California board suspends psychologist Indra Rocha-Singh for sex with patient

March 27, 2009

The California Psychology Board revoked psychologist Indra Rocha-Singh’s license, citing Gross Negligence; Sexual Abuse, Misconduct or Relations; Sexual Exploitation; Repeated Negligent Acts and other violations.  The revocation was stayed however, and she was placed on seven years probation, the terms of which include 90 days of actual suspension.  According to the Board’s Order, Singh, who is married, engaged in a multiple relationship with a college-age patient she treated over a two and half year period with whom she traveled on a social basis, including overnight stays; allowed to live in her home for several months; engaged in sexual relations over a one-year period and provided gifts and money.  Further, the Board found that Singh practiced beyond the scope of her competence by continuing to treat the patient, who suffered from serious polysubstance abuse and severe emotional conditions (including repeated instances of suicidal ideation).  Other conditions of Singh’s probation include the monitoring of her practice by a qualified psychologist, who she must cause to issue to the Board routine reports and evaluations of Singh’s practice; notification to Singh’s employer of this disciplinary action; taking and passing the California Psychology Supplemental Examination as well as the Law and Ethics Examination and payment to the Board of $13,400 for the costs of investigation and enforcement. (Stipulated Settlement and Disciplinary Order, In the Matter of the Accusation Against: Indra Rocha-Singh, Ph.D., Certificate No. PSY 15940, Case No. 1F-2005-170184, December 23, 2008.)