Washington Health Department Charges Former Counselor Over Boundary Violations
The Washington State Department of Health has filed formal charges against Jacqueline Renee Alley, a now-former agency-affiliated counselor, citing concerns about her ability to practice counseling competently and safely.
The statement of charges, dated May 14, 2026, outlines allegations tied to Alley’s work with a client who lived with her for multiple months in 2025. Alley obtained her counseling credential in February 2023, and her license lapsed on August 17, 2025.
According to the document, Alley began serving as a peer counselor for “Client A” no later than May 5, 2025. Soon after, the client moved into Alley’s residence, initiating an extended cohabitation period. During this time, the department reports, professional boundaries shifted significantly.
One notable incident involved an email Alley sent to Client A around July 20, 2025, outlining her preferences in a romantic partner. The department notes that in the message, Alley described wanting someone who made her feel “desired, sexy, and loved”—a disclosure that, per the charging document, crossed into personal territory inappropriate for a counselor-client dynamic.
Alleged boundary disruptions intensified later that summer. The department states that in July 2025, Alley engaged in a physical confrontation with Client A, during which she both initiated physical aggression toward the client and engaged in self-harm behaviors.
Compounding these concerns, Alley acknowledged facing significant personal mental health challenges. As documented in the statement, she reported undergoing a “complete mental breakdown” in October 2025. She also confirmed, as of January 27, 2026, experiencing recurring thoughts related to self-harm and suicide.
The charges formally notify Alley of potential disciplinary measures. She now has the option to request a hearing to address the department’s findings. Any such proceeding would focus specifically on whether her current condition impairs her capacity to deliver counseling services effectively.
Should Alley choose not to contest the charges—or if a reviewing authority concludes her practice poses a risk to the public—disciplinary action, including sanctions, could follow.