Alison Winter, the therapist of serial killer Rex Heuermann, has been charged with multiple felonies for allegedly practicing clinical social work in New York without a license. Prosecutors say Winter received approximately $60,000 in reimbursement payments for insurance claims from 2018 to 2024 despite lacking the required clinical social work license, according to Newsday, which cited prosecutors.

Winter obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University in 1999. However, a search of the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions found no record of her holding a license under the Master Social Worker category.

The insurance companies involved, including UnitedHealthcare and Medicare, require masters-level clinicians who work independently to hold a state license to be part of their network. Winter’s charges include grand larceny in the second and third degrees, scheme to defraud, and 14 counts of unauthorized practice of a profession, as confirmed by a Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman.

Melissa McCardle, a licensed clinical social worker and dean at Molloy University, emphasized that "nobody in New York State can practice psychotherapy as a social worker without a license." She explained that psychotherapists with a Master’s Degree in Social Work must pass a licensure exam and complete three years of supervised employment before practicing independently.

Winter was charged in 2024 and currently faces felony charges related to these allegations.

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