State revokes license of mental health counselor James Gorton.

November 24, 2010

On May 7, 2010, the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners revoked the license of professional counselor James Gorton.  

According to the Board’s report, Gorton counseled a husband and wife from December 2007 through August 2008.  Soon after terminating treatment with the wife, he began engaging in social activities with her.  

Approximately six months later, he began a romantic relationship with her that included “holding hands, hugging and kissing, and spending the night at each other’s houses.

The Board’s report indicates that he engaged in sexual conduct with the wife before she was divorced from the husband.  

Gorton failed to obtain written, informed consent from the husband or wife and did not maintain progress notes for 63 sessions with the husband and/or wife, among other record keeping failures. 

Source: Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners Adverse Action Tracking Form 2010, dated 21 September 2010.