Key Takeaways
- Michelle Luchau-Rebora, a former therapist intern at New Hope C.O.R.P.S., an addiction treatment center in Florida, was arrested on felony charges involving an alleged unauthorized sexual relationship with a patient.
- Authorities allege Luchau-Rebora helped a patient obtain permission to leave the restricted treatment facility for sexual encounters.
- The allegations raise questions about whether New Hope C.O.R.P.S. could bear civil liability for the alleged misconduct.
Michelle Luchau-Rebora, 32, a former mental health therapy intern at New Hope C.O.R.P.S. in Homestead, Florida, has been arrested for allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a patient.
On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, she was arrested on charges of a psychotherapist engaging in sex with a client and sexual misconduct by a psychotherapist, according to arrest reports.
Michelle Luchau-Rebora Accused of Sexual Activity With Patient
The alleged victim, a 42-year-old-man, was identified as a patient and resident at the drug and alcohol treatment facility.
According to police, the alleged sexual and romantic relationship began in June 2025 and reportedly continued until September 2025.
According to Local 10 News, “Authorities said Luchau-Rebora would engage in sexual activity during therapy sessions while at the facility, adding that she also ‘facilitated alibis on his behalf, which allowed him authorization to leave the restricted facility and engage in sexual intercourse on multiple occasions.’” Police say the two met for sexual encounters at several locations outside the treatment center, including Luchau-Rebora’s home in Pinecrest, her mother’s home in Key Biscayne, and Jackson Memorial Hospital.
“Luchau-Rebora also ‘demanded that he not tell anyone about their relationship because it will affect her ability to work as a therapist,’” deputies alleged.
After Luchau-Rebora ended the “relationship,” the man reported it to facility officials, who then notified law enforcement.
New Hope C.O.R.P.S. Responds to Allegations
New Hope C.O.R.P.S. Executive Director Stephen Alvarez provided a statement to Local 10: “‘This is an unfortunate situation involving allegations concerning an individual who was serving as an intern with New Hope CORPS. Upon becoming aware of the allegations, New Hope promptly reported the matter to the appropriate authorities and agencies, terminated the individual’s internship, and fully cooperated with the subsequent investigation.’”
Luchau-Rebora Declines to Discuss Allegations
Luchau-Rebora was initially held on bond and was later released.
When approached by a reporter after posting bond, Luchau-Rebora declined to address the allegations, saying, “I’m not going to comment on anything. You can ask my lawyer…Can you leave me alone, please? This is kinda weird.”
Michelle Luchau-Rebora’s Employment Background
Before her internship at New Hope, Luchau-Rebora reportedly held other positions in South Florida’s behavioral health field.
Luchau-Rebora previously worked with Thriving Mind South Florida as an Adult System of Care Specialist. A social media post from Thriving Mind South Florida shows Luchau-Rebora representing the organization at a community resource fair held in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Prior to her employment at Thriving Mind, she reportedly worked for Dade Family Counseling CMHC as a Medication Management Department Coordinator.
Luchau-Rebora appears to have attended The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology.
Could New Hope C.O.R.P.S. Be Held Legally Responsible?
The allegations against Luchau-Rebora raise questions about the safeguards in place for patients receiving treatment at New Hope.
Treatment facilities like New Hope have a responsibility to take reasonable measures to protect clients from sexual misconduct and exploitation from all their employees, including interns.
A civil investigation could examine whether New Hope C.O.R.P.S. took reasonable steps to prevent and detect sexual misconduct, including:
- Whether New Hope properly screened and vetted Luchau-Rebora before allowing her to work with patients.
- Whether there were any prior complaints, concerns, or red flags involving her conduct.
- Whether appropriate supervision and safeguards were in place during private therapy sessions between interns and patients.
Whether New Hope could bear legal responsibility would depend on the specific facts of the case, including what it knew or reasonably should have known about the alleged misconduct.
Legal Options for Survivors of Therapist Sexual Abuse
Sexual relationships between mental health professionals and clients involve a serious abuse of trust and professional authority. This is particularly concerning in addiction treatment settings, where patients are especially dependent on therapists and the facility’s other staff for their care and recovery.
Survivors of sexual abuse by therapists or other employees of an addiction treatment facility may have civil claims against the facility responsible for their care. Civil investigations can examine whether an institution failed to properly screen, supervise, or monitor staff, ignored warning signs, or otherwise failed to take reasonable measures to protect patients.
If you experienced sexual abuse, exploitation, or inappropriate sexual contact involving Michelle Luchau-Rebora or another therapist, intern, or employee at a treatment facility, you may have a civil legal claim.
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of institutional sexual abuse in Florida and across the country. Our trauma-informed attorneys are here to listen and guide you through your options with compassion.
You do not have to face this alone — help is available, and justice is possible
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to determine whether you may have the grounds to pursue a civil claim.
Image sources: New Hope C.O.R.P.S. logo, via Facebook. New Hope C.O.R.P.S., © Google, Google Maps. Michelle Luchau-Rebora, via NYPost, courtesy of Miami-Dade County.
