Temecula Psychological Associate Accused Of Sexual Abuse, Gross Negligence Of Patient
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Board of Psychology (Board) has filed an accusation seeking to revoke or suspend the license of Vincent Shanks, Ph.D. #94020884, of Temecula, for allegedly engaging in sexual exploitation with a patient, sexual misconduct, gross negligence, dishonest and fraudulent acts, violating patient confidentiality, working outside their area of competence in violation of ethical standards, and general unprofessional conduct.
According to the Accusation filed by the Board September 9, 2022, as a registered psychological associate, Shanks provided psychotherapeutic treatment to a patient over the course of several months. While under his care, Shanks repeatedly told the patient he had special abilities using spiritual healing, energy work, and astral projection. Under the guise of psychotherapeutic treatment and services, Shanks, during various visits, allegedly inappropriately touched the patient’s stomach and breasts as so-called psychic healing techniques to help her with issues she was dealing with.
The complaint also alleges that while treating the patient, but without her consent, Shanks allowed another client to sit in during an appointment as a testimony to the effectiveness of his healing methods.
The Accusation is available on Shanks’ licensing detail page at https://search.dca.ca.gov/.
The Board of Psychology would like to remind consumers that its brochure “Therapy Never Includes Sexual Behavior” is available online to view or download. For information on how to file a complaint or for information about the Board of Psychology, visit www.psychology.ca.gov.
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ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY: The Board of Psychology’s mission is to advance quality psychological services for Californians by ensuring ethical and legal practice and supporting the evolution of the profession. For information on how to file a complaint, or for information about the Board of Psychology, visit us at www.psychology.ca.gov.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS: The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects consumers through oversight, enforcement, and licensure of professions, and helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. Consumers can verify a license and file a complaint against a licensee online at www.dca.ca.gov or by phone at (800) 952-5210.
