Psychologist Peter C. Russell loses license for crystal meth use

September 29, 2011

On January 9, 2011, the California Board of Psychology revoked the license of Peter C. Russell, Ph.D. on allegations that he used controlled substances to an extent dangerous to himself or the public or to an extent that its use impaired his ability to practice psychology with safety to the public and that he falsely represented to Board investigators that he never used crystal methamphetamine, opiates or GHB (gamma hyrdroxyl butynate, a Schedule 1 depressant drug).

According to the Board’s Accusation, from 2005 to December 2009, Russell was employed as a psychologist at UC San Diego’s Revelle College Psychological and Counseling Services and that in about early 2009, he regular purchased crystal methampetamine.

In May 2009, the person from whom Russell purchased the drug was arrested and completed a first-time offenders program. Russell offered to rent him a room and he moved into Russell’s home. Russell regularly used methamphetamine, marijuana and GHB. On or about February 17, 2010, Russell falsely represented to Board investigators that he never used crystal meth, opiates or GHB.

On or about March 24, 2010, a hair sample collected from Russell tested positive for methamphetamine. In 2009, Russell began increasingly missing appointments with his student patients and was terminated from UCSD on or about December 2, 2009 for performance issues and failure to maintain patient charts. In addition to revocation, he is required to pay the Board’s costs of investigation and enforcement: $7,833.00.  

Source: Accusation and Default Decision and Order in the Matter of the Accusation Against Peter C. Russell, Ph.D., Psychologist’s license No. PY 16749, Case No. 1F-2009-202256, California Board of Psychology.