Tennessee board suspends psychologist Gary Smithson for touching patient

June 11, 2012

On December 1, 2011, the state of Tennessee Board of Psychological Examiners suspended the license of psychologist Gary Smithson.

According to the Board’s document, on an unspecified date, Smithson inappropriately touched a client during a clinical session. He then paid the client an undisclosed sum of money to prevent the client from reporting the incident to authorities.

The Board found Smithson’s actions to be unprofessional, dishonorable and unethical, among other things.

Smithson is required to undergo an evaluation by an independent agency for the rehabilitation and monitoring of impaired psychologists to determine if he is fit to practice.

He is to remain on suspension until the evaluation is completed.

Source: Consent Order in the Matter of: Gary Smithson, S.P.E., License No. 509, Case Nos. 2011000751 and 2011000761, Before the Board of Psychological Examiners, State of Tennessee.

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT A PSYCHIATRIST, PSYCHOLOGIST, MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY OR ITS EMPLOYEES COMMITTING FRAUD, YOU CAN REPORT IT TO CITIZENS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, WHO CAN ASSIST YOU IN FILING REPORTS, COMPLAINTS, ETC.  PLEASE CONTACT STEVE WAGNER, PUBLIC ADVOCACY SECRETARY AT [email protected]