Boca Raton, Florida — A South Florida psychiatrist is facing serious allegations from former patients and has been placed under an emergency suspension by state health officials as investigators review claims regarding his conduct during telehealth appointments.
According to documents issued by the Florida Department of Health, Dr. Andrew Sorial, whose former practice was based in Boca Raton, is accused of making inappropriate requests involving female patients during virtual medical consultations.
The allegations have prompted at least one lawsuit and led additional former patients to come forward with concerns about their experiences.
State Records Detail Allegations From Multiple Patients
The emergency suspension notice obtained by media outlets outlines a series of allegations involving telehealth sessions conducted by Sorial.
According to the Department of Health, several female patients reported being asked to wear specific clothing, undress in well-lit rooms, or position themselves in ways that allowed portions of their bodies to be viewed during appointments.
The state alleges that one patient was instructed to lower her waistband so that her midsection and pelvic area could be seen. Another allegation claims that a patient was directed to manipulate her breasts while on camera.
Health officials stated in the suspension documents that the reported conduct was unrelated to the patients’ mental health treatment needs.
As of Thursday, the allegations had not resulted in criminal charges.
Former Patient Says Requests Were Unrelated to Treatment
One former patient, identified only as Donna to protect her privacy, said she initially sought professional help for mental health concerns.
According to Donna, her appointments focused on emotional and psychological issues rather than any physical medical condition. She told reporters that Sorial allegedly asked her to wear revealing clothing during a virtual appointment.
Donna said she refused the request and questioned why such instructions would be necessary.
“But to be clear, the issues were mental, not physical,” Donna said.
“Absolutely — so no reason for him to ask about your body. None at all. To see anything.”
She said the experience left a lasting impact and influenced her future healthcare decisions. According to Donna, she now prefers seeking treatment exclusively from female physicians.
Legal Action Continues to Grow
The allegations have already led to legal action. At least one lawsuit has reportedly been filed, and attorneys representing former patients say additional claims could follow.
Attorney Adam Horowitz, who represents Donna, said some patients believed they needed to comply with the requests in order to continue receiving treatment.
“When he made these demands on them — take their clothes off, take pictures — some thought they had to comply, or lose the benefits of his treatments,” Horowitz said.
The allegations remain the subject of ongoing legal and regulatory review.
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Patient Urges Others to Speak Out
Donna said she decided to share her experience publicly because she wants others who may have experienced similar situations to know they are not alone.
She encouraged anyone who believes they may have been affected to come forward.
“Come forward, say something,” she said.
Donna also expressed strong feelings about the allegations and the impact she says the experience had on her life.
The Department of Health’s emergency suspension means Sorial is currently prohibited from practicing while the matter continues to be reviewed.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
State regulators have not publicly announced when a final decision regarding Sorial’s medical license could be made. Meanwhile, attorneys, former patients, and health officials continue examining the allegations as the case develops.
As of Thursday, no criminal charges had been filed, and authorities have not announced whether any criminal investigation is underway.
The allegations remain accusations, and any additional legal findings will be determined through ongoing proceedings.
What are your thoughts on patient protections during telehealth appointments? Do you believe additional safeguards are needed to help patients report inappropriate conduct? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
