Mr Philip Gorrell – Psychologist – Registration Cancelled for Professional Misconduct and Unsatisfactory Professional Conduct

16 June 2022

The Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against Mr Philip Gorrell, a registered psychologist, before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. It was alleged that the practitioner engaged in a sexual relationship with a client in 2017 in circumstances where:

• she had been referred to him for assessment and preparation of a court report as to whether she suffered from a mental illness
• she was a vulnerable person who suffered from a serious psychological illness
• he conducted the psychological assessment at her home
• he purchased and drank alcohol with her.

In its initial March 2022 decision, the Tribunal found the complaint proven, observing that Mr Gorrell’s conduct “demonstrates a fundamental defect of character… and a comprehensive failure to maintain professional standards and obligations”. Mr Gorrell was found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct. The full decision can be found here: NSW Caselaw.

In its further decision of  June 2022, the Tribunal imposed protective orders that:

1. Mr Gorrell’s registration would have been cancelled if he were still registered;
2. Mr Gorrell cannot seek a review for 5 years;
3. Mr Gorrell is prohibited from providing any health services including the provision of mental health, psychological or counselling services.

The full decision can be found here: NSW Caselaw.

Further Information

For further information, contact the Executive Officer of the Health Care Complaints Commission, on 9219 7444 or send an email to media@hccc.nsw.gov.au.

The information in this media release is correct at the time of publication. Orders may change; for example, conditions may no longer apply. For current information regarding the status of a registered health practitioner, including any conditions that currently apply, please check the National Register at www.ahpra.gov.au.