Avoiding the 'Cringe': Risk Management and Skills for the Licensed Psychologist 

It is every practitioner’s fear to be contacted by the State Board of Psychology regarding a complaint. Even for the most careful and conscientious practitioners, it may happen at some point in their career.  For most, the complaint and investigation process is a complete unknown, full of dread. 

In this presentation, Elizabeth Collura, Esq., will provide an overview of the complaint and investigation process and equip you with the tools to diligently and confidently respond.

Dr. John Gavazzi will discuss ethical practices to decrease the risk of complaints to the Board. He will reinforce psychologist's existing knowledge of the licensing laws by providing examples of cases the Board has heard, as well as reference risk management techniques and their application in clinical practice.

Elizabeth and John will discuss the priorities of the State Board in prosecuting complaints, identify best practices to avoid complaints and manage risk, and provide key pointers to enable you to accurately and fully respond, should you be faced with an investigation. Q&A time included.

Dr. Shannon Edwards will assist in facilitation of the panel, as well as provide case law, and applicable APA and Forensic Specialty Guidelines.

Learning Outcomes: At the conclusion of the program, participants will be able to 

(1) identify common practices that create risk for complaint/enforcement actions;

(2) describe resources available to a practitioner subject to a licensing investigation;

(3) describe common “Do’s” and “Don’t’s” in responding to an investigator; and

(4) discuss current “hot issues” and trends in investigations and board proceedings.  

Level of the program: Intermediate

Elizabeth is an attorney with Clark Hill PLC who has represented practitioners in licensing proceedings and can help you navigate an investigation. Dr. John Gavazzi is a licensed psychologist in Central, PA. He is Board Certified in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and has expert experience assisting the State Board of Psychology in Pennsylvania, both defense and prosecution, with the aforementioned cases. Dr. Shannon Edwards is a licensed psychologist in Pittsburgh, PA who specializes in forensic psychology. She provides psychological evaluations, therapeutic services, and expert testimony to the Courts.

Partnering with Chatham University Psychology Continuing Education Program to provide 3 hours of Continuing Education credits.

Psychologists: The Chatham University Psychology Continuing Education Program (PCEP) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PCEP maintains responsibility for this program and its content. For questions related to these CE credits, please contact Mary Beth Mannarino at mmannarino@chatham.edu.