State Suspends Psychologist Crystal M. Knight for Sex with Patient

July 23, 2018

On June 5th, 2018, the West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists issued an Order suspending the license of psychologist Crystal M. Knight, M.A. for two years, with terms and conditions which she must meet. 

According to the "Findings of Fact," as contained in the Order, the Board opened an investigation of Knight based on a complaint filed by "M," a former patitent, concerning behavior on the part of Knight which "may have crossed professional boundaries between psychologist and client." The alleged behavior occurred during the time that Knight was providing court-ordered family therapy counseling to M and her husband, "D." 

Knight admitted to Board investigators that she became friends with M and D, assisted M in obtaining a rental space for a business she was starting, and later visited M and D at the business and had lunch with them. 

She discussed her pending divorce with M and D. 

She began a sexual relationship with D within two years of the termination of the therapist-patient relationship. 

Should she request reinstatement of her license at the end of the two years, the Board will place her license on probation, under which she will be required, at her own expense, to practice under the supervision of a Board-selected licensed psychologist. 

Source: West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists vs. Crystal Knight, M.A. (Lic. #1042), Ethical Inquiry No. 2017-11, Consent Agreement and Order, June 5, 2018.