As reported in the Traverse City Record Eagle of Traverse City, Minnesota
A Traverse City psychologist surrendered his practice licenses after pleading no contest to allegations he had a decade-long sexual relationship with a patient as he treated her.
Dr. David Halsted was ordered to surrender his psychologist and a marriage therapist licenses in March, following an administrative complaint that alleged he had sex with a Kingsley woman who became his patient in 1990.
State assistant attorney general Paul Jones filed complaints last October against Halsted with the state boards of psychology and marriage-and-family therapy (MTS) on behalf of the state Department of Community Health.
The woman filed a civil suit last year against Halsted, his wife, Judith Halsted, and her counseling business, Halsted Academic Advisors, seeking damages for alleged "negligent professional psychotherapeutic care" provided by David Halsted.
The license complaints alleged Halsted started the sexual relationship although he "knew" the woman was "psychologically fragile," to the point of being suicidal. The relationship apparently ended in September 2003.
In a March 17 memo signed by Jones, both boards ordered Halsted's licenses — both of which had lapsed — to be surrendered and Halsted "permanently" banned from practicing as a psychologist or a therapist.
Halsted could not be reached for comment. He did not contest the allegations, according to state documents.
The civil lawsuit alleged that the sexual relationship went on for 10 years and was dismissed by 13th Circuit Court Judge Philip Rodgers after the plaintiff's counsel failed to appear for a March 22 hearing.
Attorney Linda Atkinson, who represents the woman, would not comment on the status of the lawsuit or whether it would be refiled.
See also these related stories:
- 'Love therapy' threatens licenses - December 3, 2005
- Psychologist sued by former patient - October 21, 2005
- Woman alleges she was billed for sex sessions - June 15, 2005
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