Michelle Luchau-Rebora, a former mental health therapy intern at New Hope CORPS, an addiction and behavioral health treatment facility in Homestead, has been arrested following allegations that she engaged in a sexual relationship with a patient under her care.
According to media reports, Luchau-Rebora, 32, surrendered to authorities following an investigation by the Homestead Police Department and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. She has been charged with psychotherapist engaging in sex with a client and sexual misconduct by a psychotherapist.
Allegations Against Michelle Luchau-Rebora
According to media reports and arrest records, Luchau-Rebora was serving as a mental health therapy intern at New Hope CORPS, located at 1020 N. Krome Avenue in Homestead, when the alleged misconduct occurred.
Authorities allege that:
- Luchau-Rebora worked as a mental health therapy intern at New Hope CORPS.
- The alleged victim was a patient receiving addiction and behavioral health treatment at the facility.
- The alleged sexual relationship occurred between June 2025 and September 2025 while the patient remained under her care.
- Authorities allege the two engaged in sexual activity during therapy sessions at the treatment facility.
- Investigators allege Luchau-Rebora arranged alibis that allowed the patient to leave the restricted treatment facility to meet her on multiple occasions.
- Authorities allege the pair met for sexual encounters at Luchau-Rebora's residence, her mother's residence, and other locations.
- Investigators allege Luchau-Rebora instructed the patient not to disclose the relationship because it could affect her ability to work as a therapist.
According to media reports, the patient later reported the alleged misconduct to New Hope CORPS after the relationship ended. Authorities say the facility notified law enforcement, and an investigation followed.
Luchau-Rebora surrendered to authorities and was later released after posting bond. The criminal case remains pending.
New Hope CORPS Responds
According to media reports, New Hope CORPS stated that Luchau-Rebora was serving as an intern at the facility at the time of the alleged misconduct.
In a statement released following her arrest, Executive Director Stephen Alvarez said:
"This is an unfortunate situation involving allegations concerning an individual who was serving as an intern with New Hope CORPS. Upon becoming aware of the allegations, New Hope promptly reported the matter to the appropriate authorities and agencies, terminated the individual's internship, and fully cooperated with the subsequent investigation."
According to the statement, New Hope CORPS also reported the allegations to the appropriate authorities and agencies after learning of the alleged misconduct.
Mental Health Therapists Occupy Positions of Trust
Patients receiving mental health and addiction treatment are often in particularly vulnerable emotional and psychological circumstances. Therapists, counselors, and other behavioral health professionals occupy positions of trust and are expected to maintain clear professional boundaries with those under their care.
Florida law prohibits psychotherapists from engaging in sexual activity with current patients because of the inherent imbalance of power within the therapeutic relationship. Sexual relationships between therapists and patients undermine treatment, exploit vulnerable individuals, and represent a serious breach of professional ethics.
The allegations against Michelle Luchau-Rebora describe conduct that, if proven, would constitute a profound abuse of the trust placed in mental health professionals by those seeking treatment.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual assault lawsuits on behalf of patients who were inappropriately touched or sexually exploited by therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. Under no circumstances is a therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional permitted to engage in sexual contact with a patient under their care. Patients have the right to receive treatment in a safe, ethical, and professional environment. If you have been the victim of sexual assault or sexual battery by a therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, or another mental health professional, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.