Posted Friday, April 24, 2009 --- 10:05 a.m.

Press Release from Wisconsin Department of Regulation & Licensing:

Madison, WI – Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing (DRL) Secretary Celia Jackson announced today that Brad W. Knapp of Janesville recently had his licenses to practice as a professional counselor and advanced practice social worker suspended indefinitely for having a sexual relationship with a recent patient.

According to the complaints brought against him by DRL, Knapp provided counseling and psychotherapy services to a woman from April 2007 to May 2008 for issues related to depression, alcohol abuse and martial problems. The complaint states that Knapp developed a personal relationship with the woman during treatment and had sex with her three times, beginning in late May of 2008, a week after the woman discontinued treatment with Knapp because she lost her insurance coverage. The woman reported the sexual relationship to Knapp’s employer in October 2008. Wisconsin Administrative Code prohibits engaging in sexual conduct with a client within two years of terminating professional services.

“Professionals who work with vulnerable individuals need to understand and adhere to boundaries, and this type of relationship is absolutely not appropriate,” said Secretary Jackson.

Knapp agreed to the suspensions which were approved last week by the Professional Counselor and Social Worker Sections of the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Worker Examining Board. The suspensions will remain in effect for at least 18 months. After 18 months, the suspension can only be terminated if Knapp has been evaluated and it is determined he can practice safely.