Before filing a complaint against a psychologist directly with the disciplinary council, it is recommended that you submit a request for the holding of an inquiry to the Syndic's Office.

A number of steps are set in motion as soon as it is established that a complaint filed by a client requires an appearance process.  Both the professional involved and the client may choose to be represented by an attorney during each of the steps in the process.

The Syndic's Office may then file for an appeal of the decision dismissing the complaint or for an appeal of the penalty before the Professions Tribunal, within 30 days of the decision being served. The psychologist may likewise appeal a decision that allows the complaint or penalty.

If the psychologist is found guilty of an offence, the disciplinary council may impose one or more of the following penalties (Professional Code, s. 156) on him or her:

• a reprimand;
• temporary or permanent striking off the roll, even if he or she has not been entered thereon since the date of the offence;
• a fine of not less than $1000 nor more than $12,500 for each offence;
• revocation of his or her permit to practice;
• restriction or suspension of his or her right to engage in one or more areas of professional practice;
• publication of a notice of the striking off in a newspaper;
• recommendation of a suspension supervised by the Order's board of directors for the purpose of doing refresher courses in the field of psychology.