Psychotherapist Accused of Groping Patients Has License Restricted

LAKELAND, FL — A 71-year-old Lakeland psychotherapist accused of inappropriately touching female patients has had his license to practice restricted by the Florida Department of Health. The agency has restricted Anthony H. Conti Jr. from providing mental health counseling to female patients.

In an order issued Oct. 24 that was announced Nov. 3, the state said it was also “seeking formal discipline” of Conti’s license. How soon a hearing might be held remains unclear.

Conti was first arrested in late September for allegedly telling female patients sexual contact by him was part of their therapy. More charges were added in the criminal case against him in October when four more victims came forward.

Conti's original arrest came after the first two alleged victims worked with undercover detectives from the Lakeland Police Department. One of the victims met with Conti on Sept. 27 at his Tony Conti, M.A. Counseling Center, 1962 E. Edgewood Drive.

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The victim “asked Conti about him touching her during the previous therapy (session),” an email from the police department said. “Conti advised he does this because he is trying to restart the body and he referenced to touching the butt, breasts and vagina. Conti spoke of several other techniques, such as pelvic floor stimulation, and how they help relieve depression.”

Conti was arrested shortly after that September visit.

Police on Wednesday, Oct. 19, said four more victims had been identified.

“The first three (new) victims all involved ‘messaging/touching therapy’ by Conti letting the victim believe that sexual contact by the him is consistent with or part of the treatment,” a Wednesday email from police said. “The fourth victim, was similar in circumstances and in this case, Conti touched the victim’s genitals on two separate occasions.”

In its disciplinary report, the state noted "Mr. Conti's continued unrestricted practice as a mental health counselor constitutes an immediate, serious danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of the State of Florida."

Conti remained in the Polk County Jail on Friday, Nov. 4. He faces 11 separate counts related to sexual misconduct.

To read the Florida Department of Health’s full disciplinary report, visit the state’s website.

Photo courtesy of the Polk County Jail