Counsellor Fined After Falsely Claiming to Be a Psychologist in Court
10 Jul 2026
The prosecution was brought by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra)
The woman prepared a psychological assessment report and signed it as a psychologist before giving evidence in court using the same title. Her report and testimony were relied upon during the sentencing process, with the court treating her opinions as expert psychological evidence.
Ahpra later confirmed the woman had never been registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and did not meet the educational requirements needed for registration.
She pleaded guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court to one count of falsely holding herself out as a registered psychologist. The case marked Ahpra's first criminal prosecution in the Australian Capital Territory.
Justin Untersteiner said only qualified and registered professionals are legally allowed to use the title "psychologist" and warned there are serious consequences for anyone who falsely claims to be a registered health practitioner.
During sentencing, the court said the conduct had the potential to undermine public confidence in Australia's healthcare system. In addition to the fine, the woman was ordered to pay Ahpra's legal costs, with the final amount to be determined later.
Ahpra chose not to identify the woman to avoid causing further distress to people involved in the original Supreme Court case.
Counsellor Fined After Falsely Claiming to Be a Psychologist in Court
Source: Ahpra