Federal prosecutors announced a civil settlement with a Missouri psychiatrist resolving allegations of fraudulent billing submitted to Medicare and Missouri Medicaid.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri and Dr. Shazia Malik reached a $360,000 settlement to resolve claims brought under the False Claims Act (FCA), U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Albus announced Monday.

According to federal officials, the settlement addresses allegations that between Jan. 1, 2019, and May 31, 2024, Malik falsely reported that she personally conducted face-to-face psychotherapy sessions with patients. Prosecutors alleged she submitted claims for reimbursement to Medicare and Missouri Medicaid even when she was out of town or when services were performed by other practitioners.

During the period outlined in the settlement, Malik worked for Behavioral Health Services LLC, which operated Psych Care Consultants in St. Louis, Missouri.

The agreement requires Malik to pay $155,000 in restitution to Medicare and $25,000 to Missouri Medicaid. Under provisions of the False Claims Act, restitution amounts are doubled, contributing to the total settlement value of $360,000.

Federal officials emphasized that the civil settlement does not include an admission of liability.

Court records indicate Malik pleaded guilty in December 2025 to two counts of making false statements related to health care matters.

In a statement regarding the settlement, Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley...

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