Judge Temporarily Shuts Down Paramus Stress Clinic Amid Claims of Unlicensed Practice

Wayne man allegedly posed as doctor, psychologist, and counselor without credentials, state lawsuit alleges.

A Superior Court judge has issued a temporary injunction prohibiting a Passaic County man from offering medical, psychological, and counseling services at a Paramus clinic, following allegations that he practiced without proper licensure or training.

The order, issued on September 24, 2025, by Judge Nicholas Ostuni, Sr. in Bergen County, was sought by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Consumer Affairs in a civil lawsuit against Imran Rasid, of Wayne, and his business, Stress Reduction Clinic, Inc., located in Paramus. The court order immediately halts all operations under the clinic’s name and bars Rasid from providing any services that require state licensure, pending further legal proceedings.

According to the verified complaint, Rasid has never held a New Jersey license to practice medicine, psychology, counseling, therapy, or addiction treatment—yet marketed and delivered such services under titles including “Dr. Imran Rasid,” “MD, PhD,” and “Board Certified Therapist.” The State alleges that Rasid’s promotional materials—including business cards, social media, and client communications—misrepresented his qualifications and violated multiple professional licensing statutes, as well as the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA).

“New Jersey’s licensing requirements are in place to protect the safety and welfare of the public by ensuring healthcare practitioners are qualified, competent, and practicing in accordance with the ethical and professional standards set by our licensing boards,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We thank the Court for acting to protect the public by granting our request to immediately bar this unlicensed practitioner from treating patients as we move forward with a lawsuit to permanently enjoin him from putting the public at risk through his unlawful conduct.”

Allegations of Misrepresentation and Harm to Patients

The Division of Consumer Affairs launched an investigation after receiving complaints from both licensed professionals and clients who questioned Rasid’s qualifications.

One complaint came from a licensed marriage and family therapist who reported that a patient had left his care to see Rasid. After reviewing the Stress Reduction Clinic’s website, the therapist raised concerns about misleading language and possible unlicensed practice.

Another complaint was filed with the State Board of Psychological Examiners by a woman—identified in court documents as Patient 1—who sought treatment from Rasid for anxiety. During online sessions, Rasid allegedly claimed to be a medical doctor trained in Istanbul, a Ph.D. in psychology, and an addiction counselor. Patient 1 stated that Rasid avoided submitting her insurance claims and ultimately ended therapy abruptly by text message, claiming a medical emergency and promising a refund.

A third complaint involved Patient 2, who reported sexually inappropriate behavior. She alleged that Rasid, while acting as her counselor, made personal advances, including expressing romantic interest, saving her photo from social media, and sending inappropriate texts.

“Imran Rasid has gone to great lengths to trick people into believing he has the requisite education, training, and licensure to practice medicine and mental health services in New Jersey, when in reality, nothing could be further from the truth,” said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Protecting consumers from this kind of blatant fraud is a matter of public health and safety and we will take every step necessary to put a stop to it.”

Undercover Operation Supports State's Case

In May 2024, an undercover investigator from the Division met with Rasid at the Paramus clinic. During two sessions, Rasid allegedly introduced himself as a physician and psychologist, claimed employment with local hospitals, and stated he was a world-renowned therapist who had treated celebrities and political figures. Rasid also allegedly diagnosed the investigator with a panic disorder, offered alcohol counseling, and promoted couples therapy—all without any apparent licensure.

The State's seven-count complaint accuses Rasid of:

• Unlicensed practice of medicine, psychology, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, and addiction counseling

• Misrepresentations under the Consumer Fraud Act

• Unconscionable commercial practices under the CFA

The complaint also names Stress Reduction Clinic, Inc. as a co-defendant and seeks a permanent injunction prohibiting both Rasid and the clinic from offering or advertising professional services without proper credentials. The State is also seeking civil penalties, restitution to affected clients, and reimbursement of investigative and legal costs.

Pending Ruling on Hypnocounseling

The court has not yet ruled on whether Rasid may continue to practice hypnocounseling, a technique that may be offered by unlicensed individuals for non-clinical stress management. Rasid’s counsel has requested permission to continue this service, but the State has objected, citing trust concerns regarding his compliance with legal boundaries.

Ongoing Investigation

The State is represented by Deputy Attorney General Yudelka R. Felipe, supervised by Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section. The Division of Consumer Affairs’ Enforcement Bureau conducted the investigation.

The Division urges any individuals who believe they were treated by an unlicensed professional—or experienced misconduct from a licensed one—to report concerns through its website or by calling the Division of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-242-5846 (toll-free in New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

This case remains pending in Superior Court, and the temporary injunction will remain in effect until a final resolution is reached.