Queensland Psychologist Kirsten McArthur Suspended for Bullying Former Patient Online

April 23, 2026

A Queensland tribunal has temporarily barred psychologist Kirsten McArthur after finding she engaged in weeks of abusive, cyber-bullying messages toward a former patient in 2021. The case—brought by the Psychology Board of Australia and decided by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal—centered on a long-term patient (treated for eight years) whom McArthur contacted after their therapeutic relationship ended, sending hostile and degrading messages before being blocked.

The tribunal found the conduct caused serious harm, leaving the patient afraid to seek further care despite ongoing mental health needs and contributing to severe deterioration, including agoraphobia and dependence on family support. Judge Dearne Firth ruled the behavior constituted professional misconduct, emphasizing the power imbalance between psychologist and patient. McArthur, who had more than 25 years of experience and surrendered her registration in 2022, has been disqualified from reapplying for six months.

Source: Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Psychology Board of Australia v McArthur [2026] QCAT 135, 26 March 2026.