The Washington State Department of Health reported that it suspended the credentials of a South Whidbey marriage and family therapist who exploited a vulnerable adult patient.

Daniel Haldeman cannot work as a therapist in Washington state for at least 18 months. Before petitioning for reinstatement, he must undergo a psychological evaluation in which the evaluator will issue a recommendation of whether he can return to practice without posing a threat to patients, according to an agreed order.

The victim in the case was a middle-aged man who suffered a traumatic brain injury that affected his judgment, decision-making and ability to keep his thoughts together, according to the findings of facts in the case. The victim’s mother was appointed as his guardian and he was stripped of all his assets and not legally entitled to sign contracts or do business.

Haldeman was aware of the man’s condition and situation, the report said.

In 2013, the man’s mother opened a letter from the federal government. It stated that her son’s request to endorse Haldeman’s $60,000 student loan was approved.

Haldeman admitted that he told the man to sign the loan document, according to the findings of fact.

Adult Protective Services conducted an investigation and concluded that Haldeman exploited a vulnerable adult.