The Transformation of Regulation of Psychologists by Therapeutic Jurisprudence

Therapeutic jurisprudence has the potential to enhance sensitivity to the public health and mental health ramifications of both investigations and hearings in the disciplinary context. In this article the authors explore the practical relevance of therapeutic jurisprudence considerations to the work of regulatory agencies that receive and make decisions in response to allegations of unprofessional behaviour by psychologists. They argue that the therapeutic jurisprudence paradigm has a useful role in enhancing investigations and decision-making, both in terms of providing potential prophylaxis of unethical conduct by other members of the professional community and in enhancing the insight of individual psychologists as to the causes and risks of their inappropriate conduct.