Terms used in this chapter mean:

(1) “Board,” the Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists;

(2) “Counselor educator,” a professional counselor engaged primarily in developing, implementing, and supervising the educational preparation of professional counselors;

(3) “Counseling,” the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness or mental and emotional disorders; individual, group, and marriage and family counseling, and psychotherapy; assessment; crisis intervention; counseling and consulting to facilitate normal growth and development; psychoeducational techniques aimed at the prevention of mental and emotional disorders; consultations with individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities; and clinical research;

(4) “Counseling treatment interventions,” the application of cognitive, affective, behavioral, and systemic counseling strategies that include principles of development, wellness, and pathology, implemented in the context of a professional counseling relationship;

(5) “Doctoral or master’s degree in counseling,” completion of study following a bachelor’s degree in a clearly identified counseling program that stands as a recognizable organizational entity within an approved accredited institution of higher learning;

(6) “Licensee,” a person who holds a license to practice counseling;

(7) “Postgraduate supervision,” a period of supervision following the completion of a master’s or doctoral degree;

(8) “Practice of professional counseling,” the application of mental health, psychological, and human development principles in order to:

(a) Facilitate human development and adjustment throughout the life span;

(b) Prevent, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and associated distresses, that interfere with mental health;

(c) Conduct assessments and diagnoses to establish treatment goals and objectives; and

(d) Develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans using counseling treatment interventions.

Source: SL 2020, ch 165, § 1.