Psychiatrist Mark Douglas Kline surrenders license on charges of sex with patient

December 2, 2013

On September 3, 2013, psychiatrist Mark Douglas Kline surrendered his license to the Medical Board of California and may not petition for reinstatement for two years.

Kline was clinical director for behavioral health at Mendocino Coast Clinic in Fort Bragg, CA when, between 2007 and 2012, he provided treatment to “Patient A,” a married woman with a long history of depression and suicide attempts.

Kline entered into a sexual relationship with the patient in March 2012, which continued until late November 2012, when Kline’s wife discovered it, at which time Kline terminated the relationship without arranging for any continuity of care.

The patient was soon after hospitalized for another suicide attempt.

Sources: Decision and Stipulated Surrender of License in the Matter of Mark Douglas Kline, M.D., Physician and Surgeon's Certificate No. G86945, Case No. 03-2012-229101, September 24, 2013.