Christopher Doyle appeared for the Applicant, instructed by Minter Ellison.
This case concerned the professional conduct of a psychologist. The Court considered whether the respondent had behaved in a way that constituted unprofessional conduct and/or professional misconduct. Ground 1 of this matter was the respondent failed to maintain professional boundaries that should exist between a psychologist and a client during their treating relationship. Ground 2 ground was that the respondent failed to take reasonable steps to appropriately manage the termination of his professional relationship with the patient. The Court considered the aggravating features and mitigating factors of the respondents conduct. It was held that Ground 1 and Ground 2 separately amount to unprofessional conduct but could not amount to professional misconduct. The Court ordered for the respondent to be reprimanded and strongly recommended the Psychology Board of Australia to consider the removal of the reprimand after three years.
The judgment can be read by clicking here
