Acadia Healthcare: $105 million verdict against Fashion Valley Comprehensive Treatment Center for Sexual Harassment

May 19, 2026

A San Diego jury has awarded $105 million to a former addiction counselor who said she was subjected to repeated sexual harassment by a supervisor and then fired after reporting the abuse. The woman alleged that management failed to protect her despite multiple complaints, creating a hostile work environment that ultimately cost her job.

According to the lawsuit, the counselor endured ongoing inappropriate comments and behavior while working in the addiction treatment field. After speaking up, she claimed the organization retaliated instead of addressing the misconduct. Jurors ultimately sided with the counselor, awarding damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and punitive damages tied to the retaliation claims.

The verdict adds to growing scrutiny of workplace culture and accountability within behavioral health and treatment programs. Advocates say the case highlights how employees who report harassment in healthcare and mental health settings can face retaliation rather than support — and why stronger oversight and whistleblower protections remain critical.

(Source: Jury Verdict Alert, May 16, 2026)