California psychology board issues charges against Simmone Ballinger for sex with former patient

May 3, 2012

On May 3, 2012, the California Board of Psychology issued an Accusation against Simmone Ballinger, Ph.D., charging her with sexual abuse, sexual abuse, sexual relations with a patient or former patient and/or sexual misconduct, as well as gross negligence and dishonest, corrupt or fraudulent acts.

The Board’s document states that Ballinger treated a man whose family was a member of the same church that Ballinger attended. He sought counseling from her due to marital problems he was having. Ballinger treated him for about two years.

At a church function which they both attended, the patient kissed Ballinger on the mouth while saying goodbye. Ballinger met the patient for dinner to explain why she had to terminate the professional relationship.

She and the patient agreed to the “no contact contract” and she stopped attending the same church. Two weeks later the patient contacted her and she agreed to accompany him to Arizona for his mother’s memorial.

They began a sexual relationship during the trip. The patient subsequently moved out of his marital home and filed for divorce.

Source: Accusation in the Matter of the Accusation Against Simmone Ballinger, Ph.D., license no. 16272, case no. 1F-2009-201809.