Psychologist required to take ethics classes

By KATE THAYER

ST. CHARLES – The license of a St. Charles psychologist accused of practicing witchcraft on patients has been placed on probation because of claims that she lived with patients, traveled with them, and engaged in social relationships.

Letitia Libman received the one-year license probation earlier this month, state records show.

She may practice during that time, but must pass ethics and professional practice classes, along with a risk-management course, meet twice monthly with a supervising clinical psychologist, provide the state with quarterly reports, and notify the state with employment or home address changes.

There are several pending lawsuits in Kane County, filed in 2005 and 2006, that accuse Libman of using witchcraft as therapy, making sexual advances on patients, and other inappropriate behavior. Libman, who once practiced at a St. Charles facility run by Delnor-Community Hospital, has denied the allegations.

Attempts to reach Libman and her attorney, Richard Barrett, on Friday were unsuccessful.

Libman’s probation began after a 60-day suspension when she could not practice, according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Libman agreed to the suspension and probation terms earlier this year, according to state records.

Delnor spokesman Brian Griffin declined to comment because of the pending litigation, which includes the hospital as a defendant.

Richard Stavins, who represents the four adults and a child suing Libman and Delnor, said Friday that the suspension of Libman’s license had no bearing on the lawsuit.

However, he was seeking information on the claim that led to the state investigation.

So far, the state has refused to hand over the records, Stavins said. The parties are scheduled to meet in court Aug. 23, when Stavins will ask Circuit Judge Keith Brown to force the state to turn over the records.

“There might be some good stuff in there,” Stavins said.

The complaint against Libman issued by the state briefly describes that Libman “violated professional boundaries with her patients by permitting a former patient to live in [her home] and accompany her on a trip to Iowa. [Libman] also engaged in a social relationship with another former patient and said patient’s friend.”