Your psychologist's license suspension means they cannot legally practice, and you need to find a new provider
If your psychologist's license has been suspended, they are no longer permitted to see patients, bill insurance, or provide mental health treatment under that license. A suspension is different from a revocation — it is temporary, but it is absolute during the suspension period. You cannot continue treatment with them, and your insurance will not cover sessions with a suspended provider.
Your when ready task is to find a replacement psychologist and, if you are in the middle of treatment, to get your records transferred. If you are on medication prescribed by that psychologist, you will also need to arrange a transition to another prescriber if your state allows psychologists to prescribe. The steps differ depending on whether you are in active treatment, whether you have insurance, and whether you need continuity of care for a crisis or ongoing condition.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended license means your psychologist cannot legally treat you, and insurance will not cover sessions with them during the suspension.
- You can request your clinical records from the suspended psychologist's office, and they are legally required to provide them within a set timeframe (usually 10 to 30 days depending on your state).
- If you are in crisis or need urgent care, contact your insurance's behavioral health line or go to an urgent care or emergency room rather than waiting for a new regular provider.
- Your state psychology licensing board's website lists the reason for suspension and the suspension length, which helps you understand whether the provider might return to practice.
- If you paid out of pocket for sessions after the suspension date, you may be able to dispute those charges with your credit card or request a refund from the office.
How to find your psychologist's suspension status and reason
Every state has a psychology licensing board or a combined health professions board that maintains a public database of licensed providers. You can search this database by the psychologist's name to see whether their license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired. The database entry will also show the suspension date and, in most cases, the reason — whether it is for unpaid continuing education, a complaint investigation, criminal charges, or another cause.
To find your state's board, search "[your state] psychology licensing board" or "[your state] health professions board." The board's website will have a "license lookup" or "verify a license" tool. Enter your psychologist's name and the state where they are licensed. If the license shows as suspended, note the suspension date and the stated reason. This tells you whether the suspension is likely to be short-term (such as a paperwork or fee issue) or longer-term (such as a disciplinary investigation).
If you cannot find the information online, call the board directly. The staff can tell you the suspension status, the expected duration, and whether the psychologist has appealed or is working toward reinstatement. This information helps you decide whether to wait for reinstatement or find a new provider permanently.
Requesting your clinical records and treatment history
Your psychologist's office must provide you with a copy of your clinical records, even though the license is suspended. The office is still required to maintain records and to release them to you or to another provider you name. Send a written request to the office address on your last statement or bill. Include your full name, date of birth, the date range of treatment, and the name of the psychologist. You can also request that records be sent directly to your new provider if you have already found one.
State law sets a important date for the office to respond — typically 10 to 30 days. If the office does not respond within that time, you can file a complaint with the state licensing board or contact your state's attorney general's office. Keep a copy of your written request and any response you receive. If the office charges a copying fee, it is usually a few dollars per page; ask what the fee will be before you authorize the release.
Your records include session notes, diagnoses, treatment plans, and any test results or psychological evaluations. These are essential for your new provider to understand your history and to avoid repeating assessments or restarting treatment from scratch.
Finding a new psychologist quickly
If you need a new provider, start with your insurance company. Call the behavioral health number on your insurance card and ask for in-network psychologists in your area who are currently accepting new patients. Insurance companies maintain lists of available providers and can often schedule your first appointment while you are on the phone. In-network providers cost less out of pocket and have faster approval for treatment.
If you do not have insurance or prefer to search independently, use Psychology Today's therapist finder, the American Psychological Association's psychologist locator, or your state psychology board's directory. Filter by location, insurance accepted, and specialty (if you have a specific need, such as trauma or anxiety). Call offices directly to ask about availability and whether they accept your insurance.
When you contact a new psychologist, mention that you are transferring from another provider and ask whether they can request your records directly. Many offices will do this for you, which speeds up the transition. If your previous psychologist prescribed medication, ask your new psychologist whether they can take over prescribing or whether you need to see a psychiatrist or your primary care doctor for medication management.
What to do if you are in crisis or need urgent care
If you are in crisis, having suicidal thoughts, or experiencing a mental health emergency, do not wait for a new regular psychologist. Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or go to your nearest emergency room. These services are free and available 24/7. If you are in when ready danger, call 911.
If you are in ongoing treatment for a serious condition and your psychologist's suspension leaves you without care, contact your insurance's behavioral health crisis line. Many insurance plans have urgent mental health services or can connect you to an emergency appointment with another provider. You can also ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has urgent availability.
Disputing charges for sessions after the suspension date
If you paid for sessions that occurred after your psychologist's license was suspended, you may be able to recover that money. Sessions provided by a suspended provider are not a valid service, and you should not have been charged. Contact the office and request a refund, explaining that the license was suspended on [date] and the sessions you paid for occurred after that date.
If the office refuses to refund you, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank. Provide the card issuer with the suspension date and proof of the charge. You can also file a complaint with your state's attorney general or consumer protection office, which can investigate whether the office was billing for services provided by an unlicensed provider.
Understanding whether your psychologist can return to practice
A suspension is temporary, but the length varies. Some suspensions last a few months (for example, if the issue is unpaid fees or incomplete paperwork), while others last years (if the issue is a disciplinary investigation or criminal charges). The licensing board's database entry should show the expected end date or the conditions for reinstatement.
If the suspension is short-term and you want to return to the same psychologist, you can check the board's database periodically to see whether the license has been reinstated. However, do not assume the psychologist will resume practice when ready after reinstatement — they may need time to rebuild their practice or may choose not to return. It is safer to establish care with a new provider and not rely on the previous one's return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still see my psychologist if their license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means they cannot legally provide mental health treatment. Any sessions would be unlicensed practice, and your insurance will not cover them. You need to find a new provider.
Will my insurance cover the cost of finding a new psychologist?
Yes, if you see an in-network psychologist. Your insurance covers mental health treatment the same way whether you are seeing your original provider or a new one. Out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan's copay or deductible.
What if my psychologist prescribed my medication?
Your new psychologist or a psychiatrist can take over your prescription. Bring your records from your previous provider so the new one knows what you are taking and why. If your state does not allow psychologists to prescribe, ask your new psychologist for a referral to a psychiatrist or your primary care doctor.
How long does it usually take to get an appointment with a new psychologist?
It varies. In-network providers through your insurance may have availability within one to four weeks. If you need urgent care, many offices have cancellation slots or can refer you to an urgent mental health clinic. Call multiple offices to compare wait times.
Can I get my money back for sessions I paid for after the suspension date?
Yes. Request a refund from the office first. If they refuse, dispute the charge with your credit card company or file a complaint with your state's attorney general. Sessions provided by a suspended provider are not a valid service.