A judge sent Marilyn Cote to prison, the woman who presented herself as a psychiatrist and promised to cure depression, anxiety and other situations in a couple of days. His story caused a stir in Mexico when numerous complaints were filed by former patients to whom he had prescribed controlled drugs.
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The Puebla prosecutor’s office captured Cote and reported on the night of November 22 that she had been sent to prison. The woman was formally connected to the case when she was accused of the crime of usurpation of profession.
“At the request of the Prosecutor’s Office, the judicial authority imposed the justified precautionary measure of pre-trial detention and set two months for complementary investigations,” the entity said.
Marilyn Cote was sent to prison.
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Puebla’s attorney general, Gilberto Higuera Bernal, assured that the investigations “include his entire environment” and ”what may involve illegal acts” after complaints that he acted as a health professional when he did not have the necessary qualifications.
According to the authorities, at least five people have filed complaints against this woman, who for years prescribed them psychotropic drugs for controlled use.
His clinic, the Marilyn Cote Neuropsychology Clinic, was closed “due to serious irregularities”specified the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris).
How many years in prison could Marilyn Cote receive?
Marilyn Cote, captured by the Prosecutor’s Office.
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Marilyn Cote was exposed on social networks when she was accused of lying about her supposed profession as a psychiatrist. Edited images and a dozen videos in which he promoted his services were found on the Internet.
“I’m Dr. Marilyn Cote, with a specialization in neuroscience. I also have a doctorate in clinical psychology and a specialization in psychodiagnosis,” she said in one of her videos. “I can help you. We could eradicate depression in maybe eight days, do you like that? Anxiety, in two or three days?,” he said.
Marilyn Cote and the modified photographs she used on her social networks.
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For now the Prosecutor’s Office has only accused him of usurpation of the profession; However, with the conclusions of the investigation, she could be accused of other crimes.
““From two months to two years of imprisonment and a fine of ten to one hundred measurement and updating units will be imposed,” reads the Penal Code of the State of Puebla on the crime of usurpation of the profession. provided for by article 258.
Marilyn Cote.
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The Prosecutor’s Office will have to decide whether there are reasons to report it also for having a healthcare facility without the necessary permits.
“The manager or manager of the facility where mental health or addiction treatment services are provided, without having the relevant notice of operation, is subject to imprisonment of one to four years and a fine of fifty to two hundred measurement units and update, as well as with registration as a specialized institute with the National Commission against Addiction”, we read in the penal code regarding this specific charge.
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LATEST NEWS EDITORIAL
*With information provided by AFP and El Universal (Mexico) / GDA
How can individuals verify the credentials of a psychologist or psychiatrist before seeking treatment?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Luis Salazar, Psychologist and Mental Health Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Salazar. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent case of Marilyn Cote, a woman who falsely claimed to be a psychiatrist and has now been sentenced to prison. This news has certainly sent shockwaves through Mexico.
Dr. Luis Salazar (DLS): Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a troubling case that raises many important issues regarding mental health care and the qualifications required to provide such services.
TNE: To begin with, could you share your thoughts on how Marilyn Cote was able to deceive so many people into believing she was a qualified psychiatrist?
DLS: It’s quite alarming. Cote misrepresented herself with impressive claims – saying she could cure depression in just a few days, which is not only misleading but dangerous. This demonstrates how a lack of regulation and oversight in mental health fields can allow individuals to take advantage of vulnerable patients who are seeking help.
TNE: The authorities reported that at least five complaints were filed against her for prescribing controlled substances without the necessary qualifications. What kind of impact can this have on individuals who were treated by her?
DLS: The potential impact is significant. The use of psychotropic medications should always be monitored by qualified professionals. Patients could face serious adverse effects from inappropriate prescriptions, which could exacerbate their conditions rather than alleviate them. They may also experience psychological harm from false promises and unrealistic expectations about recovery.
TNE: It’s reported that Cote’s clinic was closed “due to serious irregularities.” In your opinion, what kind of safeguards should be put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future?
DLS: There should be stricter licensing requirements and regular audits of mental health practitioners. Additionally, increasing public awareness about how to identify legitimate healthcare providers is crucial. Creating forums for patients to share their experiences could also help identify fraudulent practitioners more quickly.
TNE: Social media platforms seem to have played a role in Cote’s rise. She utilized edited images and promotional videos to market her services. How important is it for potential clients to scrutinize claims made online about health professionals?
DLS: Very important. Social media is an unregulated space where anyone can present themselves as an expert. It’s vital for individuals seeking mental health treatment to verify qualifications through official channels, such as professional licensing boards or health departments. If something seems too good to be true—like curing serious conditions in record time—it’s usually a red flag.
TNE: Lastly, what advice would you offer to those who might feel desperate for help and come across individuals like Cote?
DLS: My advice would be to always prioritize safety and skepticism. Seek referrals from trusted sources, ask about credentials, and never hesitate to look for a second opinion. Mental health is a complex field that requires professional training and experience; anyone offering quick fixes should be regarded with caution.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Salazar, for your insightful comments. This case certainly highlights the need for vigilance in mental health care and underscores the importance of professional integrity.
DLS: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to discuss these issues to protect those in need of genuine help.
