Psychologists, like medics, can do amazing work.
Psychologists, like medics, can be a public health menace when they speak outside their area, spread misinformation, cause panic, and encourage conspiracy theories.

There are a number of psychologists (primarily in research and counselling roles) who are not acting responsibly currently, and with their knowledge of how societies operate in a crisis they should know better. They're not representative of psychologists working ethically

Medics are right to criticise psychologists who're stepping outside their role or spreading misinformation. Medics are not helping by dismissing psychology completely or using this as evidence that psychology can't be trusted. We NEED psychology right now.

Mavericks always emerge within crises. We've seen this every time there's been a disaster, pandemic or other global catastrophe. We absolutely should be addressing those who're spreading misinformation, panic and hate - no matter what their professional background.

Remember you can claim to be all kinds of things with a 'dr' title 'phd' or 'psychologist'. It doesn't mean you're qualified, responsible or skilled. You can even be qualified and skilled but not necessarily responsible. Public trust and healthcare suffers as a consequence.

The medics and psychologists spreading misinformation and anti-health messages are a danger because of their influence and reach. They're *surrounded* by bots amplifying them. You can help by reporting bots to Twitter and dodgy practitioners to their professional bodies.

The more you retweet them, the more oxygen you give them, the more attention they get, the more algorithms push them forward, the more bots swarm. Collective organising against misconduct may be a better use of our time. This is a secondary public health emergency.

Look after yourself as you do this. It's very easy to be sidetracked by one example of misconduct to another to another. You can't sort everything. Focus on what you can address, prioritise your wellbeing and good work.