Alcohol and Drug Counselor Suspended 5 Years, Fined $20K for Alleged Sexual Misconduct at Rehab Facilities

Jon E. Boschen barred from practicing counseling or supervision in New Jersey after state finds pattern of harassment, inappropriate relationships, and client complaints.

A licensed alcohol and drug counselor from Sussex County has been suspended from practice for five years and ordered to pay a $20,000 civil penalty following allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, and professional violations at multiple rehabilitation facilities, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced.

Jon E. Boschen, who also held a license as a clinical social worker, allegedly engaged in a pattern of harassment and intimidation involving two female subordinates at a rehab center, including entering into a personal and sexual relationship with one of them. In a separate incident, Boschen was terminated from another counseling position after a client reported repeated inappropriate, sexualized comments made by Boschen during therapy sessions.

PENALTIES

Under a final consent order filed with the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners’ Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee and the State Board of Social Work Examiners, Boschen agreed to a five-year suspension of both his licenses. He will pay $10,000 to each board, totaling $20,000 in civil penalties.

During the suspension, Boschen is barred from all forms of mental health counseling, life coaching, clinical supervision, or expert consulting—whether paid, unpaid, or volunteer. He is also prohibited from profiting from or managing others' counseling work and may not supervise or influence counseling or social work practices in any form within New Jersey. The suspension will pause if he practices in another state.

INVESTIGATION

The investigation was led by the Division of Consumer Affairs’ Enforcement Bureau, and the state was represented by Deputy Attorney General Michelle Mikelberg, under Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section.

Patients who believe they have experienced inappropriate conduct by a licensed health professional can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting www.njconsumeraffairs.gov or calling 973-504-6200. Multilingual resources for reporting sexual misconduct are also available on the Division’s website.