A Florida therapist has been arrested after authorities accused her of having a secret sexual relationship with one of her patients, including alleged encounters during therapy sessions.
Michelle Luchau-Rebora, 32, turned herself in to police on Tuesday, Sept. 1, and is facing a second-degree felony charge of a psychotherapist engaging in sexual conduct with a client without authorization, according to an arrest report cited by NBC Miami, Local 10 and WSVN.
It was not immediately clear whether Luchau-Rebora had entered a plea or retained an attorney.
At the time of the alleged relationship, Luchau-Rebora was working as an intern and serving as a mental health therapist at New Hope CORPS, an alcohol and drug treatment facility in Homestead, Florida.
According to investigators, the alleged victim was a 42-year-old man who was receiving treatment at the facility.
He told authorities that he and Luchau-Rebora were sexually involved for about three months in 2025 and that some of the encounters allegedly happened during therapy sessions, according to the arrest report.
Authorities also claim Luchau-Rebora helped create excuses that allowed the patient to leave the restricted treatment facility with authorization so the two could meet elsewhere.
Those alleged meetings reportedly took place at several locations, including Luchau-Rebora’s home, her mother’s home and a local hospital.
Investigators further allege that Luchau-Rebora told the patient to keep the relationship secret because revealing it could jeopardize her ability to work as a therapist.
The patient eventually reported the alleged relationship to the treatment center after Luchau-Rebora ended it, according to authorities.
She was subsequently fired.
New Hope CORPS later addressed the allegations in a statement.
“This is an unfortunate situation involving allegations concerning an individual who was serving as an intern with New Hope CORPS,” Executive Director Stephen Alvarez said.
“Upon becoming aware of the allegations, New Hope promptly reported the matter to the appropriate authorities and agencies, terminated the individual’s internship, and fully cooperated with the subsequent investigation.”
Luchau-Rebora appeared in court on Wednesday, Sept. 2, where a judge set her bond at $5,000, according to NBC Miami and WSVN.
I am confused, they are both adults is this now illegal to have relationships just because one is a patient and the other is a therapist. Its unethical, but hardly illegal….