Mr Phillip Gorrell – Psychologist – Professional misconduct and unsatisfactory professional conduct
17 March 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 March 2022, 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.
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