Andris Medians, known previously as Andris Knapšis, has come under scrutiny for presenting himself as an addiction treatment specialist, despite having no formal medical education. He offered consultations and hypnosis sessions to clients, charging about 265 euros for a series of visits. This situation gained public attention during the Christmas season, which led to multiple testimonies coming forward about possible inappropriate behavior during his sessions.

The Health Inspectorate has initiated administrative proceedings against Medians, and criminal investigations are currently ongoing regarding allegations of sexual violence. The circumstances surrounding his practices raise serious concerns about the safeguards in place for individuals seeking therapeutic support, particularly when the providers lack the necessary qualifications. The case calls into question the need for stricter regulations in the field of alternative therapies, especially those involving intimate or sensitive interactions.

The incident illustrates how vulnerable individuals, such as those going through personal crises like divorce, may be at risk when approaching individuals who present themselves as therapists without requisite professional backgrounds. As more victims come forward, the wider implications for both regulatory and public health perspectives could lead to significant changes in how alternative treatment practices are monitored and controlled in Latvia.