COLUMBUS (OH)
Canton Repository
By PAUL E. KOSTYU Copley Columbus Bureau chief
COLUMBUS — Sex and money.
That’s the crux of the accusations that could cost Dennis Bliss his counseling license in Ohio.
The Plain Township man was fired by Nova Behavioral Health after he was accused of inappropriate behavior and relationships with clients. Nova is losing millions in tax funding because the Stark County Community Mental Health Board concluded Nova didn’t do enough to protect its clients from Bliss.
Now Bliss faces the loss of his license amidst accusations that he engaged in oral sex, made threats to keep clients quiet and filed falsified bills for counseling.
Bliss said Tuesday the accusations are false and he wants a hearing to prove it.
The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board notified Bliss of the charges in a letter sent Friday. He has 30 days to request a hearing. He faces revocation or suspension of his license or other disciplinary action.
Bliss, a suspended Catholic priest, said he is out of work and has applied for unemployment benefits.