Posted September 23, 2025

Case: Psychologist “L” recognized that one of her patients had been transferred to another mental health unit in the California Correctional system. This transfer meant the inmate was no longer her patient. However, Psychologist “L” stated on Facebook, “Since he had been assigned to me, I snooped a bit…in the notes.” She discovered that her former patient was a suspect in the assault and murder of two other inmates. This discovery, along with other protected health information (PHI), was also posted on Facebook.

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Answer: Yes

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Case details

• The accusation: Psychologist “L” was accused of posting confidential patient information on a public social media account (Facebook).
• Nature of the breach: The posts included information about a patient involved in the assault and deaths of two inmates. The confidential information reportedly included the patient's identity, history, and level of mental health care.

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The California Board ruled that, " Respondent’s unnecessary and unauthorized accessing Patient’s records after she recognized that he was no longer on her caseload constitutes unprofessional conduct." 

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Privacy violations involved charges of Minimal Intrusions on Privacy (Sec. 4.04 (b); Breach of Confidentiality - Unethical Behavior.

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Disciplinary actions included paying the State monetary costs associated with monitoring the Psychologist's probation (Sec 2964.6); paying the State for the cost of the investigation (Sec. 125.3);, and suspension of license for three years.

This case is a reminder that professional boundaries do not end with a transfer. HIPAA and California law make it clear: patient information is protected at all times, regardless of custody status or provider assignment. Compliance is not optional—it is foundational.

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If a psychologist violates ethical codes, consequences can range from formal reprimands to license suspension or revocation by state boards, and even civil or criminal liability for significant harm or illegal acts. These actions depend on the severity and nature of the violation, with possibilities including requirements for further training, monetary damages for victims, and lasting damage to the psychologist's professional reputation.

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Transparency & Accountability Matter — Even After Practice Ends

• Many cases show that obligations to clients don’t just stop at termination of the therapeutic relationship. For example, confidentiality, past duties, etc., still matter. Licensing statutes often treat errors or misconduct that occurred during therapy (or slightly after) as still actionable.
• Also, once the disciplinary process starts — accusations, investigations, hearings — those become public record once final. This creates a reputational dimension: professionals must be aware that behavior, even before, during, or after therapy, may be scrutinized.

Note: This is a real California case presented in court by the California Board of Psychology. Case # 6002020000050. July 17, 2022. Case disclosure is permitted by Public Records Act.

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