A Superior Court judge in Bergen County has issued a temporary injunction preventing Imran Rasid of Wayne, New Jersey, from providing medical, psychology, counseling, and therapy services at his Stress Reduction Clinic in Paramus. The order follows allegations that Rasid was practicing without the necessary education, training, or licensure.
The injunction was granted by Judge Nicholas Ostuni, Sr., after the State filed a civil suit against Rasid and his business. According to court documents, Rasid is not qualified or licensed to provide the services he advertises and offers through his clinic. The State also alleges violations of New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act due to deceptive commercial practices and misrepresentations related to Rasid’s qualifications.
The judge’s order bars Rasid from conducting any business under the Stress Reduction Clinic name and prohibits him from offering any services that require professional licensure anywhere in New Jersey until further notice. The court reserved its decision on whether Rasid could continue practicing hypnocounseling—a stress management technique that can be performed by unlicensed individuals only for non-medical conditions—after debate between attorneys representing both sides.
“New Jersey’s licensing requirements are in place to protect the safety and welfare of the public by ensuring healthcare practitioners are qualified, competent, and practicing in accordance with the ethical and professional standards set by our licensing boards,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We thank the Court for acting to protect the public by granting our request to immediately bar this unlicensed practitioner from treating patients as we move forward with a lawsuit to permanently enjoin him from putting the public at risk through his unlawful conduct.”
According to filings in the case, Rasid allegedly used office letterhead, business cards, websites, advertisements, social media accounts, and direct statements to clients that falsely indicated he was appropriately licensed. He described himself as “Dr. Imran Rasid” with various credentials such as “MD” and “PhD,” claimed board certification status, and made other representations about being a leading physician.
Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs stated: “Imran Rasid has gone to great lengths to trick people into believing he has the requisite education, training, and licensure to practice medicine and mental health services in New Jersey, when in reality nothing could be further from the truth. Protecting consumers from this kind of blatant fraud is a matter of public health and safety and we will take every step necessary to put a stop to it.”
The Division began investigating after receiving complaints alleging unlicensed practice. One complaint came from a licensed practitioner whose patient left their care for treatment at Stress Reduction Clinic; another came from an individual treated for anxiety who reported misleading statements about credentials as well as irregularities with insurance billing; yet another complaint alleged inappropriate conduct during sessions.
As part of its investigation in May 2024, an undercover investigator met with Rasid at his clinic where he allegedly introduced himself as both a physician (M.D.) and psychologist (Ph.D.), claimed employment at local hospitals such as Saint Michael’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital (though there is no indication these claims were verified), and boasted experience treating high-profile individuals.
The State’s seven-count complaint seeks permanent prohibitions against Rasid holding himself out as qualified or providing regulated health services unless authorized by appropriate boards. It also requests penalties including restitution for affected persons or entities.
Deputy Attorney General Yudelka R. Felipe represents the State under Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner within the Professional Boards Prosecution Section of the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group; investigators with Consumer Affairs’ Enforcement Bureau conducted the investigation.
Patients concerned about treatment received by unlicensed individuals or inappropriate conduct can file complaints online with New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs or call 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.
