Psychiatrist Catherine L. Munson reprimanded for sex with patient

November 24, 2010

On August 6, 2010, the South Carolina State Board of Medical Examiners issued a Final Order, reprimanding and suspending psychiatrist Catherine L. Munson. 

The Board’s “Findings of Fact” states that between June 24 and August 3, 2009, Munson began a sexual relationship with a patient (“R.W.”). R.W. had been a patient of Munson’s at her previous place of employment (Catawba Mental Health in Rock Hill, S.C.). 

The Order states that Munson “engaged in sexual relations with R.W. in various venues, wherein she became the subject of written, audio, and video recordings, with dissemination of the same by R.W.’s domestic partner.”  Further, the document states that Munson became the subject of a purported blackmail scheme by R.W. and her domestic partner (a person Munson was familiar with, who was herself one of R.W.’s former therapists).

Munson did not seek police assistance with regard to the blackmail but instead attempted to cease communication with the patient and her partner, resulting in an escalation of circumstances in which the partner appeared at Munson’s residence and assaulted her. 

The suspension of Munson’s license will be stayed upon payment of the Board’s costs of $2,705.

Final Order in the Matter of Catherine L. Munson, M.D., License No. MMD 16094, Case 2009-218, South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Before the South Carolina State Board of Medical Examiners.