LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Henderson metropolis councilwoman’s representations that she’s a “clinical and forensic psychologist” and a “clinical and forensic psychologist by trade” could run afoul of California and Nevada licensing legal guidelines in each states.
An legal professional in California who represents individuals charged with skilled licensure violations — against the law punishable by jail — mentioned it’s unlawful for an individual and not using a license to symbolize themselves as such. And the president of the Nevada Psychological Affiliation mentioned additionally it is against the law in Nevada.
A paid bodyguard prevents 8 Information Now Investigator Kyle Ache from approaching Dr. Monica Larson to ask a query about her credentials. (KLAS)
Monica Larson, councilwoman for Henderson’s Ward 2, wouldn’t immediately reply the 8 Information Now Investigators’ questions on whether or not she is a psychologist. California’s Division of Shopper Affairs mentioned it “doesn’t have a record of anyone with that name being granted a license to practice as a psychologist in California.” The division mentioned Larson’s solely related licensure is that of “psychological associate.”
And the Nevada Psychological Affiliation has no affiliation with Larson, and she or he has by no means been a member of the group, its president, Christopher Shewbarran, informed the 8 Information Now Investigators.
“If she is representing herself as a Psychologist currently in Nevada or has conducted clinical practice in Nevada and she is not licensed, this should be reported to Nevada’s Board of Psychological Examiners as this violates Nevada law,” Shewbarran mentioned in a written assertion.
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Shewbarran defined among the rigorous common licensing necessities to carry the title of psychologist.
“Licensing requirements for Psychologists do vary from state to state, but generally speaking, an individual must obtain a doctoral degree in psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association or demonstrate that their program meets equivalency of an APA-accredited program, complete supervised training involving supervised experience under the guidance of a licensed doctoral-level psychologist, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice,” Shewbarran mentioned.
Larson, by a spokeswoman, claims to have met most of these necessities, together with receiving undergraduate levels, a grasp’s diploma and a doctorate. On her 2024 marketing campaign net web page and thru her spokeswoman, Larson clarified a few of her skilled background however didn’t tackle her licensure.
“Dr. Monica Larson completed her extensive academic studies and successfully defended her dissertation, earning her title as doctor,” Elizabeth Trosper, Larson’s publiclist, said. “Dr. Monica Larson worked for years under the license of psychologist Dr. Ekerette Essien. Dr. Larson voluntarily cancelled her registration to be licensed in the state of California as she was relocating to Nevada and retired from psychology. Your attempt to invalidate Dr. Larson’s academic credentials, slander her name, and stalking her is continued harassment.”
Larson’s marketing campaign web site bio and Trosper consult with scientific work Larson did for Ekerette Essien, a licensed California psychologist.
Essien had glowing opinions of Larson as a psychology skilled, saying she’s “brilliant,” “very very highly skilled,” has “remarkable ambition” and “is a star.”
“Monica was licensed with the board of psychology as a registered psychologist under me,” Essien informed the 8 Information Now Investigators.
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Essien additionally mentioned, “She worked as a forensic psychologist and whatever she says on her resume is what she is,” and mentioned, “Monica is one of the most respected people in this field.”
Nicole Valentine, an legal professional on the California regulation agency Goyette Ruano Thompson, represents individuals charged with violating state licensure legal guidelines. She mentioned the California Enterprise Code forbids somebody from claiming to be a psychologist if they don’t have the correct license.
“It’s not okay,” Valentine informed the 8 Information Now Investigators. “It misleads if you don’t have the license. And you don’t want to mislead the public because again these licensing agencies — even if you’re not currently licensed — could go after you for potentially unlicensed practice even though you’re ‘practicing,’ you’re using the credentials.”
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Valentine additionally identified the general public coverage side of a psychologist precisely representing his or her credentials.
“A lot of these licensing boards, their number one concern is protecting the public.”
Dr. Craig Kain, a licensed California psychologist, additionally underscored the significance of defending the general public.
“You haven’t completed what you need to do to be an effective and competent and ethical professional,” Kain informed the 8 Information Now Investigators. “You wouldn’t want to go see a lawyer that hadn’t passed the bar.”
Dr. Craig Kain speaks throughout an interview. (KLAS)
Kain continued, explaining that the psychology licensure necessities — together with passing the state examination, higher generally known as the boards — are rigorous. And he has recurring persevering with schooling necessities to keep up his license.
“If you’re not licensed, you cannot call yourself a psychologist,” Kain mentioned. “That’s actually a protected term in the state of California. So really, anybody who is calling themselves a psychologist who has not passed the licensing exam, that’s just illegal in the state of California and also an unethical thing to do.”
Larson, when approached by the 8 Information Now Investigators, didn’t reply any questions and as a substitute a paid safety element stood in the best way of the information crew and the councilwoman.
