Psychologist Nilima A. Nirmul suspended for personal relationship with patient

January 23, 2009

The Virginia Board of Psychology issued an Order on psychologist Nilima A. Nirmul, Psy.D., indefinitely suspending her license to practice. The Board’s “Findings of Fact” states, “During the course of individual therapy with Client A…Dr. Nirmul engaged in an intense personal friendship with Client A, including frequent exchange of e-mails in which Dr. Nirmul revealed inappropriate personal information, out-of-office meetings of a social nature, some of which included both parties’ children, and the exchange of small gifts. Client A had entered treatment for the express purpose of addressing…past sexual abuse, and its effect upon her marriage. Client A testified that she had been extremely confused and troubled by the personal friendship aspect of the therapeutic relationship.” The Board concluded that Dr. Nirmul had committed a violation of one section of the state’s Regulations Governing the Practice of Psychology. Her suspension will be stayed upon completion of Board-ordered psychological evaluation.

(Order, In Re: Nilima A. Nirmul, Psy.D., Before the Virginia Board of Psychology, 23 January 2009.)