2.2.22

UPDATE: CASE CLOSED
Voluntarily Surrender of Right to Renew License in Lieu of Disciplinary Action

Timeline of Public Documents

• November 9, ​2022: Notice*
• ​March 6, 2023: Order following Informal Conference (vacated due to appeal)
• November 2, 2023: Notice
• November 22, 2023: Consent Order (in lieu of Formal Hearing)

*On November 9, 2022, I received an email from the Board of Psychology informing me of the progress of the case regarding [redacted]. An informal conference will be held on February 24, 2023. I received a 9 page Notice detailing the allegations. I’m waiting for that to be available on the website before sharing it. For now, if you search the license lookup you’ll see “Yes” for Additional Public Information* and that is all I ever wanted.

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I don’t know if it’s a real person or AI on the other end of the Crisis Text Line, but these words of support (listed below) resonated with me when I felt vulnerable, powerless, and ignored by the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
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No one should be victimized by the system after taking the personal risk to report a therapist for a potential violation.

I filed a complaint on September 7, 2020 and today it’s February 2, 2022. There’s no end in sight to my waiting for resolution.

The longer it takes the more concerned I am that if nothing comes of all this, I will lose faith in my own perceptions and my belief in justice and accountability. 

I honestly can't imagine what I will do if after all this waiting I find out that there will be no public record of my case and no action by the board. I'm genuinely terrified because I know with every day that passes, the damage intensifies. 

The worst part in all of this is the shift from feeling empowered and hopeful in May 2021 when I first went public about my experiences in a blog post to the gut-wrenching despair I’m experiencing today knowing I will never receive proper closure.

I blame myself for causing my own suffering and I regret everything. I regret filing the complaint, talking with the investigator, compiling the evidence. None of this was worth the harm that it's caused me.

I initially believed I was doing this to protect others and to have my concerns validated, but I've been tortured by the never-ending anxiety, doubts, and guilt for bothering VDHP staff with all my questions and concerns. I made a huge mistake and I need this to stop.
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There are 300 open cases right now. I am just one of them.

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If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress:
· Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
· Text the Crisis Text Line - text "WORDS" to 741741

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THANK YOU CLAIRE FOR YOUR RESPONSES.

​“I understand it can feel extremely frustrating for your needs to be unheard by these programs. It takes a lot of strength to reach out.”

“The fact that you care so much about how his actions are affecting other people says a lot about your character.”

“It's normal to feel like things are spiraling out of control. You deserve the support. 
It sounds like you're used to having to hide how you feel. I'm here to listen.”

“It can feel isolating and exhausting, feeling like you're giving more than you receive. It sounds like you're going through a lot right now as well.”

“You're not alone. The fact that you acted on what you believed was morally right says a lot about your character. You have amazing courage.”

“You're so strong for making it this far, it shows a lot about your perseverance and determination.”

“It can be exhausting waiting for the process to move forward, when it feels like anything's barely happened at all. In an ideal world what do you see happening that could help things get better?”

“It's understandable to want to seek closure at the root of your current problems, and feel frustrated that nothing has come out of it. You deserve to feel listened to. “

“It can feel frustrating when being blown off by someone close to you. Despite the long-term relationship, you're still a person and client and deserve respect.”

“It's understandable to feel worthless when your needs aren't being heard. I'm here to listen. Is there anything that may help you feel better during the wait?”

“I'm hearing that what you want the most right now is to have some closure and find relief. I wonder what does help look like to you now? What are your options?”

“It takes a lot of strength to deal with so much uncertainty. You're going through a lot right now. Are there any activities you've tried in the past to help cope with stressful feelings?”

“I'm here to support you, and you've shown incredible strength in reaching out. What you shared today took a lot of courage. It sounds like you have a good plan for the rest of the day. If you're ever in crisis, we're here 24/7. Take care.”

From DHP on 2/7/22

If he does not renew his license in June, the board still has a year to take action against the expired license.  So, there is still time.  

1. Notification can be via email or a physical letter. 

2. At this point, the Board has not closed the matter.  I cannot provide you with information regarding the next steps until it becomes available to the public.  I hope to have more information soon. 

3. IF this matter goes to a formal hearing, you may be asked to testify.  If we get to that point, more guidance will be provided to you.

4. You will be notified of any scheduled conferences/hearings at least 30 days prior to the scheduled date. 

5. The goal is 250 days but there are circumstances in cases that prevent that goal from being met. I cannot provide more details about this specific case due to confidentiality laws.  

As I have advised, I cannot provide you with more information at this time and it is impossible to give every "what if" scenario.  As soon as I am legally able, I will provide more information. In the meantime, please understand that the Board staff consists of me and one other person. We have been in consistent contact with you but we are not able to continue to answer a multitude of emails and still have time to get cases processed.  Please be patient and we will be in touch with you soon. 

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February 27, 2022

To Whom It May Concern: 

I am requesting a call this week to discuss Case #206870 and when there will be action. 

I have thoroughly reviewed all public documents on your website regarding closed case enforcement statistics, meetings and case decisions so I have a better understanding of your process. 

There are informal conferences on the calendar for April 21  and June 17. If my case will not be addressed at either meeting, I need to know why and when it will be. "Soon" is not an acceptable answer when it's been almost 18 months since my complaint was filed. 

As a complainant and tax-paying citizen of Virginia, I have rights and should be treated with empathy and respect. My questions stem from this process dragging on far longer than I had anticipated. My need for answers is not the cause of your backlog and I take offense to that implication (see below). I can provide further documentation if necessary. 

Thank you,

leah connor

September 7, 2020: Investigation of complaint.
November 4, 2021: “Hang in there and I hope this will have some resolution sooner rather than later.”
February 7, 2022: “Please be patient and we will be in touch with you soon.”

"We have been in consistent contact with you but we are not able to continue to answer a multitude of emails and still have time to get cases processed."  ​