A disgraced Guelph psychiatrist whose licence was revoked for sexually abusing a patient has started an online psychiatric resource to help "get your life back on track."
Dr. George Glumac now refers to himself as a "mental health educator" where for $9.97 a month people can sign up at www.shrinklink.ca for access to psychiatric education and awareness information that includes interaction with him.
"ShrinkLink.ca helps people with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and ADHD for practical information and personal support," reads the business's Facebook page.
"For the cost of 2 Starbucks coffees a month, connect personally with George online, watch the videos and read the articles to get your life back on track. Sign up now to learn how to get better care and the fulfilling life that you and your family deserve," it reads on www.shrinklink.ca.
He does not claim to be offering psychiatric advice.
Dr. Glumac was found to be "incompetent" by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario when it took away his licence last month, ruling he "poses a risk" to other patients.
The professional discipline findings against Dr. Glumac found he kissed a patient, lay with her on a bed, had her pray while kneeling between his knees, borrowed money from her, called her "little buddy" and later threatened to withhold medication if she reported him. He also attempted to bribe her with $20,000.
The shrinklink.ca site says Dr. Glumac is a retired psychiatrist and makes no mention of having his licence revoked.
The address for shrinklink.ca is a post office box at Stone Road Mall and the phone number is Glumac's home phone number.
Efforts to contact Dr. Glumac for comment by phone and e-mail proved unsuccessful.
The web site states that it is not intended to be used for psychiatric counselling purposes, but to educate and inform people so that they better understand psychiatric issues and can better interact with their medical practitioners.
"Shrink link connects you with a Mental Health Educator. Watch videos, listen to audios, read articles and ask questions about mental health problems that may be bothering you, your partner, children or friends," it says.
It is not clear how long the site has been running, but blog postings on the site started March 22, one day after the Ontario College of Surgeons and Physicians took away Dr. Glumac's licence.
"I am a retired child and adult psychiatrist with 34 years of experience and have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness as well as in individual psychotherapy," says the site's mission statement.
"My goal is to provide you with a systematic understanding of the nature of your problem and the reasoning behind different treatment strategies. I will highlight many different angles that are not known to patients so you can see your own issues more clearly and work more powerfully with your caregivers."
The site charges $9.97 a month for full access, which includes "unlimited questions" and a Wednesday night webinar.
The site's disclaimer says information on the site is not intended "to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or psychiatric issue or to provide medical or psychiatric health-related advice."
It says the information is not intended to be used in place of treatment with an accredited health care provider.
"Nothing on this website or in any of its external links should be construed as therapeutic in intent or personally advisory in nature. If you have or suspect you may have a medical or mental health problem, you should consult your health care provider," it says in the disclaimer found at the bottom of the web site's home page.
The site includes testimonials supporting the long time Guelph psychiatrist.