The state is suing an East Hartford-based clinical social worker, contending that she and her behavioral health company billed the state about $1.84 million for psychotherapy services that were never provided.

Selina Christian and the Center of Attention LLC “engaged in a systematic and persistent pattern of submitting claims for payment through the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program” for nonexistent services, according to Attorney General George Jepsen and Roderick L. Bremby, commissioner of the state Department of Social Services.

From January 2013 through at least December 2017, Christian and the Center of Attention routinely billed DSS for 38- to 52-minute individual psychotherapy sessions that were not provided, state officials said. Also, Christian submitted claims for services that were not reimbursable through CMAP, such as transportation, tutoring and activities such as “Pajama Jam,” a group activity in which children would play games, watch movies and eat pizza, officials said.

The state also claims that Christian, the company’s founder and CEO, kept improper records and tried to falsify records after receiving a state subpoena. The lawsuit seeks civil penalties and treble damages for the violations.

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State Sues East Hartford Social Worker, Company, Charging Medicaid Fraud