Story perspectives

Psychiatrist Accused of Manipulating Patients for Personal Gain

3/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

A podcast reports that psychiatrist Ike Herschkopf manipulated patients by crossing professional boundaries.
One patient, impressed by an unannounced workplace visit, funded lavish therapy and named him in her will.
Another patient, Marty Markowitz, sought help during a family dispute but remained controlled by Herschkopf for 30 years.
Dr. Paul Appelbaum cautioned that boundary violations benefit the therapist and harm the patient, even when intentions seem benign.

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Story summary

A podcast reports that psychiatrist Ike Herschkopf manipulated patients by crossing professional boundaries.
One patient, impressed by an unannounced workplace visit, funded lavish therapy and named him in her will.
Another patient, Marty Markowitz, sought help during a family dispute but remained controlled by Herschkopf for 30 years.
Dr. Paul Appelbaum cautioned that boundary violations benefit the therapist and harm the patient, even when intentions seem benign.