Introduction
When people seek therapy, they are often in vulnerable situations—struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life stressors. The right psychologist can be life-changing. But what happens if the psychologist is ineffective, unethical, or even harmful?
Research shows that not all therapy is beneficial: between 5–10% of clients deteriorate during psychological treatment, often due to poor therapeutic relationships or inappropriate methods (Lambert, 2013; Lilienfeld, 2007). These cases are sometimes attributed to what clients call “bad psychologists.”
This article explores what makes a psychologist “bad,” the consequences for mental health, and how to choose a qualified, ethical professional.
1. What do we mean by “bad psychologists”?
A “bad psychologist” does not necessarily mean someone who is malicious. Instead, it can refer to:
- Unethical practitioners – those who violate professional standards (e.g., breaching confidentiality).
- Unqualified practitioners – people presenting as psychologists without proper registration or training.
- Ineffective or harmful therapists – those using outdated, unscientific, or inappropriate methods.
- Poor relational fit – even trained professionals can be a “bad fit” if their style clashes with the client’s needs.
2. Common red flags of a bad psychologist
a) Lack of professionalism
- Frequently late, distracted, or disorganised (APA, 2017).
- Talking more about their own life than the client’s issues.
b) Breaches of ethics
- Sharing confidential details without consent.
- Entering into inappropriate relationships with clients.
- Making promises of guaranteed outcomes.
c) Pseudoscience and harmful techniques
Some psychologists use interventions unsupported—or even contradicted—by research. Examples include rebirthing therapies (linked to child deaths; Lilienfeld, 2007) which is associated with long-term harm (APA, 2009).
d) Poor therapeutic alliance
The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of success (Wampold, 2015). If the psychologist is dismissive, judgmental, or invalidating, progress is unlikely.
e) Ignoring evidence-based practice
Modern psychology emphasises evidence-based treatment (EBT), such as CBT, ACT, or EMDR for trauma. If a psychologist rejects proven approaches without rationale, it may be a red flag.
3. Risks of working with a bad psychologist
Psychological risks
- Symptom deterioration: Some clients experience worsening of depression or anxiety if treatment is mismatched (Lambert, 2013).
- Loss of trust in therapy: Negative experiences can deter clients from seeking future help (Swift & Greenberg, 2012).
- Dependency or retraumatisation: Overly controlling or insensitive therapists may reinforce powerlessness.
Ethical and legal risks
- Breaches of confidentiality can cause reputational or legal harm.
- Exploitative relationships can lead to long-term trauma (Pope & Vasquez, 2016).
4. How to protect yourself from bad psychologists
a) Check qualifications
In Australia, psychologists must be registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). Similar boards exist in other countries. Clients can search registries to confirm credentials.
b) Look for evidence-based practice
Ask: “What treatment do you use, and what evidence supports it?” Psychologists should be able to reference clinical guidelines (e.g., NICE, APA).
c) Monitor progress
Research supports using routine outcome monitoring to track symptom change. If progress stalls for several months, consider raising concerns (Lambert, 2013).
d) Trust your instincts
If you feel consistently invalidated, judged, or unsafe, it’s appropriate to seek another therapist. Therapy should be collaborative, not coercive.
e) Report misconduct
Professional bodies (e.g., AHPRA, APA) have complaint mechanisms for breaches of ethics.
5. Why good psychologists matter
- Therapeutic alliance predicts 30–40% of therapy outcomes (Wampold, 2015).
- Evidence-based therapy reduces symptoms significantly more than placebo or no treatment (Cuijpers et al., 2016).
- Good psychologists help clients build skills, resilience, and self-understanding—not dependency.
FAQs
Q: What makes a psychologist “bad”?
Unethical behaviour, poor professionalism, ineffective methods, or a mismatch in communication style.
Q: Can therapy make you worse?
Yes. Research suggests up to 10% of clients deteriorate in therapy, often due to poor therapeutic relationships or harmful methods.
Q: How do I avoid a bad psychologist?
Check registration, look for evidence-based treatments, and pay attention to whether you feel respected and supported.
Q: Can I change psychologists if I’m unhappy?
Absolutely. You have the right to change therapists if you feel the relationship isn’t working.
References
- American Psychological Association (2009) Report of the Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation. Washington, DC: APA.
- American Psychological Association (2017) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Washington, DC: APA.
- Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E. & Andersson, G. (2016) ‘The effects of psychotherapies for adult depression on social support: A meta-analysis’, Psychological Medicine, 46(4), pp. 799–810.
- Lambert, M.J. (2013) ‘Bergin and Garfield’s Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change’ (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
- Lilienfeld, S.O. (2007) ‘Psychological treatments that cause harm’, Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2(1), pp. 53–70.
- Pope, K.S. & Vasquez, M.J.T. (2016) Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Practical Guide. 5th ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
- Swift, J.K. & Greenberg, R.P. (2012) ‘Premature discontinuation in adult psychotherapy: A meta-analysis’, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(4), pp. 547–559.
- Wampold, B.E. (2015) ‘How important are the common factors in psychotherapy? An update’, World Psychiatry, 14(3), pp. 270–277.
