N.J. revokes psychologist's license

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TRENTON, N.J., Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A New Jersey board has revoked the license of a psychologist who allegedly tried to get a 3-year-old girl to report sexual abuse by her father.

The Board of Psychological Examiners acted Nov. 5, following the recommendation of an Administrative Law Judge that Marsha Kleinman manipulated the toddler in interviews in 2003 and 2004, when she was the focus of a custody dispute, The Star-Ledger of Newark reported. Judge Edith Klinger reviewed videotapes of the sessions.

"She must not be allowed to engage in course of action with respect to any other child," Klinger said in her finding.

Kleinman, who has frequently testified as an expert witness in child abuse cases, denied any misconduct.

"I have been a dedicated professional psychologist who has dedicated my career to protecting abused children," she told the Star-Ledger Tuesday.

In a complaint filed by the state attorney general in 2007, prosecutors said Kleinman used persuasion and also gave the girl toys or took them away in an effort to get her to repeat her mother's charges of sexual abuse.

On a website titled "The Truth About Dr. Kleinman," Kleinman said she has been targeted by "so-called father's rights groups." She said she was appointed by the court to serve as the girl's advocate and described the therapy sessions as "routine" and as ones where the girl was given the opportunity to say what had happened in her own words.