Psychologist Christopher M. Allen surrenders license under investigation for sex with client

August 11, 2012

On May 2, 2012, psychologist Christopher M. Allen surrendered his license to the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners while under investigation. According to the Board’s stipulated order, Allen provided psychotherapist to a female client (Client A) who was referred to Allen by her boyfriend (Client B). During therapy with Client A, Allen made inappropriate self-disclosures to her and displayed poor judgment by continuing to see Client A during a time when he reported feeling strong attraction toward her. During their last session, he told her that he had previously terminated a 10-year relationship with his partner. Allen met with Client A the next day and commenced a sexual relationship with her that lasted more than two years. Allen terminated Client B’s therapy prior to commencing the sexual relationship with Client B’s girlfriend (Client A). Allen never discussed with his residency supervisor any issues of transference with Client A or his feelings for Client A. Allen is prohibited from applying for a license to practice psychology for a minimum of two years.

Source: Stipulated Order in the Matter of the License to Practice as a Psychologist of Christopher Mark Allen, Ph.D., Agency No. OBPE 2010-069, Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners.