Former Selkirk Mental Health Centre patient sues over alleged intimate relationship with psychologist

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This article was published 15/06/2023 (877 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A former Selkirk Mental Health Centre patient — who was held there after being found not criminally responsible for a slaying in 2000 — has filed a lawsuit against the hospital, province and a psychologist he alleges had an inappropriate relationship with him while in her care.

The lawsuit was filed May 11 in Manitoba Court of King’s Bench by Winnipeg lawyer Robert Tapper. None of the defendants have filed statements of defence.

The plaintiff is referred to in the court papers as John Doe 2023, after his legal representatives successfully applied for a court order later in May to have Justice Vic Toews seal his name from the public record.

In order to grant that anonymity, the plaintiff’s lawyer had to demonstrate court openness would pose a risk to the public interest.

The accuser was in a psychotic break when he committed a slaying May 2, 2000, but was found not criminally responsible.

He was lodged at the Selkirk hospital from 2001 until May 1, 2023, according to the court documents.

He alleges he met the psychologist at the hospital in February 2019, when she began to see him as a patient.

The statement of claim alleges the psychologist professed her love to the patient and they began an intimate relationship, which lasted until the summer of 2022. The relationship included outings from the hospital and “acts of intimacy,” the suit claims.

The court papers allege the psychologist took advantage of the plaintiff, who she knew was a vulnerable person due to his mental health, as well as his incarceration.

The statement of claim seeks general, punitive, exemplary, aggravated and special damages to be determined by the court as well as legal costs.

Tapper would not comment on the civil suit when reached by the Free Press.

Shared Health, which oversees the facility, would not comment as the matter is before the court. A spokesperson confirmed the psychologist named in the lawsuit was formerly an employee at Selkirk Mental Health Centre, but would not elaborate further.

The psychologist could not be reached for comment. A review of the regulatory body the Psychologist Association of Manitoba’s directory shows she has had no recent disciplinary actions against her.

Association registrar Harold Wallbridge said, generally speaking, any complaint is taken seriously and investigated fully, but noted he was unable to comment on any complaints until a decision is made.

erik.pindera@winnipegfreepress.com