What is the primary consideration in evaluating a psychologist's malpractice?

The primary consideration in evaluating a psychologist's malpractice is the standard of care breached. This refers to the expectations of professional conduct based on what a reasonably competent psychologist would have done in similar circumstances. Determining whether the psychologist acted according to these standards is essential because it establishes if there was a deviation from the accepted practices of the profession that led to harm to the client.

When assessing a malpractice claim, the focus is on whether the psychologist fulfilled their professional duties competently, rather than on their educational qualifications or the reputation they hold in the field. Client satisfaction, while important in evaluating service quality, does not provide a legal basis to establish malpractice unless it is directly tied to a breach in the standard of care. Thus, the critical factor is whether the psychologist's actions fell below the professional expectations that are set within the field.