Module 6: Protect and Defend

Overview
In this module, we consider various developmental stages of your psychology career, focusing on getting licensed, staying licensed, and defending against potential complaints or lawsuits. We highlight various domains of competence and review steps to take with an impaired or unethical colleague. We also review licensing board complaints and malpractice lawsuit processes in depth. Finally, we emphasize the importance of self-care as a risk management strategy.

Instructor: Amanda D. Zelechoski, Ph.D., J.D., ABPP

Learning Objectives

1. Identify three questions to consider prior to seeking licensure. 
2. Compare and contrast licensing board complaints versus malpractice lawsuits.
3. List three things to do and three things not to do when you receive notice of a licensing board complaint.
4. Identify several common causes of impairment and/or unethical behavior by colleagues. 
5. Explain the importance of self-care as a risk management strategy.

Things We Talk About

• Getting licensed
• Staying licensed
• Competence
• Licensing board complaints
• Malpractice lawsuits
• Unethical and/or impaired colleagues 
• Self-care