To Whom It May Concern:
This notice is to inform current and former clients, employees, interns and independent contractors of New Season Counseling, located in Houston, Texas, that a potential class action investigation is being initiated regarding a series of serious ethical, professional, and legal concerns.
Overview of Allegations:
New Season Counseling is under review for possible violations of Texas state laws and federal regulations, including but not limited to:
1. Violations of Mental Health Ethics and Licensing Standards
- Breach of Client Confidentiality: Failure to maintain confidentiality as mandated by Texas law and licensing board regulations.
- Improper Record-Keeping: Inadequate maintenance of accurate and secure documentation required for mental health providers.
- Unprofessional or Misleading Conduct: Engagement in actions that may constitute fraud or misrepresentation under state ethics codes.
- Negligent Hiring of Known Abusers: Employment of individuals with histories of abusive behavior, including allegations involving a family member of the business owner. This practice raises significant concerns about client safety and the ethical standards of the organization.
- Unsafe Clinical Environment: The presence of employees with known abusive histories contributes to an environment that compromises the safety and well-being of clients and staff, potentially leading to exploitation or harm.
- Risk to Future Licensure: Student interns exposed to unethical or non-compliant practices may face challenges in meeting licensure requirements, jeopardizing their professional development and future careers.
2. Labor Law Violations
- Employee Misclassification: Allegations that workers were misclassified as independent contractors, resulting in loss of benefits, protections, and lawful wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
- Wage and Hour Violations: Claims of unpaid wages and failure to meet minimum wage or overtime requirements.
- Wage Theft: Allegations of intentional underpayment or nonpayment of wages for work performed, including misclassification to avoid wage obligations. This includes failure to issue proper pay, delays in payment, and denial of earned compensation—potentially violating both the FLSA and Texas Payday Law.
3. Tax Reporting Irregularities
- Improper Tax Reporting: Concerns that income was improperly reported or withheld for tax purposes, leading to possible IRS violations, back taxes, or financial liabilities for workers.
Next Steps:
If you are a former or current:
- Employee, intern or contractor of New Season Counseling,
- Client who experienced a breach of confidentiality or unethical care,
- Or if you have information that may support this investigation,
You may be eligible to join a potential class action lawsuit or provide a witness statement.
To Learn More or Share Your Experience (Confidentially):
Please contact
Email: mail@newseasoncounseling.com
All submissions will be kept strictly confidential.
Why This Matters:
Mental health providers have a legal and moral responsibility to protect the safety and dignity of their clients and employees. Allegations involving the hiring of known abusers, unethical business practices, and labor exploitation must be taken seriously and addressed through proper legal channels.
This notice serves to inform and empower affected individuals to come forward and seek accountability. This notice is not yet a legal filing but is the first step toward formal action. If enough affected individuals come forward, legal proceedings may follow to seek justice and restitution.