Colorado Doctor’s Ketamine Therapy Practices Under Legal Scrutiny

A Colorado physician faces mounting legal challenges over his conduct during ketamine therapy sessions. This case has sparked discussions about patient vulnerability and professional ethics in alternative treatment settings.

5 Key Points

  • Dr. Mark Young faces criminal charges and a civil lawsuit for alleged sexual misconduct.
  • The accusations stem from ketamine therapy sessions at his clinic.
  • Two patients have filed a lawsuit claiming negligence and sexual assault.
  • Young’s medical license has been suspended pending the outcome of his criminal case.
  • The incidents allegedly occurred between 2020 and 2023.

Dual Legal Battles Unfold

Dr. Mark Young, a Colorado-based physician, now confronts both criminal and civil legal challenges related to his conduct during ketamine therapy sessions. In April, authorities charged Young with four counts of criminal sexual contact after five patients reported inappropriate touching and kissing at his clinic.

The situation has escalated with two patients, identified as “Jane Doe #1” and “Jane Doe #2,” filing a civil lawsuit against Young and his business entities, including Apex Ketamine Therapy. The legal action alleges negligence and sexual assault, claiming Young violated personal boundaries while patients were under the influence of ketamine.

Lawsuit Unveils Disturbing Claims

According to the lawsuit filed in Garfield County court, the alleged misconduct occurred between 2020 and 2023. The plaintiffs accuse Young of removing clothing, fondling, and kissing them without consent during therapy sessions. One plaintiff is described as physically disabled, reportedly unable to prevent the alleged assault.

The lawsuit states, “Defendant Young violated the personal boundaries of Plaintiffs while they were under the influence of the ketamine administered by him and while operating within the course and scope of his employment with Defendant Young Companies.”

Professional Standing in Jeopardy

Young has been released on a $10,000 bond as the criminal case progresses and is scheduled for an arraignment hearing in October. In response to the allegations, the state medical board has suspended Young’s medical license pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

The civil lawsuit, filed by attorney Gregory Gold, seeks to hold Young and his businesses accountable for the alleged misconduct. This legal action highlights the potential vulnerabilities patients may face during alternative medical treatments, particularly those involving consciousness-altering substances.

Ripple Effects in the Medical Community

This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining professional boundaries and ethical conduct in medical settings, especially in treatments involving altered states of consciousness. It raises questions about safeguards and oversight in alternative therapies like ketamine treatment.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the medical community and patients will watch closely. The outcome may reshape how alternative therapies are administered and monitored, potentially leading to stricter regulations or guidelines to protect patient safety and trust in medical professionals.