CHARLESTON — A man is suing Ten-Up Ministries and a therapist who caused him harm while he was participating in a substance abuse program.
Ten-Up Ministries is doing business as Anchor Project Center.
J.M. sought healthcare services from Anchor Project as part of a court-ordered treatment/recovery program for substance abuse and behavioral health disorders on Oct. 29, 2019, and as part of the program, he was required to live in the facility and attend one to three therapy sessions per week, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Dolance
J.M. claims he was Lisa Walters, a therapist, and within a few weeks, she began making suggestive comments and acting jealous when J.M. would discuss anything about his girlfriend at the time. He claims Walters made it clear that she could "help (him) or hurt (him)."
The plaintiff did not want to be discharged from Anchor Project, so he complied with Walters' advances toward him, despite being uncomfortable doing so, according to the suit.
J.M. claims he eventually reported Walters, but nothing was done about her actions. When he was released from the program, he attempted to completely cut ties with Walters, but she has continued to contact him, his friends and his family members.
J.M. is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is represented by Jack Dolance of Warner Law Office in Charleston.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 21-C-444