Indiana psychology board places George W. Berry on probation for sexual e-mails to patient

July 26, 2010

On September 25, 2009, the Indiana State Psychology Board placed George W. Berry, Ph.D on probation for four years for violations of state code governing the practice and behavior of psychologists.

The Board cited particularly that Berry “continued to practice although he had become unfit to practice due to a failure to keep abreast of current theory and practice.”

According to the Board’s document, Berry violated professional boundaries with the patient in e-mails he sent to her.

Berry treated the patient during ten sessions between March 5, 2008 and August 13, 2008.  On August 14, she sent an e-mail asking for advice on how to handle her recent break-up with her boyfriend and the subsequent feelings of sadness and remorse.

“First thing I want to get on board is that I would love to take care of all your physical, emotional and personal needs. I’m relatively stable psychologically, financially comfortable, intellectually adequate and sexually adept.”

Berry’s reply, which was noted by the Board to be lengthy, contained the statement, “As far as no one ever wanting you, you can rest assured there.  You are an attractive and interesting person with much offer.  I remember thinking that…before I even knew you very well.  If I were a few years younger I might have hit on you myself.”

Following the patient’s reply, Berry sent another lengthy message which stated, among other things, “First thing I want to get on board is that I would love to take care of all your physical, emotional and personal needs.  I’m relatively stable psychologically, financially comfortable, intellectually adequate and sexually adept.”  He states that it is probably delusional on his part but that “I’d be willing to take the risk.”  The message included a drawing from a tantric text depicting a man and woman engaged in sex.

Source: Findings of Fact, Ultimate Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order In the Matter of the License of George W. Berry, Ph.D, License No. 20040577A, Before the State Psychology Board, Cause No. 2009- ISPB 0001