Victorian Psychologist Banned for Six Years After Sexual Misconduct with Patients

An award-winning psychologist in Victoria, Australia, has been banned from practicing for six years after engaging in sexual relationships with two vulnerable patients and betraying their confidences. Mohammad Yousuf also instructed a third client on how to self-harm in ways that would not leave visible scars.

The misconduct occurred between March 2021 and January 2022 while Yousuf was working at his parents' medical practice in Gippsland. During this period, he received a Rising Star Award at the 2021 Victorian Rural Health Awards, though the article announcing this has since been removed from the Gippsland Public Health Network's website.

Yousuf's registration was suspended following the incidents and he eventually surrendered it. The Psychology Board of Australia took the case to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which found him guilty of 12 counts of professional misconduct.

With one client, identified as YFX, Yousuf suggested she explore an open relationship, directed her to sexually explicit websites, and encouraged her to apply for a job at the clinic where she was being treated. After her treatment concluded, he engaged in sexual activity with her on three occasions. He also shared intimate details about his personal life and sexual fantasies with YFX, later asking her to delete messages due to potential repercussions from the Psychology Board.

A second client, NUJ, who received treatment between August 2021 and January 2022, was given Yousuf's personal contact information. He reportedly told her about his arranged marriage and his views on sex, and subsequently engaged in sexual activity with her on five occasions after her treatment ended.

A third client, IDV, who was being treated for depression, was advised by Yousuf to resume marijuana use. When the client mentioned self-harming, Yousuf reportedly showed her where to inflict wounds so the scars would be less visible.

The tribunal also found that Yousuf disclosed confidential information about other patients without authorization. This included details about one patient's eating disorder and Asperger's diagnosis, and confirmation that he had arranged employment for another client.

Yousuf did not contest the allegations and submitted an agreed statement admitting all counts of misconduct. He was reprimanded, disqualified from reapplying for registration until August 2031, and prohibited from providing any mental health services in any capacity until he is re-registered. He is currently employed in human resources for a government department in Canberra, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency received notifications about Yousuf's conduct in April and May 2022, leading to the investigation and subsequent tribunal findings. Yousuf surrendered his registration in November 2023.