Unlicensed Florida Therapist Counseled Sexual Abuse Victims: Cops

SARASOTA, FL — An unlicensed Florida therapist allegedly counseled sexual abuse victims and people who suffered from weight and anxiety issues for more than two years, according to the Sarasota Police Department. Forty-three-year-old Phillip Stutzman of Lakewood Ranch is facing three charges of unlicensed practice of a healthcare professional.

"Three different female victims have come forward," said Genevieve Judge of the agency on Tuesday in announcing the charges. "Sarasota Police detectives believe there are additional victims."

One female patient allegedly confided to Stutzman that she was suicidal and had suicidal thoughts in February of 2018 but he did not report the conversation to anyone, including the woman's mother, according to arrest documents.

A female patient told police that Stutzman talked about his own sexual encounters with women for the first 10 minutes of their sessions, which left her feeling uncomfortable.

"She said that he had also purchased a sex toy for her to bring home and gave it to her during one of their sessions.," court documents said.

On another occasion, Stuzman allegedly invited a female patient to accompany him to a conference in Miami.

Stutzman, who is also known as Dr. Phillip Nikao, allegedly provided his therapy services "under false pretenses" between October 2016 and January 2019. His office was located on the seventh floor of 1990 Main Street.

"Stutzman claimed to have a master’s degree in neuroscience and a doctorate in psychology that he obtained online," said Judge. "Since 2016, Stutzman was providing services for individuals who had been sexually abused and for individuals with weight and anxiety problems."

Arrest documents said Stutzman charged a mother and daughter $150 per month for sessions and bartered with one patient for packs of "keto" on occasion.

The Florida Department of Health was not able to find any valid licenses for Stutzman or anyone with the last name of Nikao, according to Judge. Court documents said Stutzman may not even hold a high school GED certificate.

"Detectives also contacted the university Stutzman claimed his degrees were from and learned the degrees were falsified," Judge said.

Stutzman was arrested on Thursday and was subsequently released on bond.

To report a tip, call Detective Ross Revill at 941-954-7092 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or by clicking here.