Washington State suspends mental health counselor Christopher B. Evans indefinitely for sex with former client

July 6, 2009

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) indefinitely suspended registered counselor Christopher Bruce Evans.  The DOH’s document states that Evans provided weekly counseling to a particular client for approximately four months in 2008 and that during that time, Evans hugged the client at the beginning of one session and told her that her hugs were “intoxicating like fine single malt scotch.”  At a later date, Evans hugged the client after she had showed up at a social event and that at approximately the next therapy session, he told her that at the social even he was so attracted to her that he had to walk away.  Approximately two weeks after the last session, the client informed Evans that she no longer would be attending therapy.  Evans invited her to tea and “stated that he wanted to make sure he collected on the hug.”  Approximately three weeks later, they met for tea, during which time Evans hugged the client, touched her arms and legs and put his arm around her shoulder.  Approximately three weeks after that encounter, Evans contacted the client to see her place.  About a week later, while at the client’s home, Evans hugged, kissed and had sexual intercourse with the client.  In addition to the suspension of his license, Evans must also undergo an evaluation by a state-certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider and pay a $1,500 fine.

(Stipulated Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Agreed Order In the Matter of Christopher Bruce Evans, Credential No. RC 00040982, Case No. M2009-517, State of Washington Dept. of Health, July 6, 2009.)