California psychologist John R. Loré surrenders license for sex exploitation of depressed patient

April 2, 2009

Psychologist John R. Loré surrendered his license to the Board for unprofessional and unethical conduct.  According to the Board’s Accusation, Loré began treating patient K.C. in 1999 for depression, interpersonal issues and grief due to the loss of her parents.  Loré administered a “global assessment of functioning” test, the score of which informed him that K.C. was “helpless and dependent” and severely depressed.  About a year into treatment, Loré engaged in physical contact with K.C., consisting of hugs and, over time, touching and kissing.  In May 2001, Loré engaged in sexual intercourse with K.C. during her therapy sessions, as well as at her home and his.  According to the document, “ On one occasion, [Loré] persuaded K.C. to have sexual relations with a male friend of his.”  Loré charges K.C. for therapy sessions, even when they included sex between the two.  He also paid her for massage services, babysitting his child, completing continuing medical education courses online for him (including professional ethics), assisting with his professional billing and drafting psychological reports in his name for the Immigration and Naturalization Service.  This exploitative relationship continued for six years, until K.C. broke it off.  Loré did not deny the charges against him. (Stipulated Surrender of License and Order, In the Matter of the First Amended Accusation Against: John R. Loré, Ph.D., License No. PSY 14270, Case No. 1F 2007 183080, January 7, 2009.)