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What is the California Board of Psychology?

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 the regulatory entities which 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 full terms. The five licensed members and two of the public members are appointed by the Governor. One public member is appointed by the Senate Rules Committee, and one public member is appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. Public members cannot be licensed by the Board of Psychology or by any other Department of Consumer Affairs healing arts board.

The Board of Psychology is funded through license, application, and examination fees. The Board receives no tax payer funds from the State of California.

Who Does the Board Regulate?

  • Licensed psychologists
  • Registered psychological associates
  • Psychological testing technicians

How Does the Board Protect Consumers of Psychological Services?

  • Licensed psychologists possess minimal competency to practice psychology independently and safely. This is achieved by requiring licensees to possess a qualifying doctorate degree, the completion of a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, and passage of a national examination and a California law and ethics examination.
  • Unlicensed or unregistered individuals engaging in the practice of psychology are investigated and referred to the local District Attorney for consideration of criminal prosecution.

How Does the Board Handle Complaints?

The Board enforces laws that protect consumers of psychological services by accepting and investigating complaints.

To learn more about filing a complaint, please click here:
www.psychology.ca.gov/consumers/filecomplaint.shtml

Executive Staff

  • Antonette Sorrick, Executive Officer
  • Jonathan Burke, Assistant Executive Officer
  • Cynthia Whitney, Central Services Unit Manager
  • Stephanie Cheung, Licensing Unit Manager
  • Sandra Monterrubio, Enforcement Program Manager

To contact a member of the Executive Staff, please write or call:

Board of Psychology
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-215
Sacramento, CA 95834
E-mail: bopmail@dca.ca.gov
Telephone: (916) 574-7720
Toll Free: (866) 503-3221
Fax: (916) 574-8672

For more information:

Updated 5/18/2023