A romance that began in the therapy room ended at the disciplinary committee

The Health Ministry's disciplinary committee revoked the license of a clinical psychologist for two years after she maintained a romantic relationship with a former patient in violation of the law. The patient did not file a complaint; the complaint was submitted by the psychologist's supervisor. The psychologist has appealed the decision.

The Health Ministry's disciplinary committee revoked the license of a respected clinical psychologist from the north for two years, after determining that she continued treating a patient while experiencing romantic feelings toward her, and subsequently maintained an intimate romantic relationship with her about three months after treatment ended, violating the mandatory three-year cooling-off period. The patient did not file a complaint and testified that everything was consensual. The complaint was filed by the psychologist's therapeutic supervisor at the health fund. The disciplinary committee ruled that this is a precedent-setting case in Israel, and that the punishment is intended to protect public trust in the psychology profession. The psychologist has appealed the decision to the Haifa District Court.