File sent to the DPP in row over psychologist’s fake qualifications

 • 2h ago

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Gardaí have sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions about a woman who was accused of using fake psychology qualifications to diagnose autism in children and adults.

Caroline Goldsmith was accused by a number of parents for many years of using fake qualifications from an online university.

She featured in an RTÉ Investigates documentary last week about the complete absence of regulation of psychologists in Ireland.

The documentary, broadcast on Monday, revealed Ms Goldsmith included a PhD from the online university to clients when assessing them for autism. It also revealed Ms Goldsmith presented a CV with a fake PhD in two court cases.

A number of clients who claimed they were duped by Ms Goldsmith’s qualifications have made complaints to gardaí, and detectives in Waterford were assigned to investigate. Garda sources declined to say how many complaints were made.

However, a statement from the Garda Press Office yesterday said: “A file has been sent to the DPP. An Garda Síochána has no further information available at this time.”​

Ms Goldsmith issued a statement on Friday in which she acknowledged her credentials were “not actually accredited”. She said she discovered this in 2014 and “voluntarily ceased” to use the PhD title of doctor.

“Even though this was not illegal or against any regulations, I do feel I let myself down. I realise this may have disappointed others and I recognise their feelings in this regard,” she said.

She said she has acquired 22 “valid, recognised qualifications since 2011 that have enabled me to gain more insight into my chosen areas of specialisation of autism and psychopathy”.

Goldsmith has worked as a psychologist in Ireland for 10 years providing private assessments of children and adults. She has also appeared in court as an expert witness.

The RTÉ Investigates documentary disclosed that the HSE raised concerns about her private assessments and said they were no longer accepted. Some parents were told they should ask for their money back.

Junior minister for disabilities Anne Rabbitte addressed the case of Ms Goldsmith in the Dáil in May last year.

“I am very aware of the case of Caroline Goldsmith. On my ministerial visits throughout the country, I was horrified to hear about the experience parents had whereby they had got their diagnoses but were not allowed to use them, given they were not accepted by the HSE and so on,” she said.