Psychologist Tania van Megchelen suspended for involvement with teen patient

May 20, 2013

On April 5, 2013, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, in the case of Psychology Board of Australia vs. van Megchelen, reprimanded psychologist Tania van Megchelen and suspended her from practice for 18 months for unprofessional conduct.

The Tribunal’s document states that van Megchelen commenced a personal relationship with a 16-year-old female patient and continued to have contact with the patient against the wishes of the girl’s mother; that van Megchelen engaged in sexual activity with the then-18-year-old client; purchased alcohol for the client when she was under 18—at all times being aware that the girl continued to experience emotional problems and was a vulnerable state.