Lansing counselor's license suspended for offering to exchange services for sexual favors

Kara Berg
Lansing State Journal

LANSING — A Lansing counselor's license was suspended based on allegations he offered counseling in exchange for sexual favors, officials said. 

The counselor, 48-year-old Joseph Hethorn, is also facing criminal sexual assault charges in Ingham County. 

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs suspended Hethorn's license Thursday, six months after he was charged with third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. 

"We take allegations of sexual misconduct and other unethical behavior by any health professional very seriously," LARA Director Orlene Hawks said in a news release. "In this case, we found it necessary to suspend the counselor’s license to protect the health and safety of the public."

An administrative complaint filed by Attorney General Dana Nessel said Hethorn violated six sections of the public health code: 

  • Sexual misconduct
  • Offering practice-related services in exchange for sexual favors
  • Negligence and failure to exercise due care
  • Incompetence
  • Lack of good moral character
  • Betrayal of professional confidence

It was not immediately clear if Hethorn's license was suspended for the same incident that led to criminal charges. 

Joseph Hethorn

The alleged assault that led to criminal charges took place in November 2018. From the time of Hethorn's charges in February to when his license was suspended, he was allowed to continue seeing patients. 

Hethorn's counselor license was issued in May 2018 after he graduated from Spring Arbor University, according to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Hethorn's online Psychology Today biography.

He has no prior LARA disciplinary actions listed. 

"It is imperative that Michigan residents have the ability to seek counseling without fear that a health professional will take advantage of them or otherwise engage in inappropriate conduct," Nessel said in a news release. "Our office, in conjunction with LARA, makes every effort to ensure the health and safety of our residents."

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Contact reporter Kara Berg at 517-377-1113 or kberg@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @karaberg95.