Dr. Richard Austin Heafey, PsyD, of Unfold Psychology and Heafey Practices, Accused of Misconduct
The Californer/10326594

SAN FRANCISCO - Californer -- A formal criminal complaint has been filed against Dr. Richard Austin Heafey, PsyD, founder of Unfold Psychology and Heafey Practices, alleging professional misconduct, psychological torture, and participation in a criminal enterprise. The complaint, now under review by the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the California Board of Psychology, stems from a patient-doctor relationship that allegedly devolved into what the filing describes as a "conspiracy designed not to heal, but to destroy."

These allegations are also documented in the memoir Wallflower of the Year, authored by EsRā Dunca-Sprawling. The book chronicles the collapse of therapeutic trust and the weaponization of mental health systems, blending forensic documentation with haunting narrative. It details emotional, financial, and reputational harm now under federal scrutiny.

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The complaint outlines the following allegations:

• Breach of Professional Boundaries: Dr. Heafey is accused of denying the existence of a therapeutic relationship despite a documented clinical history. The complaint states he continued unsolicited contact with EsRā Dunca-Sprawling for two years after services were terminated.
• Fabricated Diagnosis: The filing alleges that Dr. Heafey fabricated a diagnosis of "drug-induced psychosis" to discredit the patient and dismiss evidence of harassment and abuse. This diagnosis was contradicted by an independent evaluation from Dr. Naheed Dilshad, who confirmed the patient's mental stability.
• Sexual Misconduct: The complaint includes claims of predatory sexual propositions and invitations for sexual activity within the clinical setting. It references text messages and public Yelp reviews from other former clients that allegedly describe similar behavior.
• Financial Fraud and Conspiracy: Dr. Heafey is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that extracted nearly $1 million from the complainant and their spouse. The complaint alleges he offered $600,000 to have negative reviews removed, suggesting undisclosed income streams and potential tax evasion. An IRS Form 3949-A has been submitted as part of the complaint.
• Undisclosed Personal Relationship: The complaint further alleges that Dr. Heafey failed to disclose a personal relationship with EsRā Dunca-Sprawling's spouse, Andrei Dunca, a tech entrepreneur and co-founder of LiveRail. This undisclosed connection is described as a direct conflict of interest that compromised clinical neutrality and contributed to reputational sabotage and financial harm.

According to the filing, these actions were part of a "meticulously planned conspiracy" intended to silence EsRā Dunca-Sprawling, who had been documenting the events in real time. The complaint describes Dr. Heafey and his broader network as "predators" who "weaponized truth, trust, and mental health" to exploit a life.

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Wallflower of the Year is available now via Amazon in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited. All proceeds go to LTRIC CENTER FOR LGBTQQ+ YOUTH in San Francisco, CA.