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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Woman sues mental health provider for 'sexual exploitation'

For more than a year, Stephanie Kemmerling sought mental health services from Bryan Sims, during which time they allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship.

On Jan. 26 Kemmerling filed suit against Sims and his employer, Southeast Texas Medical Associates, in Jefferson County District Court, alleging Sims used "therapeutic deception" to sexually exploit her.

According to the lawsuit, Kemmerling began seeing Sims on Jan. 30, 2009. Sims provided mental health services and changed Kemmerling's medication from Paxil to Seroquel.

According to a HIPAA website provider listing, Sims has a master's degree in nursing, is board certified as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and is a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner.

"During this visit, defendant Sims engaged in sexual exploitation and/or therapeutic deception and/or sexual contact ... of plaintiff," the suit states.

Kemmerling continued seeing Sims both professionally and sexually for another year and he even became her preceptor for nurse practitioner training on Jan. 18, 2010.

In her suit, Kemmerling accuses the defendants of concealing from her their acts of negligence and inappropriate conduct.

As a result of the defendants' conduct, Kemmerling alleges she and her husband suffered economic damages associated with relocation and reemployment.

She also says she has suffered emotional distress, mental anguish and harm to her family relationship.

Houston attorney Micky Das of Tyler & Das represents her.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. D191-821

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