OUR SCOPE
What We Do & Don't Do
Clarity about our role helps everyone understand what to expect from CPS—and where to turn for services we don't provide.
What We Are
CPS serves four distinct roles in the psychotherapy safety landscape.
Educators
We translate complex psychotherapy research into accessible, actionable resources for consumers, clinicians, and policymakers.
Evidence Translators
We evaluate and grade research using transparent, reproducible methods so that claims about therapy safety are grounded in evidence, not opinion.
Safety Advocates
We advocate for stronger safety infrastructure across the psychotherapy profession—including better outcome monitoring, informed consent, and reporting systems.
Information Providers
We provide evidence-based information to help consumers make informed decisions about their mental health treatment and understand their rights.
At a Glance
A clear comparison of what falls within—and outside—our scope.
What We Do
- ✓Translate research into accessible resources
- ✓Grade evidence using transparent standards
- ✓Educate consumers about therapy safety
- ✓Support clinicians with evidence-based tools
- ✓Advocate for systemic safety improvements
- ✓Maintain editorial independence
What We Don't Do
- ✗Provide therapy, counseling, or crisis services
- ✗Investigate or adjudicate complaints about therapists
- ✗Recommend or oppose specific therapy modalities
- ✗Offer legal advice or representation
- ✗Endorse individual practitioners
- ✗Accept funding that compromises independence
Our Operating Principle
Detect. Respond. Learn.
This three-word framework guides our approach to psychotherapy safety. We help the field detect safety issues through evidence review and consumer education. We support systems that respond effectively when problems arise. And we promote a culture that learns from both successes and failures to continuously improve care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Investigating individual practitioners requires legal authority, subpoena power, and due process protections that only state licensing boards possess. CPS focuses on systemic education and evidence-translation—areas where we can have the greatest impact. If you need to report a therapist, we direct you to the appropriate licensing board or professional association.
Licensing boards are government agencies that regulate individual practitioners—they issue licenses, investigate complaints, and impose disciplinary actions. CPS is an independent nonprofit that focuses on education and evidence-translation. We don't regulate anyone. Instead, we provide resources that help consumers, clinicians, and policymakers make more informed decisions about psychotherapy safety.
No. CPS maintains strict modality neutrality. We do not endorse, recommend, or oppose any specific psychotherapy approach. Our focus is on cross-cutting safety principles—like informed consent, outcome monitoring, and evidence-based practice—that apply across all therapeutic modalities.
Important Note
The Center for Psychotherapy Safety is an educational organization and does not provide clinical services, crisis intervention, or legal advice. Content is for informational purposes only.