Board suspends Grief Tree owner Lisa Zucker for hiring unlicensed therapist; $1,000 fine, CE and probation ordered
Loading...
Summary
The board found owner Lisa Zucker (LCSW) violated the practice act by permitting an unlicensed provider to treat patients at Grief Tree. The board voted to suspend her license for one year, followed by one year of probation, ordered a $1,000 fine, 18 continuing-education hours and payment of costs.
The Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling found that Lisa Michelle Zucker, LCSW and owner/executive director of Grief Tree, permitted an unlicensed individual, identified in the investigative record as Laura Rickles, to provide psychotherapy and related clinical services at her practice for approximately nine months.
The Department of Health presented an investigative report and an administrative complaint alleging that Ms. Zucker aided, assisted, procured, employed or advised the unlicensed individual to practice clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling without proper registration. The materials the board considered included employment contracts, patient records that contained assessments, treatment plans and clinical documentation attributed to the unlicensed provider, and the respondent’s written statements.
Respondent counsel described personal mitigating circumstances — including bereavement and business growth challenges — and described steps the practice has taken since the incident: revised hiring and background-check procedures, new supervisory arrangements, monthly case consultation and updated standard operating procedures. Counsel also highlighted respondent’s cooperative engagement with the department and prior history with no discipline.
Board members discussed harm to clients, the need to deter unlicensed practice, and the appropriate sanction range under the board’s disciplinary guidelines. The board adopted the conclusions of law that the conduct constituted a violation of the practice act. The board decided a sanction short of revocation was appropriate in light of mitigating circumstances and corrective measures. The board voted to impose the following discipline:
- A reprimand and an administrative fine of $1,000, payable within two years (board amended initial timing to align with probation); - One year suspension of the Florida license followed by one year of probation; - During the probationary period, the respondent must complete 18 hours of continuing education (10 hours ethics, 8 hours Florida laws and rules) within one year; and - Costs in the amount of $2,003.88 to be paid within two years as a condition of probation.
The board also directed that the respondent follow the rule requiring a disciplined qualified supervisor to notify supervisees and to terminate supervisory relationships as required when a final order is filed. A final order will reflect these conditions and the enforcement timelines.
Board members said the sanction aims to protect patients, hold the licensee accountable for oversight responsibilities, and preserve access to grief‑specialty services while ensuring safeguards were put in place.