High-profile psychologist Karen Nimmo under supervision after complaint by ex-client
High-profile clinical psychologist, author, and columnist Karen Nimmo is no longer practising after a complaint by a former patient, the Herald understands.
Wellington-based Nimmo has been practising as a psychologist for 20 years, but a condition imposed on the Psychologist Board’s practitioners register shows Nimmo now “must work only under Board-approved supervision”.
Her website states she is “no longer able to offer individual client sessions” but instead has turned her attention to her newsletter and “sharing all the tools, tips and resources [she’s] gathered”.
Nimmo also writes a regular wellness column for Stuff and has previously written for the Herald.
The Psychologist Board confirmed the condition was imposed in September last year, but chief executive Vanessa Simpson said the board was “not in a position to provide further comment or detail regarding the reasons”.
“The Board is limited in the information it can provide regarding individual practitioners, including matters relating to competence, health, or regulatory processes, except where there has been a published disciplinary finding or decision.”
“Generally, conditions requiring a practitioner to practise under supervision may be imposed where the Board considers it necessary to support public safety and ensure ongoing competence, health, or professional practice requirements,” she said.
When spoken to by the Herald, a spokeswoman for the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal said it did not have before it a charge against Nimmo.
However, the Herald has learned a complaint has been laid by a former client.
It is understood the Board’s Professional Conduct Committee is considering whether to refer the complaint to the Tribunal.
When asked whether a complaint had been laid with the Health and Disability Commissioner, a spokeswoman said they were “unable to provide information on this matter” for “privacy reasons”.
Nimmo declined to comment when approached by the Herald on Monday.
It is understood both parties have engaged lawyers.
Ethan Manera is a Wellington-based journalist covering Wellington issues, local politics and business in the capital. He can be emailed at ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz.