There have been a number of controversies between
Scientology and psychiatry since the founding of the
Church of Scientology in 1952. Scientology is publicly, and often vehemently, opposed to both
psychiatry and
psychology. Scientologists view psychiatry as a barbaric and corrupt profession and encourage alternative care based on
spiritual healing. According to the Church of Scientology, psychiatry has a long history of improper and abusive care. The group's views have been disputed, criticized and condemned by experts in the medical and scientific community and been a source of public controversy.