Female Counselor and Mentally Ill Client

(Everett, Washington) A licensed mental health counselor, Carli R. Brown, has been suspended for engaging in a sexual relationship with a Haven House client. Haven House boards young adults, typically 18 to 24 years old.

Brown allegedly admitted having sex with the client in her home at least three times, according to state investigators. She is accused of touching or fondling the client in a sexual manner, and writing the client letters in which she described her deep emotional attachment to the patient and "suggested the possibility of having children" with the client.

Brown's duties included providing general support for clients at the boarding home, such as assisting with meals and housekeeping, according to Tom Sebastian, Compass Health's chief executive.

Employees licensed to work as registered counselors do not provide psychological counseling to clients, he said.

The state's professional disciplinary board found Brown's actions to be an abuse of "a position of trust and violation of the patient/practitioner boundaries."

Brown can appeal her suspension.