Counsellor and repeat offender pleads guilty to claiming to be a psychologist

06 Mar 2019

Mr David Citer today pleaded guilty to charges filed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in the Local Court of New South Wales that he claimed to be a registered psychologist and unlawfully used the protected title ‘psychologist’.

This was in contravention of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, as in force in each state and territory (the National Law).

Mr Citer has never held registration as a registered health practitioner or student under the National Law with any National Board. He was previously convicted of a similar offence against the National Law in May 2018.

The charges, filed by AHPRA, alleged that Mr Citer used the protected title ‘psychologist’ and made claims that he was authorised or qualified to practise in the profession of psychology, while not holding registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

The matter has been adjourned for sentencing to 5 April 2019 before Magistrate Darcy.

Anyone with concerns about whether an individual holds registration with a national health profession board can check the register of practitioners maintained by AHPRA online (www.ahpra.gov.au) or contact AHPRA on 1300 419 495.

For more information

• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200
• Lodge an online enquiry form (https://www.ahpra.gov.au/About-AHPRA/Contact-Us/Make-an-enquiry.aspx).
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 03 9275 9009 (overseas callers).