Wisconsin college psychologist Mervin Smucker surrenders license on allegations of "dual relationship," sex with patient

March 17, 2010

On February 20, 2010, psychologist Mervin R. Smucker surrendered his license to the Wisconsin Psychology Examining Board.

According to the Board’s document, Smucker, who held a faculty position at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and provided services at two hospitals in addition to a private practice, engaged in a dual relationship with a patient.  Specifically, the document states that between October 2002 and May 2005, Smucker treated a woman for trauma she had experienced while a foreign exchange student in which she was abducted and raped and witnessed her boyfriend’s murder.

Smucker’s dual involvement with the patient included giving her rides home after two or three treatment sessions, being together with the patient in his home or other property he owned and (according the to the patient’s allegations), engaging in sexual contact and intercourse with her while she was his client.

The document states in particular that the patient attended a conference on Child Sexual Abuse and Incest at which Smucker was a presenter and that the two had connecting rooms while they stayed at the hotel.

Source: Final Decision and Order 0000051, in the Matter of the Disciplinary Proceedings Against Mervin R. Smucker, Ph.D., State of Wisconsin Before the Psychology Examining Board.