The General Business Meeting held on May 15, 2025, by the Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling Board in Florida focused on a significant administrative complaint against Lisa Michelle Zucker, a licensed clinical social worker and executive director of Grief Tree in Hollywood, Florida.

The meeting addressed a case involving allegations that Zucker permitted an unlicensed therapist, Laura Rickles, to provide various mental health services, including psychotherapy and patient assessments, from October 2022 to July 2023. The complaint cited violations of Florida statutes regarding the practice of clinical social work and mental health counseling.

During the proceedings, Colleen Nolan presented the case, detailing how Zucker had authorized Rickles to treat patients despite her lack of valid registration or license. The board reviewed the investigative report and unanimously accepted it into evidence, confirming that Zucker had been properly served and had requested the informal hearing.

Following the acceptance of the report, the board opened the floor for Zucker and her counsel to respond. Zucker's attorney expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present their case and acknowledged support from attendees.

The outcome of this meeting highlights the board's commitment to upholding professional standards in mental health practices and ensuring that licensed professionals adhere to legal requirements. Further developments in this case will be closely monitored as the board continues to address the implications of the allegations against Zucker and the practices at Grief Tree.