Arkansas Psychologist Michelle Messer, Convicted in Psych Hospital Patient Escape, Surrenders License

May 15, 2020

On August 21, 2019, Arkansas psychologist Michelle Messer surrendered her license to practice.

The Consent Agreement which the Arkansas Psychology Board issued in the matter states that prior to March 20, 2018, Messer was employed by the Arkansas State Hospital (a state-run psychiatric facility) as a “Licensed Psychological Examiner-Independent Status.”

On March 20,2018, at approximately 8:50 a.m., Messer assisted a patient in eloping (escaping) from the Arkansas State Hospital.

Later news reports stated that the elopement occurred after hospital officials confronted Messer about providing the patient with a cellphone and vaping device. The hospital later fired Messer.

Messer and the patient were arrested in Nevada on or about March 26, 2018. and that she

On May 3,2019, Messer entered a plea of guilty to the charges of Aiding an Unauthorized Departure (a misdemeanor) and Tampering with Evidence (a felony) in Pulaski County (Arkansas) Circuit Court Case No. CR-2018-2064.

Source: Consent Agreement in the Matter of Michelle Messer, License #09-11E1, Case No. 18-04, Arkansas Psychology Board, August 23, 2019.