The California Board of Psychology dates back to 1958 when the first psychologists were certified in the state. The Board of Psychology is one of 37 regulatory entities that fall under the organizational structure of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
The board consists of nine members (five licensed psychologists and four public members) who are appointed to the board for four-year terms. Each member may serve a maximum of two terms. The five licensed members and two of the public members are appointed by the governor. Public members cannot be licensed by the Board of Psychology or by any other Department of Consumer Affairs healing arts board.
The Board regulates the following:
- Licensed Psychologists. They may practice independently in any private or public setting.
- Psychological Assistants. They must possess a qualifying master’s degree and be registered to provide limited psychological services to the public under the direct supervision of the psychologist or psychiatrist to whom they are registered.
- Registered Psychologists. They must possess a doctoral degree that meets licensure requirements and possess at least 1,500 hours of qualifying supervised professional experience and registered to engage in psychological activities at nonprofit community agencies that receive a minimum of 25 percent of their funding from some governmental source. Registered psychologists may not engage in psychological activities outside the approved guidelines.
The board exists to serve the public by protecting the health, safety, and welfare of consumers of psychological services with integrity, honesty, and efficiency. The board also advocates the highest principles of professional psychological practice and empowers the consumer through education on licensee/ registrant disciplinary actions, and by providing the best available information on current trends in psychological service options.
Mission: The Board of Psychology protects consumers of psychological services by licensing psychologists, regulating the practice of psychology, and supporting the evolution of the profession.
Vision: A healthy California where our diverse communities enjoy the benefits of the highest standard of psychological services
Values:
- Transparency
- Integrity
- Fairness
- Responsiveness
- Professionalism
Visit the BOP’s website at https://www.psychology.ca.gov/or connect or connect Facebook and Twitter.
CONSUMER RESOURCES:
- FAQs
- Filing a complaint with the BOP
- License Verification
- Information for Military and Military Spouses/Partners
- Sign Up for Our E-mail List
