Boca Raton Psychiatrist’s Medical License Suspended After Allegations of Sexual Misconduct During Telehealth Sessions
Florida Department of Health Says Psychiatrist Exploited Female Patients Seeking Mental Health Treatment
BOCA RATON, Fla. — A South Florida psychiatrist has been barred from practicing medicine after state regulators issued an emergency suspension order alleging he sexually exploited female patients during telehealth appointments intended for mental health treatment.
Dr. Andrew Sorial, who practiced at Boca Raton Psychiatry, is accused of using virtual medical appointments to pressure female patients into exposing their bodies, posing for photographs, and performing actions unrelated to any legitimate psychiatric treatment, according to documents obtained by Local 10 News and the Florida Department of Health’s emergency suspension order.
The allegations have sparked outrage among former patients and raised new concerns about oversight and patient safety in the rapidly expanding world of telehealth medicine.
Emergency Suspension Issued
The Florida Department of Health issued an emergency suspension against Sorial’s medical license, effectively prohibiting him from practicing medicine anywhere in the state while the administrative investigation proceeds.
State regulators concluded that allowing Sorial to continue treating patients would pose an immediate danger to public health, safety, and welfare. The suspension follows an investigation involving multiple patient complaints and allegations that occurred during remote video appointments. Authorities emphasized that the case remains an administrative proceeding, and no criminal charges have been filed against Sorial at this time.
Allegations Detail Disturbing Conduct
According to the emergency suspension order, female patients seeking psychiatric care reported being subjected to inappropriate requests and directives during virtual appointments. Investigators allege Sorial instructed women to position themselves in well-lit areas, wear tight sports bras, remove clothing, and provide photographs of themselves.
The state further alleged that Sorial repeatedly focused on patients’ breasts during appointments despite treating them for mental health conditions rather than physical ailments. One patient identified in state records by the initials “LP” allegedly received instructions to manipulate and reposition her breasts on camera while Sorial observed remotely.
Regulators described the alleged behavior as a pattern of conduct that served no legitimate psychiatric purpose. In its findings, the Department of Health stated that Sorial appeared to demonstrate what investigators characterized as an “obsession with women’s breasts,” a description included directly in the suspension documents.
Patients Say They Felt Trapped
One former patient, identified only by the pseudonym “Donna” to protect her identity, told Local 10 News that she initially trusted Sorial because he was her psychiatrist. She said her appointments were strictly related to mental health treatment and that she never expected to be asked to perform physical examinations or expose herself during telehealth visits. According to the patient, many women complied with the requests because they felt vulnerable, dependent on treatment, or unsure whether they could safely challenge instructions from a licensed physician.
“He’s evil and vile and he deserves to go to jail for what he did,” the patient told Local 10.
Mental health experts have long warned that physician patient relationships create significant power imbalances, particularly when patients are seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, or other psychological conditions.
Massachusetts License Also Surrendered
The investigation extends beyond Florida. Local 10 reported that Sorial has also surrendered his medical license in Massachusetts, preventing him from practicing medicine there as well. The circumstances surrounding the Massachusetts action were not detailed in the broadcast, but the surrender further limits Sorial’s ability to continue working as a physician.
Investigation Continues
While the emergency suspension prevents Sorial from practicing medicine, state investigators continue reviewing evidence and interviewing potential victims. Officials are also working to determine whether any telehealth sessions were recorded and whether additional evidence exists that could expand the scope of the investigation. The Florida Department of Health has not publicly disclosed how many patients may have been affected.
The case highlights growing concerns surrounding telehealth services, which have expanded dramatically in recent years and now serve millions of patients nationwide. While telemedicine has increased access to healthcare, regulators continue to grapple with oversight challenges when patient interactions occur remotely.
For now, Sorial remains unable to practice medicine in Florida or Massachusetts as investigators continue examining the allegations. No criminal charges have been announced, and the investigation remains active. As with all administrative and legal proceedings, allegations contained in regulatory documents have not been proven in a criminal court, and no criminal conviction has occurred.
