Banned 'sex' psychologists still at large

Disgraced Australian psychologists whose registrations have been cancelled for having sex with patients are still treating troubled clients. The failed practitioners are using legal loopholes to practise as counsellors, despite being struck off the Psychologists Registration Board.

A Herald Sun investigation has found a Fitzroy psychologist who had sex with a woman he was treating for marriage difficulties is now a relationship counsellor.

Paul Francis Mott was struck off four years ago for having an affair with a 30-year-old flight attendant who he was seeing for marriage problems. Mr Mott, who was also treating the woman's husband, accepted payment from the couple throughout the two-year affair. Mr Mott, 57, now advertises his marriage and family counselling business in the Yellow Pages and says he treats at least 10 regular patients every week.

Counselling is an unregulated industry and medical qualifications are not required to practise.