United Press International
Dateline: Alfred, Maine
June 6, 1985

A psychiatrist accused of seducing a patient and supplying her with marijuana and liquor — despite knowing about her bout with alcoholism — has agreed to a $165,000 out-of-court malpractice settlement.

Dr. Robert Kammerman admitted no guilt in a document he signed releasing him from all claims filed by Martha Christiansen of Saco.

Christiansen’s attorney, Daniel Lilley, said the money was paid Wednesday.

Christiansen, who brought suit in January, was Kammerman’s patient from 1977 through the end of 1982 and claimed that during treatment for mental illness and alcoholism, she was seduced and repeatedly engaged in sexual relations with the doctor.

In depositions provided by Lilley, Kammerman conceded he twice had sexual contact with Christiansen — beginning in the first week of January 1983 — shortly after her formal treatment ceased.

He admitted providing the woman with alcohol and marijuana he said he grew in Lyman. The document also said Kammerman issued Christiansen a sizable quantity of medication on the last day of their professional relationship.

”Mrs. Christiansen considers that since Dr. Kammerman has compensated her for damages, it sets the record straight,” Lilley said. ”Mrs. Christiansen continues in therapy, with a woman psychiatrist and probably will continue to be for some time.”

A $7,692 share of the settlement went to Christiansen’s daughter, Jennifer Bower, who sought damages for the loss of her mother’s love and care suffered as a result of the doctor and patient’s relationship.

Releases were signed by both parties, and a dismissal is pending in York County Superior Court.
Kammerman, who maintains a Kennebunk practice, has remained on the staff of Webber Hospital in Biddeford. Voluntarily, he did not exercise staff privileges while the case was in court.