Where should complaints against a counselor be sent?

Complaints against a counselor should be directed to the Investigations Section of Health Related Boards because this section is specifically designated to handle issues related to the practice of health professionals, including counselors. This board has the authority to investigate complaints, assess the validity of the concerns raised, and take appropriate actions, which may include disciplinary measures if warranted.

In the context of professional counseling in Tennessee, the Investigations Section operates under the Tennessee Department of Health and is responsible for upholding standards of practice and protecting the public from unprofessional conduct. By sending complaints to this body, individuals ensure that they are reaching the appropriate channel dedicated to addressing such grievances effectively.

While the Department of Justice and the state licensing authority also play important roles in broader legal contexts or in regulatory frameworks, they are not the direct entities responsible for handling specific complaints against counselors. The Governor's office, on the other hand, oversees state government functions but does not engage in the direct regulation or investigation of individual professionals. Thus, the Investigations Section of Health Related Boards is the correct and most effective avenue for lodging complaints against counselors in Tennessee.