When you trust a professional with your family’s mental health, you expect neutrality and care. The College of Psychologists of New Brunswick revoked the licence of an Edmundston based psychologist after finding his conduct put the mental health of two young children at risk.

Richard Ouellette practised clinical and forensic psychology in the province for 33 years. Following a complaint from the mother of a five year old and a seven year old, the regulatory body identified 14 instances where Ouellette breached professional standards. The children were seeing Ouellette during a high conflict family separation.

Bias and Unprofessional Conduct

The college found Ouellette demonstrated incompetence and a severe lack of judgment. During his assessments, he gave more weight to information from the father and deemed the mother less credible.

According to the original report by CBC News, the college stated in its decision that Ouellette “breached his duty of neutrality, objectivity and fairness, a duty that is particularly important in the context of a conflictual separation.”

This bias extended into the courtroom. Ouellette testified about child custody and parental alienation without observing the mother with her children. He only met with the mother twice before sharing his views in court.

The college noted his mandate did not include assessing custody and he failed to gather enough information to make such conclusions. He also showed poor judgment by asking the father to share treatment information with the mother during their high conflict separation.

Inappropriate Treatment of Children

Ouellette failed to use standard psychological tests during his sessions with the young children. Instead, he relied entirely on his own experiences and opinions. He used inappropriate terminology for their age group.

He also incorrectly concluded that the five and seven year old children were old enough to understand the nature of their treatment and communicate their choices. The college highlighted this as a clear lack of clinical judgment.

Penalties and Fines

The June 3 decision ordered the immediate revocation of Ouellette’s licence, registration, and membership. The college also ordered him to pay a $1,500 fine and $4,000 in costs.

Ouellette cannot reapply for his licence for at least one year. College registrar Jacques Richard confirmed that the regulatory body considers prior sanctions when reviewing any future applications. Ouellette declined to comment on the findings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Richard Ouellette lose his psychology licence?

The College of Psychologists of New Brunswick revoked his licence after finding 14 breaches of professional standards. His actions put the mental health of two young children at risk during a high conflict family separation.

What specific rules did the psychologist break?

Ouellette showed bias toward the father, testified in court without sufficient evidence, used inappropriate terminology with young children, and relied on personal opinions instead of standard psychological tests.

Can Richard Ouellette practice psychology again?

He cannot practice right now. He must wait one full year before he can apply for his licence again. The college will review his past sanctions if he chooses to reapply.

How much was the psychologist fined?

The college ordered Ouellette to pay a $1,500 fine along with $4,000 to cover the costs of the proceedings.