BOARD SEEKS TO REVOKE OR SUSPEND LICENSE OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PSYCHOLOGIST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2023
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CONTACT:
Sandra Monterrubio, (916) 574-7118
Licensee Allegedly Had Sexual Relationship With Patient, Co-Signed Apartment Lease
SACRAMENTO – The California Board of Psychology (Board) has filed an accusation seeking to revoke or suspend the license of Michael David Pariser, #20038, for allegedly engaging in sexual contact with a former patient, sexual misconduct, engaging in an improper dual relationship, refusing to participate in a Board investigation, failure to maintain adequate treatment records in violation of ethical standards, and general unprofessional conduct.
According to the Accusation, the patient started seeing Pariser for therapy in 2014 and extended into 2019. While in treatment, the patient expressed a sexual interest in Pariser, who reciprocated at times, sometimes using treatment sessions to focus on the patient’s attraction to him.
In 2018, Pariser held a session with the patient that was focused on “refusal to engage sexually (with the patient), not as a personal rejection, but as an act of loving care.” Pariser also told the patient he was closing his practice and the two discussed starting a sexual relationship once that happened.
Pariser continued treatment in a doctor-patient setting until Pariser closed his practice in March 2019. On the same day, the two attended a long-discussed concert and started a sexual relationship. Pariser later co-signed for the patient’s apartment lease and also submitted a letter to the patient’s landlord for the patient’s need for a therapy dog and requested an Americans with Disabilities Act accommodation.
During the relationship, the patient developed anxiety and alcohol issues, and Pariser threatened to end the relationship if the patient did not resolve the issues. Pariser terminated the relationship in February 2020.
The Accusation 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 of Psychology, visit us at www.psychology.ca.gov
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS: The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) promotes and protects the interests of California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. DCA helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. The department also protects professionals (licensees) from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners. Consumers can file complaints against licensees by contacting DCA at (800) 952-5210. Consumers can also file a complaint online at www.dca.ca.gov.
