NK Mental Health Counselor Suspended for Harassing, Inappropriate Contact

The Department of Health has suspended Scott Tellier, a mental health counselor in North Kingstown, after two former clients complained about harassment and inappropriate behavior.

According to the Department of Health, Tellier began treating one of the clients in 2006. The client, a 21-year-old female, alleged that Tellier asked her to place her feet in his lap and on other occasions asked her to engage in other non-sexual physical contact. Tellier reportedly told the patient that this would help her become more trusting, which is not an acceptable practice by a mental health counselor.

The suspension notice issued by the Department of Health also adds that Tellier asked the woman's parents to become involved in the counseling sessions and then began to counsel the woman's mother.

The notice stated that the two began a "personal relationship" in 2007 and Tellier began to visit the family home nearly every day. Tellier reportedly would walk into the patient's room without knocking and would call her phone repeatedly – including about 20 phone calls in a 30-minute period.

Both women stated that Tellier was "antagonistic and verbally abusive" to the patient when he visited their home. Tellier claimed this behavior was therapeutic and would benefit her.

Even after the patient ended her counseling with Tellier, he continued to contact her and her mother – calling the latter's phone up to ten times a day.  Additionally, in June 2012 he reportedly borrowed $5,120 from the mother which he ultimately repaid. 

Tellier reportedly would not acknowledge the allegations after the Department of Health informed him of the two complaints. He is, however, surrendering his license and closing his practice.

Tellier is a mental health counselor, who has been licensed in Rhode Island since 1998. His practice is based at 14 Anthony Drive in North Kingstown. He lives in Foster, Rhode Island.