Disciplinary Action

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/22 – 6/30/23

• Total Request for Investigations received this fiscal year: —
  • Cases Open: —
  • Cases Closed: —
  • Non-Psychologist Cases: —
• Total number of Impaired Psychologist Procedure: 1
• Total Disciplinary Actions: 4
• Other Actions, including interim actions: 0

Disciplined Psychologists:

In the matter NP22-23-17C, On July 21, 2023,   Dr. Kristen Gerstenecke, Psy.D.  Temporary Registration No. 1434AL, agreed to a Voluntary Surrender of the registration  in lieu of disciplinary action for LAC 46:LXIII.1305(F) – Personal Problems and Conflicts and LAC 46:LXIII. 1307(D) – Avoiding Harm.

In the matter P22-23-12P on June 16, 2023, the license of Carole A. Buckles Brunner, Psy.D., License No. 981,  was ordered Summarily Suspended by Executive Committee. On July 21, 2023, the Board accepted a Consent Order in lieu of a formal hearing, upholding the suspension for a minimum of 6 months.

In the Matter P20-21-10B, Pt. 1, on August 26, 2022, Ernest C. Ellender, Ph.D., License No. 1159, the LSBEP accepted the Stipulation and  Agreement for Surrender of Psychologist License and Payment Agreement, which agreement represents partial resolution of the matter P20-21-10B pertaining to the facts outlined in the agreement and constitutes formal disciplinary action for violation of La. R.S. 37:2359.A., B(1), B(14), and B(11).

In the Matter P20-21-20C, on August 26, 2022, Ernest C. Ellender, Ph.D., License No. 1159, the LSBEP accepted the Stipulation and Agreement for Surrender of Psychologist License and Supplemental Payment Agreement , which agreement represents final resolution of the matter P20-21-20C pertaining to the facts outlined in the agreement and constitutes formal disciplinary action for violation of La. R.S. 37:2359.A., B(2)(b), B(2)(c), B(8), B(11), B(12) and B(14); and the following ethical standards under the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46 Pt LXIII (“Rule”): Rule §1305.A., §1305.F., §1307.C., §1307.D., §1307.E., §1307.F., §1307.H., §1307.J., §1313.A., and §1313.B., §1321.A., and §1321.E.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/21 – 6/30/22

• Total Request for Investigations received this fiscal year: 26
  • Cases Open: 21
  • Cases Closed: 3
  • Non-Psychologist Cases: 5
• Total number of Impaired Psychologist Procedure: 3
• Total Disciplinary Actions: 1
• Other Actions, including interim actions: 1

Disciplined Psychologists:

In the Consolidated Matters P20-21-10B and P20-21-20C, on May 6, 2022, Ernest C. Ellender, Ph.D., License No. 1159, voluntarily entered an Agreement to Abstain from Practice of Psychology in lieu of summary suspension and until such time as the consolidated matters have been formally closed and/or formal disciplinary action has been resolved either by a signed consent order, dismissal, or formal adjudication.

In the Matter P20-21-09C Scuddy F. Fontenelle, Ph.D., License No 457, entered into a Consent Order effective on November 12, 2021, waiving the right to contest the charges which are the basis of the disciplinary action, and include: La. R.S. 37:2359.A. and  B(12); and the following ethical standards under the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46 Pt LXIII (“Rule”): Rule §1305.A., §1305.D., §1307.D., §1307.E.4., §1319.A.1., §1319.A.2., §1319.B.3., §1319.C.1., §1319.C.2., and §1319.C.3.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/20 – 6/30/21

• Total Request for Investigations received this fiscal year: 22
  • Cases Open: 1
  • Cases Closed: 21
  • Non-Psychologist Cases: 4
• Total number of Impaired Psychologist Procedure: 1
• Total Disciplinary Actions: 2
• Other Actions, including interim actions: 0

Disciplined Psychologists:

In the Matter P20-21-05B Lisa > Tropez-Arceneaux, Psy.D., License No 1158, entered into a Consent Order on April 30, 2021, waiving the right to contest the charges which are the basis of the disciplinary action, and include: La. R.S. 37:2359.A. and  B(12); and the following ethical standards under the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46 Pt LXIII (“Rule”): Rule §1311, §1311.A., and §1311.B.

In the Matter P16-17-14C (Consolidated w P17-18-11C) Eric Cerwonka, Psy.D., License No. 1020, following hearing on September 24, 2020, the Board voted unanimously to order the revocation of Dr. Cerwonka’s license  to practice psychology in the State of Louisiana, upon finding that Dr. Cerwonka’s actions were in violation of La. R.S. 28:53; La. R.S. 37:2351, et seq; La. R.S. 37:2359(A); (B)(1)(c); (B)(2)(a);(B)(2)(c); (B)(12); (B)(14); La.R.S.2364(2); and the following ethical standards promulgated in the Louisiana Administrative Code under Title 46:LXIII:1307.A, 1307.B,1307.C, 1307.D, 1307.H, 1307.L, 1309.A, 1309.D.(2) and1309.E.(2).The revocation, effective immediately, became final on November 17, 2020.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/19 – 6/30/20

• Total Request for Investigations received this fiscal year: 25
  • Cases Open: 3
  • Cases Closed: 22
  • Non-Psychologist Cases: 2
• Total number of Impaired Psychologist Procedure: 0
• Total Disciplinary Actions: 1
• Other Actions, including interim actions: 1

Disciplined Psychologists:

In the matter P17-18-07C – On February 7, 2020, Samuel Webb Sentell, Ph.D., M.P., License No. 722, entered into a Consent Order waiving his right to contest the charges which are the basis of the disciplinary action, which include: La. R.S. 37:2359.A., La. R.S. 37:2359.B(2)(c), La. R.S. 37:2359.B(5), La. R.S. 37:2359.B(11), La. R.S. 37:2359.B(12), La. R.S. 37:2359.B(14); and the following ethical standards under the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46 Pt LXIII (“Rule”): Rule §701-§711; Rule §1103-1103; Rule §1307.J.5.; and Rule §1309.

In the matter P19-20-03C – On November 11, 2019, following requisite notice, the LSBEP held an emergency meeting relative to LSBEP Complaint Number P19-20-03C. The members of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP) met pursuant to its authority under La. R.S. 37:2353.C (4) to consider the recommendation of the Complaint Committee to issue an emergency summary suspension as authorized under the Louisiana Administrative Procedure Act, La. R.S. 49:950 et seq.; specifically, La. R.S. 49:961.C.. Following this meeting, the LSBEP ordered the immediate Summary Suspension of the Respondent.  On January 21, 2020, following requisite notice, the LSBEP held a subsequent emergency meeting relative to LSBEP Complaint Number P19-20-03C, on that date, the Order of Summary Suspension was rescinded, and the matter was closed with a letter of education to the Respondent

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/18 – 6/30/19

• Total number of Request for Investigations received (to date): 23
  • Cases Open: 0
  • Cases Closed: 23
  • Non-Psychologist Cases: 6
• Total number Impaired Psychologist Procedure: 0
• Disciplinary Actions: 2
• Other Actions, including interim actions: 0

Disciplined Psychologists:

In the matter P17-18-04C – On December 14, 2018, Christopher D. Garner, Psy.D., License No. 936, entered into a Consent Order with the LSBEP, resulting in the suspension of his license to practice psychology and waived his right to contest the charges which are the basis of the disciplinary action, which include: La. R.S. 37:2359.A., La. R.S. 37:2359.B(2)(b), La. R.S. 37:2359.B(2)(c), La. R.S. 37:2359.B(8), La. R.S. 37:2359.B(12), La. R.S. 37:2359.B(13); and the following ethical standards under the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46 Pt LXIII (§101et seq): §1305.F. (APA Ref. 2.06); §1307.B. (APA Ref. 3.02; §1307.D. (APA Ref. 3.04); §1307.E.1, E.2, and E.4 (APA Ref. 3.05); §1307.F. (APA Ref. 3.06); §1307.H. (APA Ref. 3.08); §1321.E. (APA Ref. 10.05); and §1321.H. (APA Ref. 10.08).

In the matter P17-18-05C – On December 14, 2018, Susan R. Andrews, Ph.D., License No. 270 entered into a Consent Order with the LSBEP, and waived her right to contest the charges which are the basis of the disciplinary action, which include: La. Admin. Proc. Act Title 49. Chapter 13  §§1307.J.1., 1307.J.2., 1307.J.5., 1321.A.2, 1321.A.1, 1321.B.1., 1321.B.2., and 1307.E.1.b.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/17 – 6/30/18

• Total number of Request for Investigations received: 16
  • Open Investigations: 0
  • Cases closed: 16
• Total number of Non-Psychologist Cases: 4
• Total number of Impaired Psychologist Procedure: 0
• Disciplinary Actions: 2
• Other Actions, including interim actions: 0

Disciplined Psychologists:

In the matter P16-17-13C: On November 16, 2017, Cary Nelson Mack, Ph.D., License #1035, entered into a Consent Agreement with the LSBEP to voluntarily and permanently relinquish his license to practice psychology in Louisiana, and waived his rights to contest the charges which are the basis of this disciplinary action and include: RS 37: 2359 A and B(1),B(2)(b), B(2)(c), B(8), B(12), B(13), and B(14), and the following specific Ethical Standards: 2.04 Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments, 2.06 Personal Problems and Conflicts, 3.02 Sexual Harassment, 3.04 Avoiding Harm, 3.05 Multiple Relationships, 3.08 Exploitative Relationships, 3.10 Informed Consent, 10.01 Informed Consent to Therapy, and 10.05 Sexual Intimacies with Current Therapy Clients/Patients.

In the matter P16-17-06C: On July 28, 2017, Carrie E. Watkins-Emonet, Ph.D.,, License No. 1162 received a formal REPRIMAND and entered into a Consent Order with the LSBEP for violations of La. Rev. Statute 37:2359. B(2) and APA Ethical Standards 3.12 Interruption of Psychological Services and 10.10 Terminating Therapy.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/16 – 6/30/17

• Total number of Request for Investigations received: 22
• Total number of Open Investigations: 0
• Total number of cases closed: 22
• Total number of Non-Psychologist Cases: 10
• Total number of IPPA: 0
• Disciplinary Actions: 3

Disciplined Psychologists:

On November 10, 2016, Marianne Walsh, Psy.D.,, License No. 1166 received a formal REPRIMAND and entered into a Consent Order with the LSBEP for violations of La. Rev. Statute 37:2359. A, B(2), B(12), B(14) and (15); The La. Administrative Code  § 1301; and APA Ethical Standards 9.01 Bases for Assessments.

On January 20, 2017, Beverly A. Stubblefield, Ph.D., License #524, entered into a Consent Agreement with the LSBEP to voluntarily surrender and relinquish her license to practice psychology in Louisiana and waived her rights to contest the charges which are the basis of this disciplinary action and include: RS 37: 2359 A and B(1),B(2)(c), B(3), B(4), B(5), B(7), B(8), B(12) and B(14), and the following specific Ethical Standards: 1.01 Misuse of Psychologists’ Work, 1.03 Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands, 2.04 Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments, 2.05 Delegation of Work to Others, 3.05 Avoiding Harm, 3.06 Conflict of Interest, 3.08 Exploitative Relationships, 6.04 Fees and Financial Arrangements, 6.06 Accuracy in Reports to Payors and Funding Sources, 9.01 Bases for Assessments, 9.02 Use of Assessments, 9.07 Assessment by Unqualified Persons.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/15 – 6/30/16

• Total number of Request for Investigations received: 18
• Total number of Open Investigations: 0
• Total number of cases closed: 18
• Total number of Non-Psychologist Cases: 4
• Total number of IPPA: 0
• Disciplinary Actions: There were two hearings in 2015-16, one case was dismissed and one resulted in disciplinary action.  The case resulting in disciplinary action is on appeal.

Disciplined Psychologists:

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/14 – 6/30/15

• Total number of Request for Investigations received: 22
• Total number of Open Investigations: 0
• Total number of Cases Closed: 22
• Total number of Non-Psychologist Cases: 5
• Total number of IPPA: 0
• Disciplinary Actions: 1

Disciplined Psychologists:

On June 26, 2015, Susan B. Vigen, Ph.D., License #324, entered into a Consent Order with the LSBEP for violations of LA. R.S. 37:2359(A), (B)(2), B(12), B(14) and APA Ethical Principals of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002) 9.01 Bases for Assessments.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/13 – 6/30/14

• Total number of Request for Investigations received: 11
• Total number of Open Investigations: 0
• Total number of cases closed: 11
• Total number of Non-Psychologist Cases: 2
• Total number of IPPA: 0
• Disciplinary Actions: 3

Disciplined Psychologists:

The disciplinary hearing of LSBEP v. John Boutte, Ph.D. was held on September 24, 2013. The hearing was held due to Dr. Boutte’s violation of a previous Consent Order. On November 12, 2013, the LSBEP ordered that John Boutte, Ph.D., License #734, be SUSPENDED from practice of psychology in the State of Louisiana for a period of 6 months. Said suspension is to be followed immediately by PROBATION for a period of 18 months which shall consist of direct supervision of Boutte’s psychological practice. A fine was ordered in the amount of $500. Boutte was also ordered to pay the administrative costs associated with the investigation and hearing process.

On December 13, 2013, Lynn R. Schechter, Ph.D., License #940, received a formal REPRIMAND and entered into a Consent Order with the LSBEP for violations of La. Rev. Statute 37:2359(A), B(12), b(14), and Ethical Standard 2.01(a), Boundaries of Competence, of the APA Ethical Principals of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002).

On June 23, 2014, a formal disciplinary hearing was held In Re: Edwina Frank, Ph.D., License# 588. On July 9, 2014, the Board issued a final Opinion and Order which REVOKED Dr. Frank’s license to practice psychology in the State of Louisiana. Dr. Frank was also ordered to pay all costs of the proceedings, which totaled $4,343.25.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/12 – 6/30/13

• Total number of Request for Investigations received: 22
• Total number of Open Investigations: 0
• Total number of cases closed: 22
• Total number of Non-Psychologist Cases: 5
• Total number of IPPA: 1
• Disciplinary Actions: 2

Disciplined Psychologists:

On September 7, 2012, Glenn W. Ahava, Ph.D., License #1070, received a formal REPRIMAND and entered into a Consent Order with the LSBEP for violations of La.Rev. Statute 37:2359(B)(2)(c), B(12) and 3.04 Avoiding Harm of the APA Ethical Principals of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002).

On April 19, 2013, Lynn Guidry, License #543, entered into a Consent Order for failing to act within the scope of his qualifications and licensed competencies which were violations of La.Rev. Statute 37:2359(A),B(12), B(14) and 2.01(a) and (b) Boundaries of Competencies, 2.04 Bases for Scientific Professional Judgment, 9.01(a) and (b) Bases for Assessment and 9.02(b) Use of Assessment of the APA Ethical Principals of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002). Dr. Guidry’s license has been RESTRICTED from performing forensic services.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 7/1/11 – 6/30/12

• Total number of Request for Investigations received: 16
• Total number of Open Investigations: 0
• Total number of cases closed: 16
• Total number of Non-Psychologist cases: 6
• Total Number of IPPA: 1
• Disciplinary Actions: 2

Disciplined Psychologists:

On February 3, 2012, Daniel Lonowski, Ph.D., License #299, received a formal Reprimand and entered into a Consent Order with the LSBEP for violations of LA.Rev.Statute 37:2359(B)(2)(c), B(12), Ethical Standards 2.01(f) and 3.04 Avoiding Harm, of the APA Ethical Principals of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002).

On April 23, 2012, Sally E. Thigpen, Ph.D., License #476, received a formal REPRIMAND and entered into a Consent Order with the LSBEP for violations of La. Rev. Statute 37:2359(A), B(12), B(14), LAC. LXIII: Chapter 7, Supervision Leading to Licensure, and Ethical Standard 2.05 Delegation of Work to Others, of the APA Ethical Principals of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002). The Board also required Dr. Thigpen to obtain supervision of all forensic cases and contract with a practice monitor.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 2010-2011

• Total number of Request for Investigations received: 24
• Total number of Open Investigations: 0
• Total number of cases closed: 24
• Total number of psychologists participating in IPPA: 1
• Disciplinary Actions: 0

Disciplined Psychologists: None

DISCIPLINARY ACTION REPORT 2009-2010

• Total number of Request for Investigations received: 23
• Total number of Open Investigations: 0
• Total number of cases closed: 23
• Disciplinary Actions: 2

Disciplined Psychologists:

Donald Hoppe, Ph.D., License No. 430 P09-10-08C On December 10, 2010, Donald Hoppe, Ph.D. entered into a Consent Order with the LSBEP following an investigation of a complaint alleging a violaion of R.S. 37:2359(B)(2) and Ethical Standard 3.04 of the APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct (2002).

John M. Boutte, Ph.D., License No. P08-09-13B On February 12, 2010, John M. Boutte, Ph.D. entered into a Consent Order with the LSBEP following an investigation of a complaint alleging violations of Ethical Standards 10.08(a) of the APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct (2002); La. Rev. Stat. §§ 37:2359A, B(12) and (14) and Title 46 of the LAC LXIII: 1301.