Connecticut child psychologist Dr. Michael B. Pines has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for defrauding Medicaid of $1.67 million in one of the state’s biggest fraud cases. Pines, who specialized in treating children with attachment disorders, was found guilty of overbilling Medicaid for psychotherapy services for nearly seven years. Prosecutors revealed that Pines spent the stolen money on extravagant trips to various international destinations, jewelry, and mortgage payments for his adult son. Pines attributed his actions to irrational fear and anxiety in court filings, while prosecutors argued greed was the true motivation behind his crimes.
During his lengthy career, Pines was known for his work with children and adolescents dealing with various mental health issues. Despite his expertise in the field, Pines submitted false claims for non-existent treatments to Medicaid on a daily basis, according to prosecutors. He was found to be billing Medicaid for long hours of services while also treating private paying clients. In addition to his prison sentence, Pines has been ordered to repay the stolen money and has returned over $500,000 so far.
Pines’ actions have shocked the community and the mental health profession, with many questioning how someone with his background and experience could commit such a crime. His sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical behavior in the field of psychology and the consequences of defrauding government programs.
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