NYC Therapist Accused of Sexually Assaulting Two Patients

A therapist operating a private practice in Manhattan that served gay men has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting two patients, authorities announced Thursday.

Joseph LoGuidice, identified as the clinical director of Liberation Psychotherapy, formerly known as Variety Practice, is accused of rape and multiple counts of criminal sex act. Prosecutors allege that in November 2022, LoGuidice anally raped a patient in his office. This occurred after the patient, who was seeking therapy for a previous sexual assault, informed LoGuidice that he was recovering from anal surgery and did not wish to engage in sexual activity.

According to Assistant District Attorney Claudia Khoury-Yacoub, LoGuidice began making advances toward the patient after the individual started therapy in the fall of 2022. During a session, LoGuidice allegedly made a "flirtatious comment," kissed the patient, and then closed the blinds in his office. The patient then reportedly performed oral and anal sex on LoGuidice. The prosecutor stated that LoGuidice instructed the patient not to inform his individual therapist.

In a separate incident, LoGuidice is accused of anally raping the same patient. Following this encounter, LoGuidice allegedly told the patient to "attend the other sessions…. [where] men there were hotter." The patient experienced panic attacks after the assault and reported the incident on August 18, 2026.

Prosecutors also allege that LoGuidice sexually assaulted a second patient who was seeking help for an abusive relationship in the fall of 2022. This patient reportedly felt uncomfortable when LoGuidice made comments about his attractiveness and allegedly commented on his penis. On January 8, 2024, LoGuidice is accused of kissing the patient in a bathroom during a therapy session, then leading him to an office under construction where they allegedly engaged in oral sex. LoGuidice reportedly told the patient not to tell anyone, fearing repercussions.

Evidence presented by prosecutors included a text message allegedly sent by LoGuidice to the second patient in November 2025, which read, "When can I suck on that d—k."

LoGuidice faces charges including rape in the third degree, sexual abuse, and 10 counts of criminal sex act in the third degree. He was held on $100,000 cash bail or a $300,000 partially secured bond.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated, "Liberation Psychotherapy’s clinical director, Joseph LoGuidice, allegedly sexually assaulted two patients in his care at the very practice he founded. While expressly described as an LGBTQ-centered practice, we allege that LoGuidice abused the trust placed in him as a therapist to sexually assault members of the LGBTQ community he serves. This investigation is ongoing."