An interim prohibition order has been imposed on Wodonga psychotherapist and counsellor Brian Hickman after the Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner found he could "pose a risk to the Victorian public".
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Hickman has been banned from practising since September 2018 by the Immediate Action Committee of the Psychology Board of Australia because of excessive alcohol use and what has been described as boundary issues with his clients.
The committee found he "posed a serious risk to persons" and it was necessary to take immediate action to protect public health or safety.
But Hickman has since pleaded guilty in the Magistrates Court to continuing to practise in the job while banned, and will return to court in February 2021.
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Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner Karen Cusack this week said she has imposed the interim prohibition order on Hickman due to complaints received that led to her also commencing an investigation.
"Complaints received by my office allege conduct by Mr Hickman that may be in contravention of the code of conduct for general health service providers," she said.
"I do not make interim prohibition orders lightly, but where unsafe or unethical general health service providers pose a risk to the Victorian public, then I will take action."
Where unsafe or unethical general health service providers pose a risk to the Victorian public ... I will take action.
- Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner Karen Cusack
Since his suspension in 2018, there have been six notifications to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency that Hickman has continued to provide psychotherapy or counselling services.
Ms Cusack said she was satisfied that these further allegations, which included the advertising of certain services, should be investigated so she commenced an investigation.
She said there was, and remains, a significant risk to the health, safety or welfare of the public which warranted the making of an interim prohibition order against Hickman, prohibiting him from providing any general health services while the investigation was underway.
The order will remain in force for up to 12 weeks while the investigation is conducted, but the orders can be reimposed after that time throughout the course of the investigation to ensure there is enough time to investigate and collate evidence.
