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Public Caught Between State Board, Troubled Therapists |
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Written by Mark Smith
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Sunday, 04 February 1996 |
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The Houston Chronicle, Feb. 4, 1996
This article is an expose of the Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists, the state agency charged with disciplining wayward therapists. An examination of a number of cases shows "an eerie picture of pedophilia, sexual misconduct and violence by Texas therapists and shows a state agency unable or unwilling to do anything about it." For example, one therapist who has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting four little girls still has his license. The Texas Board receives more than 100 complaints each year yet only a few of the more than 3,000 Texas psychologists have lost their licenses. The Houston Chronicle was unable to determine if the Board is investigating Houston psychologist Judith Peterson. There have been at least five complaints filed against her by former patients and nurses. At least eight of her patients have sued her, accusing her of using coercion, hypnosis and drugs to plant false memories of satanic ritual abuse. Peterson has denied all allegations and reached confidential out-of-court settlements with at least five former patients. The record shows that no disciplinary action has ever been taken against Peterson. The Psychology Board's stated mission is to protect the public, but it seems the board sees a duty to protect the psychologists.
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