BOARD SEEKS TO REVOKE OR SUSPEND LICENSE OF DAVIS PSYCHOLOGIST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2023
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CONTACT:
Sandra Monterrubio, (916) 574-7118
Licensee Allegedly Engaged In Sexual Relationship With Patient
SACRAMENTO – The California Board of Psychology (Board) has filed an accusation seeking to revoke or suspend the license of Emily Katonah Hartley #20900, for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a patient, engaging in a manipulative and exploitative relationship with a patient, committing dishonest and fraudulent acts, making false statements to investigators, and general unprofessional conduct.
In early 2021, the Board opened an investigation after receiving complaints from consumers about an inappropriate relationship between Hartley and a patient. The investigation determined Hartley was conducting a sexual relationship with the patient, who was in her care from 2019 to 2021.
In fall 2019, Hartley allegedly admitted to a colleague that a patient was pursuing a romantic relationship with her. The colleague advised Hartley to end all contact with the patient. In March 2020, Hartley confided in the same colleague, stating that she was worried about the ethical implications of her relationship with the patient. During the same period, Hartley told a neighbor the patient’s spouse had learned of the sexual relationship, causing Hartley to become concerned the spouse would report the ethical violation to the Board.
An Accusation was filed on filed on September 27, 2022 and amended December 13, 2022. It is available on the licensee’s search page at https://search.dca.ca.gov.
The Board of Psychology would like to remind consumers that its brochure “Therapy Never Includes Sexual Behavior” is available online to view or download. For information on how to file a complaint or for information about the Board of Psychology, visit www.psychology.ca.gov.
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ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY: The Board of Psychology’s mission is to advance quality psychological services for Californians by ensuring ethical and legal practice and supporting the evolution of the profession. For information on how to file a complaint, or for information about the Board, visit www.psychology.ca.gov.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS: The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects consumers through oversight, enforcement, and licensure of professions, and helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. Consumers can verify a license and file a complaint against a licensee online at www.dca.ca.gov or by phone at (800) 952-5210
