State suspends mental health counselor Toni Bell for sex with client

May 31, 2012

On November 4, 2011, the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science suspended the license of mental health counselor TONI BELL for no less than one year, effective January 4, 2012. According to the Board’s statement of charges, Bell engaged in sexual activities and sexual contact with a former client within the five years following the termination of the therapist-client relationship. Bell provided counseling services to the client from August 2009 to November 2009, at which point she developed a personal relationship with the client, including communications outside the therapist-client relationship such as phone contact, text messages, sharing meals and traveling together. Beginning in November or December 2009, she engaged in an ongoing sexual relationship with the client. Bell can apply for reinstatement of her license but reinstatement will be based on her proof of compliance with terms imposed by the Board.

Source: Settlement Agreement and Final Order and Notice of Hearing and Statement of Charges in the Matter of Toni Bell, Case No. 09-015, Before the Board of Behavioral Science of the State of Iowa.