High court will look at false memories case

HOUGHTON (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to take an unusual case involving an Upper Peninsula counselor and a teen’s false memories of sexual abuse.

The teen’s parents are accusing Kathryn Salmi of malpractice in Houghton County. They say their daughter falsely accused the father of sexual abuse because of Salmi’s counseling techniques.

Authorities investigated but no charges were filed. The state appeals court, in a 2-1 decision last year, said Salmi could be sued by the parents.

Now the Michigan Supreme Court will look at the case. The court will consider whether a mental health professional has a duty of care to third parties who could be harmed by certain techniques.

Salmi denies any malpractice and says she doesn’t practice repressed memory therapy.