Client Rights & Grievance Policies

Required by California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
This policy explains your right to file a complaint, how to do so, and what Whatif Therapy must disclose.

Whatif Therapy is committed to ethical, lawful, and professional practice. If you have concerns about your treatment or believe your provider has acted unethically or outside the scope of practice, you have the right to file a grievance.

You will not be retaliated against for submitting a complaint.

Clients are encouraged—but not required—to voice concerns directly to the therapist first. Many issues can be resolved through transparent communication.

Contact:
Matthew Baker, LCSW
Email: matt@whatiftherapy.com

You have the right to file a complaint with the BBS, the state licensing agency that oversees Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

You may file a complaint if you believe that a therapist has:

• Violated professional or ethical standards
• Engaged in unprofessional conduct
• Violated confidentiality laws
• Practiced outside their legal scope
• Failed to maintain appropriate boundaries
• Violated any part of the BBS Practice Act
   

Complaints may be submitted:
Online:
https://www.bbs.ca.gov/consumers/consumer_complaints.html

By Mail:
Board of Behavioral Sciences
Attn: Consumer Services
P.O. Box 980190
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0190

By Phone:
(916) 574-7830

You may request anonymity. However, providing your contact information may allow BBS to investigate more thoroughly.

California law requires that clients be informed:

• That therapists are licensed and regulated by the BBS
• That clients have a right to file a complaint
• That complaint procedures must be publicly accessible

Whatif Therapy prohibits retaliation or discrimination against any client who files a grievance, whether internally or with the BBS.

If an investigation occurs, Whatif Therapy will comply with all lawful requests from regulatory agencies and maintain documentation as required by law.

If you need help understanding your rights or how to file a complaint, you may request clarification from your therapist, the BBS, or an attorney.