Mill Valley (California) psychologist Joanie F. Gillispie surrenders license following sex with former patient

January 4, 2010

On November 27, 2009, psychologist Joanie Farley Gillispie, Ph.D. surrendered her license to the Board of Psychology of the State of California.  Gillispie was charged by the Board in September 2009 with Gross Negligence, Sexual Relations with a Former Patient, Violation of Rules of Professional Conduct and Repeated Negligent Acts.  According to the Board’s Accusation, patient “PR” was referred to Gillispie in early 2001, following an industrial accident in which he sustained massive injuries to his lower body.  Gillispie became his treating psychologist, meeting with him at his home twice a week, meeting with his wife, counseling with his medical providers and talking to him regularly by phone.  After the therapy relationship ended in March 2002, Gillispie kept in contact with PR in person, by phone and by e-mail.  Gillispie engaged in sexual intercourse with the former patient on July 3, 2002 and at least five additional times that year, and continued to have sexual intercourse with him through December 2004.  
 
Source: Stipulated Surrender of License and Order in the Matter of the Accusation Against Joanie Gillispie, Ph.D., Psychologist’s License No. PSY 16728, Case No. 1F-2007-182872, effective November 27, 2009.