PITTSBURGH -- When you go to the doctor you expect help; you don’t expect to become a victim of misconduct. But according to a Target 11 investigation, that is happening more often than you might think.

Target 11 investigator Rick Earle put local health professionals under the microscope. His investigation found that over the past seven years, more than 100 doctors in Pennsylvania have been disciplined for sexual misconduct.

One of the most recent to lose his license is psychologist James Kneff. He was supposed to help people with serious emotional issues. But according to an administrative order from the State Board of Psychology, Kneff, a licensed psychologist, abused his position and took advantage of a female patient.

In 2003, he began treating the patient for post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, but according to state records, he engaged in “sexual intimacies and an exploitive relationship."

Earle tried to get a comment from Kneff, but the psychologist shut the door in Earle’s face. Kneff's license was revoked and he is no longer allowed to practice in Pennsylvania.

Kneff isn't alone. Target 11 obtained data from the state licensing board covering the last seven years. The date showed the number of doctors in trouble for sex acts is higher than you might think.

Since 2000, 125 health professionals in Pennsylvania have been disciplined for sexual misconduct. When it comes to sexual misconduct overall, medical doctors have the highest with 77 cases.

Psychologists are next with 16. The third-highest group is nurses with 13 cases.

Dr. Kris Gopal is the head of the Allegheny County Medical Society and a surgeon at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.

“I’m surprised. I didn't realize it was this huge number," Gopal said.

"Unfortunately, in the society we do live in, with so many different cultures, it's bound to happen. There's always going to be a rotten apple.”

So how effectively does the state deal with the problem?

Statistics obtained by Target 11 show that 82 complaints of sexual conduct were filed last year, but the state took action in only 18 cases.

Leslie Amoros is a spokesperson for the Department of State.

She said, “We need sufficient evidence to act.”

The Department of State is responsible for licensing 27 professions ranging from physicians to cosmetologists.

Amoros said, “Ultimately the licensing board determines the outcome of the case. It's a complaint-driven process and we need people to come forward if they have a concern about a licensee.”

But even after doctors are disciplined, they don't always go away. Suspended doctors are automatically reinstated after the suspension time is up.

And even a doctor like Kneff, whose license has been revoked, can reapply for a new license after five years. But the board is under no obligation to grant him one.