Department of Health (DOH), including the Examining Board of Psychology and other behavioral-health credential authorities

How the official source says to file

• Use the online or paper option on DOH’s complaint-forms page. The paper form can be mailed to HSQA Complaint Intake, PO Box 47857, Olympia, WA 98504-7857; emailed to hsqacomplaintintake@doh.wa.gov; or faxed to 360-236-2626. Intake assistance: 360-236-2620.
• Identify each provider, profession, practice address, treatment dates, events and witnesses. Use the facility section only for a facility DOH regulates; list the individual for an ordinary provider office. If filing for someone else, identify the patient and your relationship.
• Send one complaint copy. For email, attach the complaint directly; DOH asks you not to use storage links or services requiring a login. Keep your own chronology and evidence copies.

Supporting guidance: DOH complaint forms ↗DOH provider/facility complaint form ↗

What this route may not provide

DOH addresses unprofessional conduct, unsafe practice and unlicensed practice. It generally excludes ordinary billing/insurance disputes unless fraud is involved. Its process guidance allows fee refunds in some disciplinary circumstances, but not malpractice damages. DOH regulates specified behavioral-health facilities/agencies separately; many offices and clinics are not independently licensed facilities.

Supporting guidance: Health professions complaint process ↗Behavioral-health professions, facilities and agencies ↗DOH provider/facility complaint form ↗

Do not guess about confidentiality

Anonymous complaints are accepted without follow-up. Providing your name makes the report identified even if you request anonymity. The form warns that public-record law generally does not permit withholding complainant names unless a whistleblower exemption applies. Public disciplinary files redact protected patient information; that is different from protecting the complainant’s identity.

Supporting guidance: DOH provider/facility complaint form ↗Health professions complaint process ↗

DOH states no statutory complaint filing time limit; report promptly

DOH states there is no statutory complaint filing time limit, but evidence availability can still prevent action on older events. Its published processing range is weeks to as long as two years. This is separate from court deadlines.

Supporting guidance: Health professions complaint process ↗

What may happen after filing

DOH screens jurisdiction and possible violations, investigates and presents supported cases to the appropriate disciplinary authority. Outcomes can include closure, practice restrictions, retraining, fines or license action. You may be asked for a confidentiality release or testimony.

Supporting guidance: Health professions complaint process ↗DOH provider/facility complaint form ↗

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.