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A local licensed professional counselor has forfeited his license to practice after the state accused him of inappropriate conduct with three of his clients.

The counselor, Joseph Scott Bean was a licensed professional counselor, marital and family therapist and license pastoral therapist. His license was voluntarily forfeited this past October and he paid $1,000 to the state. The incidents brought forward by the state happened between 2018 and 2020.

While not admitting to wrongdoing, Bean chose not to contest the allegations against him involving three clients. In the first case, investigators maintained he took one of his clients out and paid for their meal. Investigators further maintained he had hugged three clients in violation of rules regarding his position. Further, and most seriously, state investigators say he alluded to and discussed “inappropriate sexual situations.”

“If a hearing was held on this matter, the respondent (Bean) is prepared to show he did not violate any ethical boundaries,” Bean’s defense maintained. “However, for personal and health reasons, and without admitting any wrongdoing as alleged by the state, Respondent has elected not to contest the allegations.”

Regardless of Bean’s stance, the state says his surrender of his license is treated as revocation. The decision by the state was made over the summer and Bean was required to turn in his license in October.