SA psychologist Samantha Angelakis engaged in sexual relationship with police officer she was treating for PTSD

A female psychologist from Adelaide has been lashed after she commenced a sexual relationship with an SA police officer she was treating for PTSD.

Psychologist Samantha Angelakis engaged in sexual relationship with a police officer she was treating for PTSD. Photo: iStock

A female psychologist fell substantially below the professional standard after she commenced a sexual relationship with a police officer she was treating for PTSD, a tribunal has found.

Dr Samantha Angelakis, 36, was then found to provide misleading information about when their relationship began after eventually marrying the client.

In a decision published online earlier this month, the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) found Dr Angelakis engaged in unprofessional conduct on four grounds.

The tribunal heard Dr Angelakis was practising as a clinical psychologist at PsychMed and specialising in the clinical treatment of trauma recovery through cognitive behaviour therapy.

Craig Arthur, an Inspector with the South Australia Police, was referred to Dr Angelakis in 2019 in respect to work-related post traumatic stress disorder.

Insp. Arthur underwent clinical treatment with Dr Angelakis from April 17 to July 19, 2019.

The tribunal found there was a blurring of professional boundaries from June 11, 2019 and a noticeable shift in the nature and tone of the email exchanges, particularly from July 8, 2019.

Dr Angelakis admitted that between July 8-19, 2019 she attended exercise classes with Insp. Arthur and had takeaway coffee with him.

On July 19, 2019, which was the last day of treatment, Insp. Arthur sent Dr Angelakis an email saying he was tempted to send her a photo of himself in uniform.

The tribunal heard she replied: “PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE send the photo!!!! … Can’t wait to see you in uniform! Bet you drive the ladies mad”.

It was accepted by the parties that Dr Angelakis and Insp. Arthur then met on July 20, 2019 where they spent several hours holding each other and kissing.

It was also accepted that they had sexual intercourse for the first time six days later.

Dr Angelakis and Insp. Arthur – who apparently separated from their respective married spouses on July 19, 2019 – ended up marrying in January 2021.

She made a self-notification to the Psychology Board of Australia on February 7, 2020 who referred her to the Tribunal.

Clause C. 4.3 of the Code stipulates psychologists must not engage in sexual activity with a former client within two years after terminating their professional relationship.

The tribunal found Dr Angelakis also behaved in a way that constituted professional misconduct by deliberating misleading the Board to make it appear nothing occurred during the treatment period.

They found Dr Angelakis’ conduct fell substantially below the standard reasonably expected of a psychologist of her experience and training.

“Throughout her evidence, she was on crucial issues vague, evasive, projecting … and at times, seemingly insight less as to her conduct at the relevant times,” the tribunal said.

The matter was adjourned for a sanction hearing for the tribunal to consider what orders should be made.