Demon Possession and Psychological Malpractice

Many Christian denominations actively believe in the existence of demons and the possibility that humans can become possessed by demons, resulting in any number of behavioral and personality problems. Should licensed psychologists promote such beliefs, however, and try to treat people based upon such assumptions? Some think so, but not all government licensing organizations agree.

The News-Leader from Springfield, Missouri, reports on the case of psychologist Thomas DeVol (the article is missing now - but there is at least a partial copy at Blogcritics):

DeVol finds himself facing charges of attempting "to convince (a client) that demon possession existed and there were demons in her family." This conduct, Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon claims, "fails to meet the standard of care for providing professional psychological services." Nixon claims such behavior violates a statute requiring psychologists to "maintain competency ... in the areas in which s/he practices ... in conformance with current standards of scientific and professional knowledge." Nixon's suit also charges DeVol with improper billing practices and release of confidential patient information, incompetent use of psychological assessment techniques and charging excessive fees, among other charges. Any of them may cause him to lose his license in his November hearing.

In some states, psychologists have lost their licenses for trying to "cast out demons," so DeVol wouldn't be the first. It is, however, an interesting cases because it raises interesting questions about the relationship between church and state. Granted, DeVol was acting in accordance with his religious beliefs - does that mean, however, that such beliefs are compatible with the standards of care and conduct required for a state license? Not necessarily. Had he been a medical doctor trying to cure cancer by casting out demons, the conclusions would be obvious.

With psychology, it's a bit more nebulous - that's especially true because DeVol was given permission to advertise himself as a "Christian" psychologist. Didn't they consider what they might be allowing with that? DeVol was doing exactly what many Christians believe that a psychologist should be prepared to do.

Read More:

• Religion 101
• Philosophy of Religion
• Books on Religion and Religious Beliefs