The medical and mental illness industries attract abusers because the culture gives them easy access to multiple victims and protects them from accountability. Survivors are so taxed by trying to survive and figure their way out of hell that they too often don’t have the resources even to complain.

Having experienced absurd amounts of neglect and abuse from medical and mental illness industry practitioners, I’ve left several bad reviews and filed a few complaints. I learned that whatever you do for accountability, do it not for the outcome but for the process. 

Licensing boards are corrupt. They’re notorious for doing nothing. However, writing out and submitting my complaint was important to reclaiming my agency, and it may be to yours. 

I learned that the offending practitioner can have negative reviews taken down, so we can’t even turn to Yelp for accurate information about healthcare practitioners. Everything is in their favor. 

Of course, a complaint to a licensing board can be much more revealing and thorough, so it can be therapeutic, even though the outcome will likely disappoint. 

The complaint system is part of what swore me off of the mainstream mental illness industry as well as most of the medical industry. Even predatory practitioners can do what they want with no accountability so there are no protections; they might cause me deep harm again. 

It seems the most effective action is to post concise, measured reviews that are unlikely to be removed. Here’s a strategy to balance truthfulness with effectiveness while protecting your review from being flagged:

Key Tips for Writing Negative Reviews

Focus on Facts, Not Emotions:
Stick to objective observations rather than subjective feelings.
Example: Instead of “This doctor ruined my life,” write, “This provider performed a procedure without obtaining proper informed consent.”

Be Concise and Neutral:
Short, neutral reviews are less likely to draw attention. For example:
“My experience did not meet professional standards.”
“Significant issues with communication and consent.”
“Failed to meet expectations in a way that negatively impacted my health.”

Avoid Defamation Triggers:
Avoid language that can be construed as defamatory (e.g., “butcher,” “criminal,” “malpractice”). Instead, use terms like “unethical,” “unprofessional,” or “substandard care.”

Highlight Key Issues with Specifics:
General complaints are harder to contest, but specific patterns or facts give credibility.
Example: “There were multiple instances of miscommunication about my treatment plan.”
Consider the Context of Other Reviews:

If most reviews are glowing, balance is key to preventing your review from standing out as an outlier.
Your review can indicate that your experience was unusual without undermining its seriousness.

Use Phrases That Suggest Room for Improvement:

Example: “Improvements in patient communication and care quality are necessary.”

Avoid Identifying Yourself:

Don’t disclose personal details that could connect your review to a specific case, as this can make it easier for the provider to challenge your review.

For More Ideas:

Our page, How to hold an abusive system accountable offers support and resources for complaining to various offices and agencies.