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When Professionals Cause Harm: "A Call for Accountability in Mental Health and CPS Investigations"

Writer's picture: Antonio L Merrick-HamiltonAntonio L Merrick-Hamilton


I’ve been working on my mental health for years—long before I had to face some of the really tough stuff life throws at you. For over a decade, I managed to stay stable, finding a rhythm with therapy, medication, and routines that worked for me. But recently, I ran into a situation that knocked me off course in a way I didn’t expect—and it’s left me questioning a lot.

The situation started with a psychology professor who also works as a CPS investigator. I thought she would help with a family issue, hoping she could offer guidance and maybe help navigate the tricky dynamics we were dealing with. Instead, what happened was much more harmful than helpful.


Rather than offering support or a neutral perspective, I ended up feeling like my reality was being dismissed and manipulated. This professional, someone in a position of authority, made me question what I knew to be true. I’ve read about gaslighting before, but experiencing it firsthand at this level was a whole different story. When you’re already managing depression, ADHD, and trauma, while raising teenagers alone, having someone you trusted make you doubt your own experience can send you into a tailspin.


What followed wasn’t just an emotional reaction—it was a full-on breakdown. I found myself struggling to cope, unable to regain my balance, and experiencing an emotional upheaval that I hadn’t felt in years. It felt like all the hard work I’d put into my mental health had been erased in a matter of days.


This shouldn’t happen with a professional—let alone someone with expertise in psychology and child welfare. No matter the circumstances, gaslighting and invalidation should never be part of the equation, especially not from someone who’s supposed to be offering guidance and support. And whether this was intentional or not doesn’t matter. The damage done by dismissing someone’s lived experience is real, and it shouldn’t happen in these settings.


If this kind of thing is happening to me, I’m sure I’m not the only one. That’s why I’m calling for a full investigation into what happened. Professionals need to be held accountable when their actions cause harm, and we can’t let things like this slide.


The bigger issue here isn’t just about my experience—it’s about ensuring that people in positions of authority are held to a higher standard. When someone seeks help, they are putting their trust in these professionals to act with fairness and respect. Gaslighting, manipulation, and emotional invalidation have no place in these fields. The trust between a person seeking help and the professional offering guidance is critical, and when that trust is broken, it can leave lasting damage.


Unfortunately, these types of situations aren’t rare. Too many people have shared stories of facing similar harm in the hands of professionals, whether in psychology, CPS, or other support services. This behavior needs to be addressed—because if professionals are damaging the very people they are supposed to help, we’re all worse off.


I’m sharing this not for sympathy, but because we need to start talking about these issues. If this has happened to you—or if you’ve faced something similar—it’s time to speak up. This isn’t just about one person or one situation. It’s about making sure these practices are rooted out and that the people in charge are held accountable for their actions.

I’m calling for a thorough investigation into this incident, but also for more accountability across the board. We need to create systems that protect and support, not tear down. Professionals should be a source of healing, not harm. It’s time for a change.


If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for support:

  • Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1, or text 838255.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate assistance.

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor.


Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. Help is available.



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