Some facts about psychiatrists and sexual abuse of their patients:

• The majority of psychiatrists who sexually abuse their clients are never reported.

• The number of disciplinary actions against physicians regarding sexual abuse doubled from 1994 to 1996

• Less than half of those disciplined lost the ability to practice.

• Among all physicians disciplined for sexual offenses, psychiatrists made up the majority (27.9 percent). Child psychiatrists represented 2.5 percent, indicating that even our most vulnerable are not entirely safe from the professionals they may turn to for help.

(from a study by Public Citizen Health Research Group)

A huge database of psychiatrists in trouble

More stories about psychs and sexual misconduct,
all from 1997 & 1998.

• The patient of a Michigan psychiatrist may not receive much of the $780,000 the jury awarded her. A number of former patients have filed suits alleging they were raped in his office.

• Georgia psychologist receives probation for having sex with his patient, who suffered from multiple personality disorder.

• Prominent Toronto psychologist is sentenced to two years in prison for "brainwashing" two of his former patients into having sex with him.

• Judge orders Ottawa psychologist to pay more than $325,000 in damages to a female former patient he sexually abused during and after her therapy.

• State suspends the license of a Washington psychiatrist who had sex with two women he was treating. He claims he's 'Man of Honor.' He was treating one of the patients for problems resulting from incest.

• A London (Canada) psychiatrist twice disciplined by his peers continues to see
  patients, despite facing further charges.

• A Toronto study on psychs who exploit sexually.

• Are you being exploited? From Dateline NBC, which reported a researcher's claim that up to 20 percent of psychiatrists/psychologists have at one time or another had sex (consensually and non-consensually) with a patient. This report offers advice on reporting unethical behavior.

next: Man Sues Psychiatrist For Breaking Up Marriage