Ms Frances Amaroux – Counsellor / Therapist – Permanent Prohibition Order

2 June 2022

The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (the Commission) investigated the conduct of Ms Frances Amaroux, a non-registered health practitioner providing counselling services in Northern NSW, alleged to have engaged in unsafe and unethical conduct whilst treating a vulnerable patient.

The Commission’s investigation found Ms Amaroux failed to provide a health service in a safe and ethical manner, engaged in dishonest conduct when treating the patient, and employed treatment methods which failed to meet the needs of the patient. 

Ms Amaroux also claimed to be a psychologist when she does not hold registration as a psychologist and failed to assist the Commission in its investigation, which is an offence for which she was convicted. 

The Commission is of the opinion that Ms Amaroux presents a risk to public health and safety in that vulnerable members of the public suffering from mental health conditions, who may be at risk of exploitation, may engage Ms Amaroux for counselling services and rely on the advice given by her, which may be detrimental to their mental health. 

Accordingly, the Commission makes the following prohibition order under section 41A (2)(a) of the Health Care Complaints Act 1993 (NSW) (the Act):

Ms Frances Amaroux is permanently prohibited from providing any health services in   any capacity, either paid employment or voluntary.

For the purposes of this order, a ‘health service’ carries the same meaning as defined under section 4 of the Act.

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.