Richmond psychotherapist guilty of healthcare fraud to pay out over $1 million

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Richmond psychotherapist was found guilty of committing healthcare fraud over the course of several years. After agreeing on a settlement for additional Virginia Medicaid and Medicare fraud claims, he will pay out over $1 million.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), 72-year-old Daniel Jacobson is a licensed clinical social worker who was previously convicted of criminal healthcare fraud.

He faced further civil claims in connection with alleged Virginia Medicaid and Medicare fraud committed between January 2017 and December 2022.

Per court documents, Jacobson was accused of filing claims for Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement for services that did not occur.

"To support his fraudulent claims, Jacobsen used false psychotherapy progress notes reflecting the patients’ supposed receipt of services," the DOJ said.

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Jacobson pleaded guilty to his criminal charges in October 2024 and was later sentenced to three months in prison in March. He was also ordered to pay just over $752,000 in restitution, forfeitures and fines.

To resolve the civil claims, Jacobson agreed to pay a settlement of about $449,000 -- meaning that, in total, he will pay over $1.2 million altogether to resolve his criminal and civil charges.

The DOJ noted that, by settling, Jacobson did not admit liability for these civil claims, nor did the court determine whether or not he was guilty.