Several Iowa mental health professionals have been charged recently with violating regulations concerning their relationships with clients. The disciplinary actions involve counselors and social workers who engaged in personal, virtual, or nonprofessional relationships with individuals under their care.
Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals Charges Counselors
The Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals filed charges against Cheryl Schromen, an Iowa-licensed mental health counselor since June 2024, for having a “relationship with a client” at some unspecified time in the past. Board documents give no indication as to where Schromen was practicing when the alleged conduct occurred. In response to the filings, Schromen agreed to surrender her license with the understanding that she can seek reinstatement in one year.
Cedar Rapids Counselor Penalized Over Snapchat Communications
In another case, the board charged Ben Mineck, an Iowa-licensed mental health counselor since October 2021, with engaging in a personal, virtual relationship, through social and other media, with individuals with whom they have a current counseling relationship. The board issued Mineck a warning and ordered him to complete 12 hours of educational training on boundaries and professionalism.
Social Worker and Temporary Counselor Sanctioned
Charity Dangelser has been an Iowa-licensed independent social worker since August 2025. Meanwhile, Tyler Gray, a mental health counselor since September 2025, received a two-year probationary status, a warning, and an order to complete a course on ethics and professionalism after entering into a nonprofessional relationship with a former client. From April to July 2025, when Gray was practicing in Iowa under a “temporary license,” he provided counseling services to an individual; the board alleges a personal relationship began after the professional relationship ended in July 2025.
Verify Counselor Licenses Through the Iowa Board
What penalties did the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals issue?
The board imposed varying sanctions depending on the case, including formal warnings, mandatory educational training on boundaries and professionalism or ethics, probationary periods lasting two years, and license surrenders.
Where did these professional violations take place?
State board documents give no indication as to where Cheryl Schromen was practicing and have not disclosed where Tyler Gray was working.
How can clients or the public verify an Iowa counselor’s license status?
The Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals maintains records regarding licensed professionals sanctioned by the board.