Board disciplines psychologist Anne Marie Wells for affair with patient

On May 17, 2010, the Indiana State Psychology Board placed Anne Marie Wells, Ph.D on probation for no less than three years.

According to the Board’s Final Order, Wells provided counseling services to a married female patient during the fall of 1999.

Wells admitted to a romantic and sexual relationship with the patient, beginning approximately one month after the termination of the clinical relationship. The patient separated  from her husband during this time.

During the sessions, the patient told Wells she’d developed “romantic feelings” for her. Wells conferred with her supervisor and they determined that the patient might be experiencing transference. Wells however continued to treat the patient for approximately a year.

Wells began to develop “romantic feelings” for the patient during the time she treated her and eventually terminated the clinical relationship but remained in contact with the patient via telephone.

Wells admitted to a romantic and sexual relationship with the patient, beginning approximately one month after the termination of the clinical relationship.  The patient separated from her husband during this time.  The relationship between Wells and the patient continued for three years.  Terms of her probation include practice monitoring.

Source: Final Order in the Matter of the License of Anne Marie Wells, Ph.D, License Number 20041315A, Before the State Psychology Board, Cause Number 2010 ISPB 001.