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Oakland Psychologist Surrenders License In Face Of Misconduct Charges
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2005
SACRAMENTO — In a settlement with the California Board of Psychology, Oakland psychologist Diane Wilson, Ph.D., has surrendered her license to practice psychology effective today. The stipulated agreement bars Wilson from practicing psychology in the state.
Wilson faced a formal Accusation of misconduct from the Board of Psychology, which charged her with several acts of gross negligence and unprofessional conduct involving a patient. Wilson was accused of entering into a personal relationship with the patient, failing to maintain written records of treatment, sharing confidential information about other patients, abruptly terminating therapy with the patient, and later engaging in sexual activity with the then former patient. These alleged acts are all violations of the California Business and Professions Code.
By agreeing to the stipulated settlement of the case, Wilson gave up her right to practice psychology in California. She also waived her right to a formal hearing at which she could have presented a defense against the charges, and she admitted the state could present sufficient evidence to take disciplinary action.
The Board first issued Wilson a license in 1997. Wilson began to provide psychological counseling to the alleged victim in the case in 1999. According to the formal accusation, Wilson first became physically intimate with the patient in 2001, abruptly terminated the therapeutic relationship in February 2002, and first had sexual relations in March 2002 at the former patient's home. Wilson became involved in the patient's financial affairs as well. Contact between the two ceased in early 2003.
Sexual contact of any kind between a therapist and a patient is unethical and illegal in the state of California. Additionally, with regard to former patients, such contact within two years after termination of therapy is also illegal and unethical.
Therapists and patients can learn more about how to prevent and report sexual exploitation in the publication "Professional Therapy Never Includes Sex," available from the California Board of Psychology. The booklet is available at the Board of Psychology's Web site, www.psychboard.ca.gov. Consumers can check the status of a psychologist's license or file a complaint, through the Web site or by calling toll-free 1-866-503-3221.
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