Board Accepts License Revocation of Psychological Associate for Sexual Misconduct

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2023

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CONTACT:
Sandra Monterrubio, Sandra.Monterrubio@dca.ca.gov

TEMECULA PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATE ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ABUSE, GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF PATIENT

SACRAMENTO –The California Board of Psychology (Board) has accepted the surrender of the license of Vincent Shanks, Ph.D. #94020884, of Temecula, for allegedly engaging in sexual exploitation with a patient, sexual misconduct, gross negligence, dishonest and fraudulent acts, violating patient confidentiality, working outside his area of competence in violation of ethical standards, and general unprofessional conduct.

According to the Decision and Order filed by the Board on July 10, 2023,as a registered psychological associate, Shanks provided psychotherapeutic treatment to a patient over the course of several months. While under his care, Shanks repeatedly told the patient he had special abilities using spiritual healing, energy work, and astral projection. Under the guise of psychotherapeutic treatment and services, Shanks, during various visits, allegedly inappropriately touched the patient’s stomach and breasts as so-called psychic healing techniques to help her with issues she was dealing with.

The complaint also alleges that while treating the patient, but without her consent, Shanks allowed another client to sit in during an appointment as a testimony to the effectiveness of his healing methods.

Both the Accusation and Decision and Order are available onShanks’ licensing detail page at https://search.dca.ca.gov. In addition to the license surrender, Shanks will pay the costs of the investigation and enforcement of the case.

The Board 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 http://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

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