Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

If a patient has filed a complaint with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (“CPO”), it is essential to have a knowledgeable and skilled professional discipline lawyer on your side. ALF defends psychologists in proceedings before the CPO. Facing a patient complaint and allegations of professional misconduct can be overwhelming, stressful, and time-consuming. By entrusting ALF with your CPO case, you will have an experienced advocate who will guide you through the complaints and discipline process. We understand the significant impact these allegations can have on your reputation, finances, and professional life. Your livelihood may depend on having the complaint dismissed and allegations of professional misconduct cleared. Our lawyers are relentless, strategic, and committed to protecting your interests. Additionally, ALF collaborates with expert witnesses who can support your case throughout the CPO process.

Investigations and Audits by the College

ALF’s psychologist defence lawyers have extensive experience assisting psychologists through the investigatory stage of a CPO complaint. We also provide guidance on CPO audits to ensure you are fully prepared. The earlier you retain qualified defence counsel, the better your chances of protecting your reputation, license, and livelihood. In an audit, we will work closely with you to ensure all requirements are met. During an investigation, we ensure all relevant information demonstrating your competence and integrity is presented to the investigator, giving the College the necessary evidence to dismiss the complaint.

Hearings at the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”)

ALF supports psychologists in making submissions to the ICRC. This committee screens complaints and may refer a psychologist to the Discipline Committee for hearings on professional misconduct or incapacity. Alternatively, the ICRC may issue a caution, require a specialized continuing remediation and education program (“SCERP”), or take other actions it deems necessary.

At this stage, it is crucial to consult a lawyer. Even if the ICRC does not refer the complaint to the Discipline Committee, cautions and SCERPs are published on the CPO’s online register, which can damage your reputation and finances. ALF’s experienced defence lawyers are skilled in preparing persuasive submissions to convince the ICRC to dismiss the complaint. Working with us early can save you time, protect your reputation, and safeguard your financial well-being.

Hearings Before the Discipline Committee

Discipline Committee hearings involve witness testimony, cross-examination, the introduction of evidence, and submissions to the panel. ALF’s team of experienced psychologist defence lawyers is well-versed in these proceedings, developed through decades of practice in tribunals and courtrooms across Ontario.

A successful defence often hinges on strategic and effective cross-examination of the prosecution's witnesses. ALF’s lawyers are highly skilled in preparing for and executing precise cross-examinations, ensuring that the truth is presented and misconduct charges are dismissed. Success in these hearings requires extensive preparation, the ability to ask targeted questions, and the experience to adapt to answers in real-time—all strengths that ALF brings to your defence.

Hearings Before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”)

If the ICRC reaches an unjust or unreasonable decision, psychologists have the option to appeal to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”). This process involves reviewing the record of the ICRC proceedings, preparing legal arguments, and making oral submissions before a panel.

ALF’s psychologists' defence lawyers bring years of experience and precision to the appeal process. We meticulously review the records to identify errors and develop compelling arguments to challenge the ICRC’s decision. Our trial and appellate experience equip us with the necessary perspective to examine the record thoroughly and craft the most effective arguments.

Written advocacy is critical to successful appeals. ALF’s track record in preparing persuasive written submissions is unmatched, with experience in Ontario tribunals and courts, including the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada. When it’s time to argue your appeal, we are fully prepared to present your case in the most effective way possible.

Judicial Review at the Divisional Court

If HPARB’s decision does not resolve your case satisfactorily, psychologists can seek judicial review of the HPARB’s decision at the Divisional Court of Ontario. Decisions made by the Discipline Committee are also subject to judicial review. Judicial reviews involve examining the record of the proceedings, drafting legal arguments, and presenting oral submissions before a panel of Ontario Superior Court judges.

ALF’s team has significant experience representing clients before the Divisional Court. We will pursue every available option to protect your reputation, license, and financial well-being, ensuring all avenues are explored in your defence.

Why Choose ALF?

• Proven Results: We have a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for regulated professionals.

• Respected Advocacy: Our written and oral advocacy is highly regarded across tribunals and courts.

• Competitive Fees: We provide top-tier representation at reasonable rates.

If you are a psychologist facing a complaint, it is in your best interest to retain an experienced defence lawyer immediately. ALF may help you avoid significant consequences such as reputational damage, financial loss, or even the suspension of your license.

How Can ALF Assist You

ALF assists psychologists with a broad range of legal issues, including complaints, disciplinary hearings, and regulatory matters before the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Our lawyers have extensive experience in professional regulation and discipline, having acted as external counsel for health colleges governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act (“RHPA”).

We can assist and represent psychologists in a wide variety of matters, including:

• Responding to complaints and investigations at the CPO’s Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”)

• Representing psychologists in hearings before the CPO Discipline or Fitness to Practice Committees

• Appealing ICRC decisions to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”)

• Representing psychologists in hearings and reviews of Registration Committee decisions before HPARB

• Appealing HPARB, Discipline Committee, or Fitness to Practice Committee decisions to the Divisional Court

• Representing psychologists in criminal or quasi-criminal matters under the Criminal Code or Provincial Offences Act

• Representing psychologists in civil litigation or applications before the Superior Court of Justice

• Assisting with registration applications and submissions to the Registration Committee

• Supporting psychologists through audits and quality assurance programs

• Advising on compliance with the RHPA, Psychology Act, 1991, and other relevant regulations

• Offering guidance on professional practice issues such as record-keeping, privacy, billing, insurance, and reporting

Contact Us Today

If you're a psychologist facing a complaint or investigation, it’s crucial to act quickly. By working with an experienced defense lawyer from the outset, you can protect your practice, reputation, and livelihood.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Whether in-person, by phone, or virtually, the ALF team is here to guide you through this challenging process with expertise and dedication.