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Sex with homeless: counselor accused

A Compass Health counselor allegedly admits to a relationship with a Haven House resident.

By Sharon Salyer
Herald Writer

EVERETT -- A Compass Health counselor's license has been suspended for having a sexual relationship with someone living at a shelter for mentally ill homeless young adults.

Carli R. Brown worked as a supervisor of a transitional living program at Haven House in Everett. Between September and November, Brown had what the state Department of Health describes as a romantic and sexual relationship with a Haven House client, who is not named.

Haven House is a boarding home for up to 12 homeless young adults, generally 18 to 24 years old.

Brown allegedly admitted having sex with the client in her home at least three times, according to state investigators. She is accused of touching or fondling the client in a sexual manner, and writing the client letters in which she described her deep emotional attachment to the patient and "suggested the possibility of having children" with the client.

Brown's duties included providing general support for clients at the boarding home, such as assisting with meals and housekeeping, according to Tom Sebastian, Compass Health's chief executive.

Employees licensed to work as registered counselors do not provide psychological counseling to clients, he said.

The state's professional disciplinary board found Brown's actions to be an abuse of "a position of trust and violation of the patient/practitioner boundaries." It took emergency action to suspend her license on Friday.

Brown could not be reached for comment Tuesday. The state Department of Health said they had no record of an attorney representing Brown. She has up to 20 days to appeal the charges.

Brown was first hired by Compass Health in May 2006, according to the state. Compass Health is a nonprofit organization that provides mental health services in Snohomish, Island, Skagit and San Juan counties.

Sebastian said Brown is not currently employed by the organization. He declined to comment on the charges against her or make any other statement about her case.

Many Haven House clients have been diagnosed with mental health problems and some drug or alcohol problems, Sebastian said.

The organization has a policy of conducting an immediate investigation "when any issue is brought to our attention that relates to potential inappropriate care of any of our clients," he said. That can result in reporting the incident to the state licensing authority and the immediate removal of the employee from the work site.

Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.