Nebraska Behavioral health Complaint Route

Authority and scope

Check the license and concern

DHHS provides a shared professional complaint process for psychology, mental-health practice/social work, and alcohol/drug counseling. Nebraska distinguishes mental-health licenses (including LMHP and LIMHP) from protected-title certifications such as professional counselor, marriage-and-family therapist, and social worker. Adding a title certification does not expand practice authority. Identify both the mental-health license and title certification when relevant. Alcohol/drug counselors have LADC and provisional credentials; psychology has its own license categories. The profession directory also lists behavior analysts.

Supporting guidance: DHHS professions and occupations ↗Mental Health and Social Work Practice ↗Psychology licensing ↗Alcohol and Drug Counselor licensing ↗

Match the route to the credential

Use the license listed in the practitioner's records or official license lookup. A psychiatrist is a physician; psychiatric nurses have nursing credentials. Some psychologists have prescribing authority, so medication alone does not identify the licensing board.

Choose the right licensing authority

Psychologists and related psychology credentials

Shared DHHS professional-investigation route.

Open this official route ↗

Mental-health counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage-and-family therapists

Identify the mental-health license and any protected-title certification; shared DHHS route.

Open this official route ↗

Alcohol and drug counselors

LADC and provisional credentials; shared DHHS route.

Open this official route ↗

Submission

How the official source says to file

Use the complaint link on the Investigations page or the linked professional complaint form. Written complaints may be mailed to DHHS Division of Public Health Investigations, Attn: POL Investigation Unit, PO Box 94722, Lincoln, NE 68509.
The form requests the practitioner’s profession and license, the patient’s identity, dates and locations, a detailed account, and supporting documents. Sign and date the truth declaration and indicate whether you agree to testify.
Do not email complaint allegations: DHHS expressly warns against doing so because of confidentiality. For procedural questions, call 402-471-0175. Confirm any alternative delivery method directly.

Supporting guidance: DHHS professional investigations ↗Professional complaint form ↗

Limits

What this route may not provide

DHHS investigates regulated healthcare practitioners and unlicensed healthcare practice. It does not arbitrate fees, insurance or employment disputes, rudeness, or personality conflicts. Its professional route is separate from determining which agency licenses a clinic or treatment program. Psychiatrist and psychiatric advanced-practice-nurse concerns use the medical and nursing guides. A private credential should not be assumed to have the same status as a DHHS license or certificate.

Supporting guidance: DHHS professional investigations ↗

Anonymity

Do not guess about confidentiality

The form asks whether you wish to remain anonymous while also requesting identifying information and a signature; ask how that choice works before relying on anonymity. DHHS keeps complaint and investigation records confidential. It may share allegations when authorized or necessary, but says it will not disclose the complainant’s identity to the subject during investigation without written authorization. Identity may become public in a contested case.

Supporting guidance: DHHS professional investigations ↗Professional complaint form ↗

Complaint timing

Delay can affect review; ask promptly.

A filing deadline was not established by this check; ask promptly. DHHS considers whether a complaint has been delayed too long to justify investigation. The page’s 30-day mandatory-reporting rule concerns credentialed professionals, not a general patient deadline.

Supporting guidance: DHHS professional investigations ↗

Process

What may happen after filing

DHHS assesses jurisdiction, good faith, available evidence, and willingness to testify. Investigation findings go to the relevant board and Attorney General for possible enforcement, agreed limitations, or another resolution. The department notifies the complainant of screening results.

Supporting guidance: DHHS professional investigations ↗

Evidence

Prepare a reviewable submission

State the concern you want reviewed, give a short chronology and factual consequences, and explain your request. Keep supporting records and follow the receiving authority’s instructions before attaching or sending them.