint.

• If you have concerns regarding an individual professor’s behavior, please follow the university’s grievance procedures.
• If you have a consultation question for the Ethics Office please click the button below to access the form.
• If your complaint involves an APA accredited program, contact the APA Accreditation Office.

How do I request a written consultation to see how the Ethics Code applies to my situation?

I am a:

Psychologist who is not an APA member: We do not provide consultation to individuals who are eligible for APA membership and are not members of APA. If you are interested in becoming a member of the APA, please contact the APA Membership Office at (202) 336-5500.

APA Member, Associate, Graduate Student Member, or Affiliate (APA member number required): Please click the button below to access the form.

Individual of the general public (does not include an individual who is eligible for APA membership or affiliate status and is not a member or affiliate):

Complete contact form