Psychiatrist accused in patient's sex abuse

A Valley Stream psychiatrist who specializes in treating victims of sex abuse has been charged with sexually abusing a patient himself, prosecutors said.

Stephen Bronster, 64, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of third-degree sexual abuse. Judge Helen Voutsinas set bail at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond. He is due back in court Thursday.

His lawyer, Jeff Bronster, of Livingston, N.J., who is also his brother, could not be reached for comment after the arraignment.

Prosecutors said Stephen Bronster, a licensed psychiatrist and sexologist certified by the American Board of Sexology, had his patient undress during sessions, and on one occasion showed her a pornographic video in his office. At their last session on Jan. 10, he touched her genitals under her clothing, prosecutors said.