Reading Reuters this evening I came across the article below. Can you imagine a child suffering a mental health issue so bad they get admitted to a state hospital. Then they get abused by the psychiatrist who was supposed to be helping them recover from the mental health issue. This is terrible. I don't understand how as a nation we don't take the cancer of child abuse seriously. Let's stamp out child abuse! Blessings, Rosie
Texas child psychiatrist fired over sex abuse allegations
AUSTIN, Texas |
AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - A child
psychiatrist at a state hospital for the mentally ill was fired after an
investigation sexual abuse allegations against him, state officials said on
Thursday.
Law enforcement officials have been notified of the allegations against Dr.
Charles Fischer of Austin State Hospital, said Patrick Crimmins, a spokesman for
the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.AUSTIN, Texas |
"We have received several reports alleging abuse by Dr. Charles Fischer dating back several years," said Crimmins, whose agency investigates allegations of abuse or neglect at state hospitals. "Each case was investigated thoroughly, but none were confirmed until October, when two separate allegations of sexual abuse against Dr. Fischer were confirmed."
Fischer was placed on leave on October 25 and his firing will be effective on Monday, said Carrie Williams, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of State Health Services, which runs the hospitals.
Williams said she could not provide details about the investigation at the state hospital, which treats adults and children.
"We are all heartbroken over these allegations," Williams said on Thursday in an email. "We're investigating the situation and considering our next actions. These kids come to us to heal, and the situation is very sad and extremely troubling for everyone involved."
(Editing by Greg McCune)
As a former psychotherapist, now on disability for numerous physical ailments and surgeries, it still turns my stomach when I hear of therapist abuse. It's a matter of power and trust that are abused when a psychiatrist, psychologist, or any therapist takes advantage of a client. I'm appalled at how often I hear of this abuse. Especially heinous is when someone is being treated for a dissociative disorder where they may not remember what happened during a session...and the therapist preys upon the very dysfunction for which the client is seeking help.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Grace. I didn't think about if someone has DID how they can be taken advantage of by a therapist. That's really terrible. I wish there was some type of system where people can go and look to see if a therpist has ever been arrested or changed with taking advantage of a client. Most people won't know where to go to look for it. I know enough to go to the state licensing web site to look but the average person won't. Rosie
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