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Board of Psychologist Examiners

About Us
Mission Statement
OUR MISSION
 
The mission of the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners is to promote, preserve, and protect the public health and welfare by ensuring the ethical and legal practice of psychology.
 
OUR CORE VALUES
  • TRANSPARENCY
  • INTEGRITY
  • OBJECTIVITY
  • ACCOUNTABILITY
  • COMPASSION
 
- Mission and Core Values adopted November 2009 
 
Organization
The Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners (OBPE) was created for the purpose of examining and licensing all persons in Oregon who engage in the practice of psychology. The Board is also charged with safeguarding the people of the State of Oregon from the dangers of unqualified and improper practice of psychology.
 
Practicing psychology means rendering or offering to render supervision, consultation, evaluation or therapy services to individuals, groups or organizations for the purpose of diagnosing or treating behavioral, emotional or mental disorders.
 
It is unlawful to practice psychology or represent oneself as a psychologist without first being properly licensed by the OBPE. To "represent oneself as a psychologist" means to use any terminology, title or description of services incorporating the words "psychology," "psychological," "psychotherapy," or "psychologist," or to offer or render to individuals or to groups of individuals services included in the practice of psychology.
 
The Board consists of nine members. Six members are licensed psychologists; and three members are from the general public, not associated with the profession. All members are appointed by the Governor to four-year terms and confirmed by the Senate. The Board hires staff to administer all official business. The Board meets approximately every five to six weeks, usually at its offices in Salem. The Board is funded solely from license fees, fines and penalties. Decisions are made in open public meetings where guests are encouraged to
attend.  
 
Please contact the Board’s office if you would like more information or have questions. oregon.bpe@state.or.us 
  
Programs

The Board carries out its mission through three major programs areas: Examination of Applicants; Licensure and Continuing Education; and Consumer Protection. Through the examination of applicants, the Board accomplishes its legislative mandate to establish standards of service and training and educational qualifications for the rendering of ethical psychological services in Oregon. Because the Board believes that regular continuing education ensures the highest quality of professional services to the public, the Board requires that all licensed Psychologists and Psychologist Associates complete fifty hours of continuing education, with a minimum of four in the professional ethics of psychologists. The Board protects consumers by promptly investigating all complaints made concerning either the unethical or unlicensed practice of psychology in Oregon.
 
POLICIES
 
Affirmative Action Plan:
 
It is the policy of the State of Oregon that employment without discrimination is recognized as and declared to be a civil right. The State of Oregon is committed to achieving a workforce that represents the diversity of Oregon community and is a leader in providing its citizens fair and equal employment opportunity. 
 
The Board of Psychologist Examiners is committed to achieving a work force that represents the diversity of Oregon’s population and to providing fair and equal employment opportunities. The Board is committed to an affirmative action program that provides equal opportunities for all persons regardless or race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age or disability. The Board provides an environment for each applicant and employee that is free from sexual harassment, as well as harassment and intimidation on account of an individual’s race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or disability. The Board employment practices are consistent with the State’s Affirmative Action Plan Guidelines and with state and federal laws, which preclude discrimination. 

2011-2013 Affirmative Action Plan

2013-2015 Affirmative Action Plan