Moses Lake-based DOC counselor accused of inappropriate relationship with client

MOSES LAKE — A mental health counselor whose practice credential has expired will have until Aug. 31 to answer charges of unprofessional conduct from the Washington Department of Health. The charges stem from an alleged relationship with a client.

Denise O’Berry was working for the Washington Department of Corrections in Moses Lake at the time of the alleged incident, according to a “statement of charges” filed by WDOH. While her practice credential has expired, it’s still eligible for renewal.

“Respondent (O’Berry) started working for DOC in 2012 as a custody officer, becoming a mental health counselor sometime in 2015,” the statement said. “While working in the Skill Builder Unit as a counselor, working with cognitively-challenged inmates, Respondent became acquainted with Patient A, an inmate assigned to the SBU.”

The statement alleges O’Berry was in contact with the patient for about five months, establishing an alias that she used to communicate with the patient. “From approximately March 1, 2016, until Aug. 23, 2016, Patient A placed 722 phone calls to a woman by the name of Ashley Frieze. In listening to the calls (they’re recorded), DOC investigators felt the female’s voice seemed familiar - it sounded like the voice of the Respondent.

“(Department of Corrections) determined the respondent, posing as Ashley Frieze, had numerous telephone calls with Patient A. Several of those conversations involved Respondent describing her desire to have sexual contact, or having had sexual contact, with Patient A.

“On Aug. 16, 2016, DOC investigators interviewed Respondent, where she admitted, using an alias, to communicating with Patient A. She also admitted having sexual contact with Patient A in a closet located within the SBU classroom. A video shows respondent, in July 18, 2016, entering a SBU closet with Patient A following her shortly thereafter. Respondent, in a later interview, confirmed she had sexual intercourse with Patient A.”

O’Berry was charged by DOH with unprofessional conduct. Charges were filed Aug. 11, and she has 20 days from the filing date to request a hearing. “If Respondent fails to defend against these charges, Respondent shall be subject to discipline and imposition of sanctions.”

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.