State Board Issues Statement of Charges Against Psychologist Over Alleged Patient Care and Supervision Failures
The Washington State Department of Health’s Examining Board of Psychology has issued a statement of charges against licensed psychologist Richard L. Packard, alleging unprofessional conduct.
According to the statement of charges, dated March 18, 2026, the state board alleges that Packard failed to appropriately assess a patient for suicide risk and did not maintain proper written supervision agreements with subordinate staff members. Packard has held an active credential to practice psychology in Washington state since July 15, 1992.
The primary allegations stem from Packard’s treatment of a patient confidentially identified in state documents as “Client A.”
According to the statement of charges, Packard began providing counseling services to the individual on or around August 4, 2017. During the initial intake assessment, the client reportedly disclosed suicidal ideation.
Despite these reports, the state board alleges that “at that time and over the course of Client A’s treatment, Respondent failed to undertake an assessment of Client A’s suicide risk and failed to establish a safety plan for Client A.”
In addition to the patient care allegations, the Department of Health brings forward administrative claims regarding Packard’s oversight of junior practitioners.
According to the statement of charges, between approximately 2016 and 2020, Packard allegedly failed to maintain required written supervision agreements with one or more certified counselors or advisers practicing under his supervision.
State laws require licensed psychologists to maintain detailed written agreements with the counselors they oversee, outlining expectations, client confidentiality, and recordkeeping practices.
Based on these alleged facts, the Examining Board of Psychology claims that Packard committed unprofessional conduct in violation of state law.
Specifically, the statement of charges cites alleged violations of the Revised Code of Washington related to “incompetence, negligence, or malpractice which results in injury to a patient or which creates an unreasonable risk that a patient may be harmed,” as well as failing to exercise appropriate supervision.
The issuance of a statement of charges is a formal administrative step in the regulatory process, and the claims detailed within the document are strictly allegations at this stage.
According to the document, Packard has been formally notified of the allegations and has the opportunity to defend against the charges.
If he fails to respond or defend against the allegations, the Examining Board of Psychology notes that he shall be subject to professional discipline and the imposition of sanctions under state law.