The mother of a Florida woman who committed suicide while under the care of a Scientologist doctor is accusing him of providing improper medical treatment. Leila Mills, the mother of Whitney Mills who passed away in 2022, has filed a lawsuit against Dr. David Minkoff and his alternative health clinic for misdiagnosing her daughter with terminal cancer and other conditions instead of addressing her psychiatric needs, which the Church of Scientology opposes.
Whitney Mills, a real estate agent in Clearwater, Florida, joined the Church of Scientology in 2007 and invested a significant amount of money in coursework and training to reach the highest level, “OT 8,” in 2019. The Church of Scientology has a history of denouncing psychiatry as a “pseudo-science” and promoting alternative treatments. Dr. David Minkoff, a prominent Scientologist, was previously linked to the death of another Scientologist patient, Lisa McPherson, in 1995.
The lawsuit claims that Whitney Mills sought mental health treatment from Dr. Minkoff before her suicide, but he advised her to do Scientology training drills instead of providing proper psychiatric care. Despite her severe mental health symptoms, including anxiety, hallucinations, and depression, the lawsuit alleges that Minkoff misdiagnosed her with various physical ailments and neglected her mental health crisis.
The lawsuit also states that Whitney Mills was charged over $20,000 for alternative treatments at Minkoff’s clinic, which the family later discovered amounted to nearly $40,000. An autopsy revealed that a cancer diagnosis given by Minkoff was incorrect, as the ovarian cyst he identified as cancerous was actually benign. The lawsuit claims that this misdiagnosis led Mills to believe she was terminally ill and contributed to her decision to take her own life.
Despite seeking help for her mental health issues, Whitney Mills was allegedly barred from Scientology facilities and placed under constant surveillance by caretakers. The lawsuit suggests that Scientology’s beliefs in achieving immunity to illness at the highest levels led to inadequate mental health care for Mills, ultimately resulting in her tragic death.
Ramon Rasco, the attorney representing Leila Mills, criticized Scientology for its lack of solutions for mental health problems and the harm it can cause to individuals. The lawsuit seeks to hold Dr. Minkoff and the Church of Scientology accountable for their role in Whitney Mills’ death and highlights the dangers of alternative treatments and the neglect of mental health issues in favor of religious beliefs.
The tragic case of Whitney Mills serves as a reminder of the importance of proper mental health care and the potential risks associated with alternative treatments. It also sheds light on the controversial practices of the Church of Scientology and the need for greater awareness and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, resources and helplines are available to provide assistance and guidance.
