Petitioner Jacqueline Cooper testifies to years-long sobriety in BBS hearing seeking early probation termination

Judge Matt Block opened a petition hearing on Feb. 19 before the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to consider Jacqueline Susan Cooper’s request for early termination of probation on her associate marriage and family therapist registration (BBS case no. 2002022002445; OAH 2026010773).

Deputy Attorney General Anahita Crawford presented the case history and introduced exhibits 1–7 into evidence, including the notice of hearing, license history, the underlying disciplinary documents and Cooper’s petition. Crawford summarized the record: Cooper was convicted of a DUI connected to an incident on April 5, 2022, was placed on formal probation and required to complete rehabilitative classes and testing; her BBS registration was placed on probation on Sept. 28, 2023, with a projected completion of Sept. 27, 2028.

Under oath, Cooper described a multi-year recovery path. She said she had about nine months of continuous sobriety in 2023, reached three years of continuous sobriety on April 6, 2025, completed required continuing education and DUI classes, participated in regular therapy, and has led recovery-dharma meetings as a volunteer at a Kaiser IOP program. Cooper told the board she continues to work in residential addiction treatment at Alhambra Valley Retreat and runs a small private practice. She said all drug and alcohol tests since entering probation have been negative and that she has completed the CEUs and supervision required by probation.

Cooper answered detailed questions from Crawford and multiple board members about the relapse incident, supports and remediation. She described shifts in therapy after the incident, additional CEUs and KDAC coursework she undertook by choice, employment changes after the DUI, hair-follicle, saliva and urine testing that returned negative results, and the role of community supports in her recovery. Cooper also provided letters of support from colleagues and supervisors and offered additional documents for the record; the board admitted those items as "Exhibit A." Cooper repeatedly said that the practical change if termination were granted would be removal of the daily check-in requirement with Recovery Trek, while she would continue therapy and recovery activities.

After testimony and questions, Judge Block closed the evidentiary record, explained the board would deliberate in closed session and that Cooper would be notified of the decision at a later date. No formal vote or board action was announced at the meeting.

The petition hearing record and exhibits were admitted and the matter was submitted for board deliberation in closed session. The board did not deliver an on-the-record decision during the public meeting; a written notification will be issued to the petitioner when the board reaches a conclusion.