A suspended Wodonga psychologist with a history of issues has admitted to providing and offering services while banned from doing so.
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Brian Joseph Hickman pleaded guilty to three charges in the Wodonga Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being suspended on September 14, 2018.
Despite being banned from practising, Hickman produced a psychological report for a woman the following month ahead of her appearance in court.
He continued to claim that he was registered and offered services to an offender through community corrections last January, labelling himself a psychologist and offering a psychological report in a letter.
Hickman also offered services for another criminal who was on a supervision order due to their risk of violent re-offending last April.
"At no point during the conversation did Dr Hickman state that he was not registered to practice psychology," Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency prosecutor Kylie Walsh said.
Hickman had come to the attention of the Psychology Board of Australia many times for boundary violations, breaching intervention orders and health issues.
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He had conditions placed on his registration in October 2016 and had been medicating with alcohol.
He underwent a health assessment on August 10, 2018, and was alcohol tested at the end.
Hickman exceeded the device's top reading of 0.40.
It was that result and other information that led to his suspension.
"The board formed a reasonable belief that ... he posed a serious risk of harm to persons and that immediate action was necessary to protect public health and safety," Ms Walsh said.
His lawyer had applied for a suppression order, and told the court his client had received death threats at his home.
Those threats, left on his front door, had been passed on to police.
Magistrate Peter Dunn refused the application and noted the importance of open justice, without secrecy.
The prosecution noted it was important for members of the public to know Hickman was unregistered.
He has unrelated priors.
The court heard Hickman would have to see a psychologist himself before the matter returns to court on February 10.
The charges carry a combined maximum fine of $30,000.
Hickman also has matters pending in Albury.
