Yes, before meeting with a new therapist, I do run a free check at the government website to make sure he/she doesn't have any complaints pending or founded on them by past clients. The one time I didn't do it, I got a "tiny niggle of doubt" with a new therapist I had decided to work with and I did the check a month and a half after we started to work together. Sure enough, her license to practice was on a two year probationary status due to a complaint from a client. Apparently, she had terminated a client via email and did not provide a termination(s) session or a referral list. The client had posted the ENTIRE official judgment on line for anyone to read. I can tell from the description of the case that it was a very difficult one with a lot of SI and S threats, but the therapist's handling of the situation was definitely below what I would call "good care". I did terminate with the therapist but I was too chicken to tell her the reason that I was leaving. I wouldn't pay to do a background check. I think that's too personal and reserved for situations like dating--ie. a young mother with children who decides she wants to start a personal relationship with some guy. Then I think it's a very good idea!