Jeffrey Leoni Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Investigation

Image sources: Dr. Jeffrey Joseph Leoni, as published by the Daily Voice, courtesy of the Berks County District Attorney’s Office. Google Street View of Betterview Counseling & Trauma Recovery in Wyomissing, PA, © Google, via Google Maps.

A Berks County psychologist who claimed to help trauma survivors is now facing allegations involving sexual abuse.

Dr. Jeffrey Joseph Leoni, 54, is facing two separate criminal cases, one involving the alleged indecent assault of an adult patient, and another involving the creation and possession of child sexual abuse material.

The 2013 Case: Invasion of Privacy, Harassment, and Stalking

Leoni’s troubling conduct predates the current allegations by more than a decade. In 2013, he was charged for following two women through a grocery store, kneeling behind them, and taking pictures of them from the floor, according to a Board consent agreement and order. He was charged with a total of nine counts, including invasion of privacy, harassment, stalking, and disorderly conduct. He ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of stalking.

He was sentenced to three years of probation, with financial obligations, mandatory mental health treatment, and restrictions prohibiting any contact with the victims.

Subsequent Board Discipline

Leoni’s 2013 criminal case did not end with probation. The Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology also conducted a review of his conduct. In a disciplinary action finalized in 2016, the Board found that Leoni’s criminal conviction for stalking women in a grocery store deviated from the Board’s Code of Ethics and undermined public trust in the psychology profession.

His license to practice psychology was placed on probation for two years and subjected to strict conditions.

The consent agreement includes statements in which Leoni is described as “extremely remorseful” for any distress his behavior may have caused or “any negative impact his behavior has or may have upon the profession of psychology.” He is portrayed as a “caring psychologist” who “seeks to help his patients” and “seeks to bring no direct or indirect harm.” He is further described as hopeful that he could “continue to provide help to patients in need.”

These statements stand in sharp contrast to the current allegations, outlined below. Together, the 2013 conviction and the 2016 Board discipline show that concerns about Leoni’s conduct long predate the 2025 charges and reflect a documented pattern of predatory behavior, not an isolated event.

Understanding the Current Allegations Against Dr. Leoni

The most recent cases began to unfold in March 2025, when a 37-year-old woman sought PTSD treatment from Dr. Leoni at his Wyomissing therapy office. She reported that he “began sending her text messages offering ‘traumatic massages’ that would involve undressing to her comfort level.” (Daily Voice)

According to the criminal complaint, during a home massage session in May 2025, Leoni touched the patient multiple times in her private areas. He asked whether she was comfortable removing her underwear, telling her it was “better to have them off.” The victim believed he was not wearing any underwear himself.

A witness also told investigators that he observed Leoni groping the victim’s buttocks “very roughly.”

The woman also reported that during their sessions, Leoni positioned his phone toward her in a way that made her believe he was photographing or recording her without consent.

In June 2025, detectives executed a search warrant as part of their investigation into Dr. Leoni. They recovered his cell phone, which underwent forensic analysis. The device contained multiple images of the adult victim and other women in “various states of undress.” (Berks Weekly) The phone also showed evidence of mobile apps designed to use artificial intelligence to generate nude images.

Further review revealed digital files depicting a juvenile female. Detectives found both clothed and unclothed versions of the same images, suggesting the photos had been altered using the AI-based software. Authorities later confirmed the victim was 12 years old and “the photos had been taken on or about June of 2025.” (Berks Weekly) According to the juvenile’s mother, one of the images of her child was likely taken by Leoni at a local church.

The Charges Leoni Faces

Leoni was first arrested on May 29, 2025, in connection with the alleged indecent assault of the adult patient. However, formal charges in that case, and additional charges related to child sexual abuse material, were filed in late July.

Leoni was released on $10,000 unsecured bail on July 30, 2025, following his arraignment. His next court dates are November 20, 2025, for the preliminary hearing in the child sexual abuse material case, and January 5, 2026, for a status hearing in the indecent assault case involving the adult patient.

The charges against Leoni include indecent assault without consent, child sexual abuse material, and criminal use of a communication facility.

These charges represent serious offenses under Pennsylvania law, made even more concerning given Leoni’s role as a licensed psychologist with access to vulnerable patients.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171 or Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913.

From Trauma Therapist to Accused Predator

Despite a documented history of misconduct and professional discipline, Leoni publicly marketed himself as a trusted trauma therapist.

In a 2022 Berks Weekly feature, Leoni was welcomed to Betterview Counseling & Trauma Recovery in Wyomissing, PA. He is described as “a licensed psychologist with 16 years’ experience in psychotherapy and psychological assessment and a certified clinical trauma professional.” (Berks Weekly)

The article highlights his professional background, which includes training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness, and contemplative psychotherapy. He has worked with individuals with chronic pain, grief, anxiety disorders, and autism spectrum conditions.

In his LinkedIn profile, Leoni describes himself as having “a deeply held calling and commitment to working with trauma survivors to help them work through and heal from their traumatic life experiences.” Leoni characterizes himself as a supportive presence in the lives of trauma survivors: “My goal as your therapist is to be a guide…and also to be your support anchor.”

This carefully curated public image now stands in sharp contrast to the criminal charges filed against him, which suggest he may have used the language and framework of trauma-informed care to target the vulnerable.

The true tragedy lies in the possibility that a therapist who built his professional identity around healing from trauma instead inflicted it.

Recent License Suspensions

In response to the 2025 criminal charges, both of Leoni’s professional licenses were indefinitely suspended.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology issued its suspension in August 2025, determining that Leoni’s practice as a psychologist posed “an immediate and clear danger to public safety.” The following month, in September 2025, the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors imposed an indefinite suspension on his clinical social work license as well.

Under both Orders, Leoni is barred from practicing as a social worker or psychologist. He may petition for reinstatement only if he is fully acquitted of all criminal charges, or if all charges are withdrawn or dismissed.

Could Betterview Counseling & Trauma Recovery Be Held Liable?

Public records indicate that Leoni was working at Betterview Counseling & Trauma Recovery at the time of the alleged abuse. Counseling centers have a duty to properly vet and supervise their employees, especially when those employees work with trauma survivors and other vulnerable clients.

Leoni’s background raises important questions about whether Betterview conducted adequate screening. His history included a 2013 stalking conviction, a 2016 disciplinary action by the State Board of Psychology, and a period of probationary practice restrictions tied to that Board action. These records are publicly accessible.

If Betterview Counseling & Trauma Recovery failed to review his disciplinary history, overlooked red flags, or hired him despite clear indicators of prior predatory behavior, the facility may face civil liability for placing clients at risk.

Mental health providers can be held liable when negligence in hiring, screening, supervision, or reporting enables abuse to occur.

Institutions entrusted with the care of vulnerable clients must take every reasonable step to ensure safety. When no safeguards are in place, the consequences can be devastating.

Andreozzi + Foote Is Investigating Reports

Andreozzi + Foote is currently investigating reports involving Dr. Leoni and Betterview Counseling.

Our firm has significant experience representing survivors of healthcare sexual abuse, and we recognize how difficult it can be to come forward, especially when a person you trusted hurt you.

If you or someone you love was harmed by Dr. Jeffrey Leoni, or experienced abuse at Betterview Counseling & Trauma Recovery, we encourage you to reach out.