Lawsuit against psychologist settled on eve of trial

BURLINGTON, Vt. --A lawsuit against a Norwich psychologist accused of initiating a nine-month affair with a former patient was settled days before it was to go to trial.

The details of the settlement between Norwich therapist Monica Descamps and Jill Davis of New Hampshire were not released.

Jury selection had been scheduled to begin Tuesday.

"Jill is very happy with the result," said Davis's attorney John Maley. "That's the only comment we can make."

Descamps' attorney Eric Poehlmann declined to comment.

Davis sued her former therapist in May 2006 for unspecified financial damages.

In her lawsuit, Davis said she sought counseling with Descamps in February 2003. The therapy lasted last until February 2004. At that point the psychologist ended counseling and initiated a romantic relationship with Davis, which lasted nine months.

Davis said she suffered post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety attacks, trouble sleeping and suicidal thoughts.

In court papers, Descamps acknowledged the improper conduct. She reported herself to the state Board of Psychological Examiners, but disagreed about the extent of harm it caused Davis. The board suspended Descamps' license for six months, ending Jan. 1.

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Information from: The Burlington Free Press, http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com