LPC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Can LPCC’s in Alabama Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS mentioned within the state statute. 

Code of Alabama (April 2012) PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES CHAPTER 8A. COUNSELORS.

Statute defines Private Practice of Counseling:

(5) PRIVATE PRACTICE OF COUNSELING. Rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public counseling services, in settings of individual or group practice, for a fee, salary, or other compensation, involving the application of principles, methods, or procedures of the counseling profession which include, but are not restricted to:

 

a. Counseling. To render evaluation and therapy that includes, but is not limited to, providing individual counseling, family counseling, marital counseling, group therapy, school counseling, play therapy, rehabilitation counseling, art therapy, human growth and development counseling, couples counseling, chemical abuse or dependency counseling, career counseling, and vocational disability counseling. The use of specific methods, techniques, or modalities within the practice of a licensed professional counselor is restricted to counselors appropriately trained in the use of these methods, techniques, or modalities. A licensed professional counselor or associate licensed counselor may diagnose and develop treatment plans but shall not attempt to diagnose, prescribe for, treat, or advise a client with reference to problems or complaints falling outside the boundaries of counseling services.

On Assessment

b. Appraisal Activities. Selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting instruments designed to assess an individual’s aptitudes, attitudes, abilities, achievements, interests and personal characteristics, but shall not include the use of projective techniques in the assessment of personality.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Alabama Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis and information about Assessment IS mentioned within the Administrative Code.

Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners Administrative Code

Chapter 850 – x – 2 DEFINITIONS

(b) Clinical Social Work Practice.

1 . Clinical social work shares with all social work practice the goal of enhancement and maintenance of psychosocial functioning of individuals, families, and small groups. Clinical social work practice is the professional application of social work theory and methods to the treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or impairment, including emotional and mental disorders. It is based on knowledge of one or more theories of human development within a psychosocial context. The perspective of person- in- situation is central to clinical social work practice.

2. Clinical social work is a specialized area of social work practice that includes assessment , diagnosis, treatment, client centered advocacy, evaluation and treatment of behavioral, mental, developmental or emotional disorders; including psychotherapy and counseling; client-centered advocacy; and evaluation . It includes direct client intervention, client centered supervision and client centered consultation. It involves the scientific, artful , ethical application of social work theories and methods of assessment , opinions, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Assessment of interpersonal relationships, mental health status, family dynamics, environmental stresses and supports , social systems and the impact of physical, emotional and mental illness and disability on functioning are the emphasis of clinical social work practice.

3 . Clinical social workers cannot practice outside their scope of practice. The scope of practice does not include the diagnosis , treatment, or provision of advice to a client for problems or complaints relating to conditions outside the boundaries of the practice of social work. For the purposes of this section, the terms diagnose and treatment, whether considered in isolation or in conjunction with the rules of the board, may not be construed to permit the performance of any act which a licensed clinical social worker is not educated or trained to perform including, but not limited t o, any of the following: (1) Administering and interpreting psychological tests or intellectual, neuropsychological, personality, or projective instruments . (2) Admitting any individual to a hospital for treatment of any condition that is outside the boundaries of the practice of social work, as provided in subsection (b). Treating any individual in a hospital setting without medical supervision. (4) Prescribing medicinal drugs. (5) Authorizing clinical laboratory procedures or radiological procedures. (6) Using electroconvulsive therapy. Nothing in this section shall be construed to create a requirement that any health benefit plan, group insurance plan, policy, or contract for health care services that covers hospital, medical, or surgical expenses, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, medical service organizations, physician-hospital organizations, or any other individual, firm, corporation, joint venture, or other similar business entity that pays for, purchases, or furnishes group health care services to patients, insureds, or beneficiaries in this state, including entities created pursuant to Article 6, commencing with Section lOA-20-6.01 of Chapter 20, Title lOA, Code of Alabama 1975, provide coverage or reimbursement for the services described or authorized in this section.”

LMFT – Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Alabama Diagnose? Probably! With some limitations

Diagnosis NOT defined officially by any state statute. 

Alabama Administrative Code, Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy
Chapter 536-X-1. Definition of Terms

Administrative Code defines Marriage and Family Therapy:

(1) Marriage and Family Therapy in the State of Alabama is a professional practice which affects the public safety and welfare and requires appropriate regulation and control in the public interest. The practice of marriage and family therapy is the process of providing professional marriage and family therapy to individuals, couples, and families, either alone or in a group. The practice of marriage and family therapy utilizes established principles that recognize the interrelated nature of the individual problems and dysfunctions in family members in order to assess, and treat emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. Marriage and family therapy includes, without being limited to, individual, group, couple, sexual, and family therapy, whether the services are offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private, for a fee or other compensation. Marriage and family therapy is a specialized mode of treatment for the purpose of resolving emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders and modifying intrapersonal and interpersonal dysfunctions. Marriage and family therapists do not practice beyond their scope of training in the areas of assessing, diagnosing, and treating clients.

HOWEVER LMFT’s are encouraged to gain continue learning and practice in specialty areas after education, training and supervised experience.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 536-X-8-.03 536-X-8-.03. Professional Competence And Integrity.

Marriage and family therapists maintain high standards of professional competence and integrity

(7) While developing new skills in specialty areas, marriage and family therapists take steps to ensure the competence of their work and to protect clients from possible harm. Marriage and family therapists practice in specialty areas new to them only after appropriate education, training, or supervised experience.

Consider Also: Educational requirements include a class on mental health diagnosis

Ala. Admin. Code r. 536-X-5-.01 536-X-5-.01. Board Course Requirements. (Core Educational Requirements)

(6) Mental Health Diagnosis (one (1) course, minimum). The course in this area should assist in understanding and treating psychological diagnosis related to the International Classification of Diseases and/or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Topic areas may include: major mental disorders and learning disorders, personality disorders, neurobiological disorders, intellectual disabilities, acute medical conditions, addictions, sexual disorders, and psycho-developmental and environmental factors contributing to disorders.

LIMITATION: LMFT’s are explicitly prohibited from providing assessment/diagnosis via telehealth.

536-X-8-.10. Technology–Assisted Professional Services.  

(a) Marriage and family therapists do not provide assessments or testing through videoconferencing or teletherapy, except for exploratory questionnaires (e.g., depressive symptoms, symptom distress, suicidality, relationship satisfaction). Marriage and family therapists refer clients to professionals who can assess, evaluate, and diagnosis in-person.

LPC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Can LPC’s in Alaska Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis and appropriate use of assessment measures IS mentioned within the state statute. 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS, BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING – Statutes and Regulations Professional Counselors February 2024

Statute defines Practice of Professional Counseling:

Sec. 08.29.490. Definitions. In this chapter,  

(1) “practice of professional counseling” means, subject to (C) of this paragraph, the application of principles, methods, or procedures of the counseling profession to diagnose or treat, other than through the use of projective testing or individually administered intelligence tests, mental and emotional disorders that are referenced in the standard diagnostic nomenclature for individual, group, and organizational therapy, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of human relationships and systems; if otherwise within the scope of this paragraph,

“practice of professional counseling” includes (A) the professional application of evaluation techniques, treatments, and therapeutic services to individuals and groups for the purpose of treating the emotional and mental disorders; (B) an applied understanding of the dynamics of the individual and of group interactions, along with the application of therapeutic and counseling techniques for the purpose of resolving intrapersonal and interpersonal conflict and changing perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors in the area of human relationships; and (C) consistent with regulations adopted by the board under AS 08.29.020(a)(4), administration and use of appropriate assessment instruments that measure or diagnose problems or dysfunctions within the course of human growth and development as part of a counseling process or in the development of a treatment plan

On Assessment

b. Appraisal Activities. Selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting instruments designed to assess an individual’s aptitudes, attitudes, abilities, achievements, interests and personal characteristics, but shall not include the use of projective techniques in the assessment of personality.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Alaska Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis information IS mentioned within the state statute.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS, BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING – Statutes and Regulations Social Workers June 2023

Statute defines Clinical Social Work:

Sec. 08.95.990. Definitions. In this chapter, (1) “board” means the Board of Social Work Examiners; (2) “clinical social work” means the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders and the use of techniques of applied psychotherapy of a nonmedical nature while practicing social work;

LMFT – Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Alaska Diagnose? YES!

Diagnosis and use of assessment IS defined officially by the state statute. 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS, BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING – Statutes and Regulations Marital and Family Therapy September 2022

Statute defines Practice of Marital and Family Therapy

Sec. 08.63.900. Definitions. In this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise

(5) “practice of marital and family therapy” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders that are referenced in the standard diagnostic nomenclature for marital and family therapy, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of human relationships, particularly marital and family systems; marital and family therapy involves (A) the professional application of assessments and treatments of psychotherapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating the diagnosed emotional and mental disorders; (B) an applied understanding of the dynamics of marital and family interactions, along with the application of psychotherapeutic and counseling techniques for the purpose of resolving intrapersonal and interpersonal conflict and changing perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors in the area of human relationships and family life;

LPC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Can LPC’s in Arizona Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS mentioned within the state statute. 

Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32 – Professions and Occupations Chapter 33 – Board of Behavioral Health Examiners

Statute defines Practice of Professional Counseling:

32-3251. Definitions 10. “Practice of professional counseling” means the professional application of mental health, psychological and human development theories, principles and techniques to: (a) Facilitate human development and adjustment throughout the human life span (b) Assess and facilitate career development. (c) Treat interpersonal relationship issues and nervous, mental and emotional disorders that are cognitive, affective or behavioral. (d) Manage symptoms of mental illness. (e) Assess, appraise, evaluate, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups through the use of psychotherapy.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Arizona Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis information IS mentioned within the state statute.

Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32 – Professions and Occupations Chapter 33 – Behavioral Health Examiners 

Statute defines Practice of Social Work:

32-3251. Definitions 11. “Practice of social work” means the professional application of social work theories, principles, methods and techniques to: (a) Treat mental, behavioral and emotional disorders. (b) Assist individuals, families, groups and communities to enhance or restore the ability to function physically, socially, emotionally, mentally and economically. (c) Assess, appraise, diagnose, evaluate and treat individuals, couples, families and groups through the use of psychotherapy.

LMFT – Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Alaska Diagnose? YES!

Diagnosis IS defined officially by the state statute. 

Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32 – Professions and Occupations Chapter 33 – Behavioral Health Examiners 

Statute defines Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy

32-3251. Definitions 9.  “Practice of marriage and family therapy” means the professional application of family systems theories, principles and techniques to treat interpersonal relationship issues and nervous, mental and emotional disorders that are cognitive, affective or behavioral. The practice of marriage and family therapy includes: (a) Assessment, appraisal and diagnosis. (b) The use of psychotherapy for the purpose of evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of individuals, couples, families and groups.

LPC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Can LPC’s in Arkansas Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS mentioned within the state statute. 

2021 – ARKANSAS BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN COUNSELING AND MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY RULES, Section 1.9 DEFINITIONS

Statute defines Counseling:

“Counseling” means assisting individuals or groups, through the counseling relationship, to develop understanding of personal problems, define goals, and plan action reflecting interests, abilities, aptitudes, and needs. The terms counseling and psychotherapy are synonymous and refer to the application of mental health, psychological, or human development principles, through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic intervention strategies that address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology. Counseling may also include clinical research and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the above named conditions. 

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Arizona Diagnose?  YES! 

LMSW & LSW’s have limitations

Diagnosis information IS mentioned within the state statute.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STATE OF ARKANSAS SOCIAL WORK LICENSING BOARD THE SOCIAL WORK LICENSING ACT – Rule Revisions Effective July 1, 2021

Statute defines the scope of practice for different levels of social worker:

17-103-103. Definitions 

As used in this chapter: (1) “Licensed certified social worker” means an individual who: (A) Applies social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values, and ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, and to address needs of organizations and communities; (B) Practices with specialized knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and conditions; (C) Conducts management, information and referral, mediation, client education, supervision of employees, consultation, research, advocacy, and outcome evaluation; (D) May operate a private practice; (E) May practice macro social work independently; and (F) May engage in the activities included in the practice of a licensed master social worker;

(2) “Licensed master social worker” means an individual who: (A) Applies specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, information and referral, mediation, client education, counseling, advocacy, supervision of nonclinical, baccalaureate-level social workers and nonlicensed master’s level employees, nonclinical consultation, research, community organization and development, administration of social work policies, programs and activities, and outcome evaluation; (B) Practices social work under supervision within a recognized, organized setting such as a social, medical, or governmental agency; and (C) (i) May engage only in supervised practice as set forth in rules established by the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. (ii) A licensed master social worker shall not practice privately or independently; 

(3) “Licensed social worker” means an individual who: (A) Conducts a basic generalist practice that includes assessment, case management, information and referral for counseling, advocacy, nonclinical counseling, supervision and counseling, client education, research, community organization, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities; (B) Is not qualified to diagnose and treat mental illness nor to provide psychotherapy services; (C) Practices only in organized settings such as a social, medical, or governmental agency; and (D) (i) Engages only in supervised practice as set forth in the rules established by the board. (ii) A licensed social worker shall not practice privately or independently;

LMFT – Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Arkansas Diagnose? YES!

Diagnosis IS defined officially by the state statute. 

2021 – ARKANSAS BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN COUNSELING AND MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY RULES, Section 1.9 DEFINITIONS

Statute defines Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy

“Marriage and Family Therapy” means the use of scientific and applied marriage and family theories, methods and procedures for the purpose of describing, evaluating and modifying marital, family and individual behavior within the context of marital and family systems, including the context of marital formation and dissolution. Marriage and family therapy is based on systems theories, marriage and family development, normal and dysfunctional behavior, human sexuality and psychotherapeutic, marital and family therapy theories, and techniques in the evaluation, assessment and treatment of interpersonal or intrapersonal dysfunction within the context of marriage and family systems. Marriage and family therapy may also include clinical research and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the above named conditions. Nothing in this definition or in this chapter shall be construed as precluding licensed professional counselors or licensed associate counselors from rendering these services.

LPCC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Can LPCC’s in California Diagnose?  Probably!

Diagnosis NOT defined officially by any state statute. 

STATUTES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF: PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELING MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK – January 2024

Statute defines Professional Clinical Counseling:

CHAPTER 16 LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELORS  

ARTICLE 2. SCOPE OF PRACTICE § 4999.20. SCOPE OF PRACTICE 

(a) (1) “Professional clinical counseling” means the application of counseling interventions and psychotherapeutic techniques to identify and remediate cognitive, mental, and emotional issues, including personal growth, adjustment to disability, crisis intervention, and psychosocial and environmental problems, and the use, application, and integration of the coursework and training required by Sections 4999.32 and 4999.33. “Professional clinical counseling” includes conducting assessments for the purpose of establishing counseling goals and objectives to empower individuals to deal adequately with life situations, reduce stress, experience growth, change behavior, and make well-informed, rational decisions. 

(2) “Professional clinical counseling” is focused exclusively on the application of counseling interventions and psychotherapeutic techniques for the purposes of improving mental health, and is not intended to capture other, nonclinical forms of counseling for the purposes of licensure. For purposes of this paragraph, “nonclinical” means nonmental health. 

(3) “Professional clinical counseling” does not include the provision of clinical social work services. (b) “Counseling interventions and psychotherapeutic techniques” means the application of cognitive, affective, verbal or nonverbal, systemic or holistic counseling strategies that include principles of 127 development, wellness, and maladjustment that reflect a pluralistic society. These interventions and techniques are specifically implemented in the context of a professional clinical counseling relationship and use a variety of counseling theories and approaches. 

On Assessment

(c) “Assessment” means selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting tests, instruments, and other tools and methods designed to measure an individual’s attitudes, abilities, aptitudes, achievements, interests, personal characteristics, disabilities, and mental, emotional, and behavioral concerns and development and the use of methods and techniques for understanding human behavior in relation to coping with, adapting to, or ameliorating changing life situations, as part of the counseling process. “Assessment” shall not include the use of projective techniques in the assessment of personality, individually administered intelligence tests, neuropsychological testing, or utilization of a battery of three or more tests to determine the presence of psychosis, dementia, amnesia, cognitive impairment, or criminal behavior. (d) Professional clinical counselors shall refer clients to other licensed health care professionals when they identify issues beyond their own scope of education, training, and experience.

HOWEVER California Professional Counselor Association claims Diagnosis as a part of Scope of Practice: Here and Here. 

Consider Also: Educational & supervision requirements mention diagnosis 

Consider Also: The same statute above defines Assessment

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in California Diagnose?  Probably!

Diagnosis NOT defined officially by any state statute.

STATUTES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF: PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELING MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK – January 2024

Statute defines Clinical Social Work and Psychotherapy:

CHAPTER 14. SOCIAL WORKERS 

• 4996.9. CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK AND PSYCHOTHERAPY DEFINED The practice of clinical social work is defined as a service in which a special knowledge of social resources, human capabilities, and the part that unconscious motivation plays in determining behavior, is directed at helping people to achieve more adequate, satisfying, and productive social adjustments. The application of social work principles and methods includes, but is not restricted to, counseling and using applied psychotherapy of a nonmedical nature with individuals, families, or groups; providing information and referral services; providing or arranging for the provision of social services; explaining or interpreting the psychosocial aspects in the situations of individuals, families, or groups; helping communities to organize, to provide, or to improve social or health services; doing research related to social work; and the use, application, and integration of the coursework and experience required by Sections 4996.2 and 4996.23. Psychotherapy, within the meaning of this chapter, is the use of psychosocial methods within a professional relationship, to assist the person or persons to achieve a better psychosocial adaptation, to acquire greater human realization of psychosocial potential and adaptation, and to modify internal and external conditions which affect individuals, groups, or communities in respect to behavior, emotions, and thinking, in respect to their intrapersonal and interpersonal processes.

 

LMFT – Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist

Can LMFT’s in California Diagnose? Probably!

Diagnosis IS NOT defined officially by the state statute. However, Assessment, Evaluation and Prognosis ARE. 

STATUTES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF: PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELING MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK – January 2024

Statute defines Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy

CHAPTER 13. LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS 

4980.02. PRACTICE OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY; APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES AND METHODS

(a) For the purposes of this chapter, the practice of marriage and family therapy shall mean the application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories, principles, and methods in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, or groups in order to assess, evaluate, and treat relational issues, emotional disorders, behavioral problems, mental illness, alcohol and substance use, and to modify intrapersonal and interpersonal behaviors.

(b) The application of marriage and family therapy principles and methods includes, but is not limited to, all of the following: (1) Assessment, evaluation, and prognosis. (2) Treatment, planning, and evaluation. (3) Individual, relationship, family, or group therapeutic interventions. (4) Relational therapy. (5) Psychotherapy. (6) Client education. (7) Clinical case management. (8) Consultation. (9) Supervision. (10) Use, application, and integration of the coursework and training required by Sections 4980.36, 4980.37, and 4980.41, as applicable. (c) The amendments to this section made by the act adding this subdivision do not constitute a change in, but are declaratory of, existing law. It is the intent of the Legislature that these amendments shall not be construed to expand or constrict the existing scope of practice of a person licensed pursuant to this chapter.

Professional Opinion: YES

• • LMFT Scope of Practice CA Overview
  • CAMFT Bill Proposal to Modernize and Clarify LMFT Scope of Practice

LPCMH – Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health

Can LPCMH’s in Delaware Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

TITLE 24 – Professions and Occupations – CHAPTER 30. Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals. Subchapter II. Mental Health Professional Counselors and Associate Counselors

Statute defines LPCMH and Professional Mental Health Counseling :

3031. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter: (2) “Licensed professional counselor of mental health” (“LPCMH”) is an individual licensed as a professional counselor of mental health under this chapter who offers professional mental health counseling to individuals, groups, organizations or the general public

(4) “Professional mental health counseling” is the application of clinical counseling principles, methods or procedures including the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal and social adjustment.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Delaware Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

TITLE 24 – Professions and Occupations – CHAPTER 39. Board of Social Work Examiners

Statute defines Licensed Clinical Social Work:

3902. Definitions.

(17) “Licensed clinical social work” means the specialty within the practice of master’s social work, that requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills of social work theory, knowledge, methods, and ethics, as applied to a clinical, therapeutic relationship which may include the person-in-environment perspective, to the assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of biopsychosocial dysfunction, disability, and impairment, including mental and emotional disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse. “Licensed clinical social work” includes the provision of individual, marital, couple, family and group counseling, and psychotherapy, as they are related to clinical, therapeutic relationship. “Licensed clinical social work” also includes private practice and supervision. “Licensed clinical social work” does not include the administration of psychological tests, which are reserved exclusively for use by licensed psychologists under Chapter 35 of this title.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Delaware Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

TITLE 24 – Professions and Occupations – CHAPTER 30. Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals – Subchapter IV. Marriage and Family Therapists

Statute defines Marriage and Family Therapist:

3051. Definitions.

(c) “Licensed marriage and family therapist” (LMFT) is an individual licensed as a marriage and family therapist under this chapter who offers to individuals, couples, families or groups professional marriage and family services either directly to the general public or through public or private organizations.

 

(d) “Marriage and family therapy” includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of interpersonal relationships, including marriage and family systems, and involves the professional application of psychotherapy, assessment instruments, counseling, consultation, treatment planning, and supervision in the delivery of services to individuals, couples and families.

 

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Georiga Diagnose? In General – YES! ADHD/Autism? – It’s complicated / the bill contains conflicting information. 

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute that was updated via Senate Bill 319

HOUSE SUBSTITUTE TO SENATE BILL 319 – A BILL TO BE ENTITLED – AN ACT – SB 319/HCSFA

(Link alternative, if above link doesn’t work)

Statute defines Diagnose, Professional Counseling AND Psychological Testing:

SECTION 2.

Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, is amended in Code Section 43-10A-3, relating to definitions relative to professional counselors, social workers, and others, by adding a new paragraph and by revising paragraph (10) to read as follows:

“(4.1) ‘Diagnose’ means the use, administration, or application of any criteria contained within standard classification or diagnostic systems for mental disorders and that are related to the scope of practice as provided pursuant to this chapter. Diagnose shall not mean the diagnosis of any neuropsychological functioning or conditions.”

 

“(10) ‘Professional counseling’ means that specialty which utilizes counseling techniques based on principles, methods, and procedures of counseling that assist people in identifying and resolving personal, social, vocational, intrapersonal, and interpersonal concerns; utilizes counseling and psychotherapy to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and recommend a course of treatment for emotional and mental problems and conditions, whether cognitive, behavioral, or affective, provided that the counselor shall have training and experience working with people with mental illness, developmental disability, or substance abuse; administers and interprets educational and vocational assessment instruments and other tests which the professional counselor is qualified to employ by virtue of education, training, and experience; utilizes information, community resources, and goal setting for personal, social, or vocational development; utilizes individual and group techniques for facilitating problem solving, decision making, and behavior change; utilizes functional assessment and vocational planning and guidance for persons requesting assistance in adjustment to a disability or disabling condition; utilizes referral for persons who request counseling services; performs service planning; and utilizes and interprets counseling research.”

 

(6) ‘Psychological testing’ means the use of assessment instruments to both: (A) Measure mental abilities, personality characteristics, or neuropsychological functioning; and (B) Diagnose, evaluate, classify, or render opinions regarding mental and nervous disorders and illnesses, including, but not limited to, organic brain disorders, brain damage, and other neuropsychological conditions.

 

SECTION 6.

 

Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 43-39-7, relating to the practice of psychology without a license, use of psychologist title, and exceptions, by striking the word “and” at the end of paragraph (7), by replacing the period at the end of paragraph (8) with “; and”, and by adding a new paragraph to read as follow “(9) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting any person licensed under Chapter 10A of this title from providing services he or she is authorized to perform under Chapter 10A of this title, including, but not limited to, administering and interpreting educational and vocational tests; functional assessments; interest inventories; tests that evaluate marital and family functioning; mental health symptom screening and assessment instruments that evaluate emotional, mental, behavioral, and interpersonal problems or conditions including substance use, health, and disability; or any other assessments or tests which the person is qualified to employ by virtue of his or her education, training, or experience within the scope of practice of professional counselors. The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists shall have sole authority to regulate assessment and testing performed by persons licensed under Chapter 10A of this title.

PROFESSIONAL OPINION PIECE with helpful additional information

Can LPC Diagnose In GA | SB 319: 2019 And Beyond – January 16, 2022, Eric Groh, LPC CPCS ACS BC-TMH

4 Key Points: Rules Compliance With Diagnose and Testing
The following recommendations are based upon personal experience with many of Georgia’s other Georgia licensing boards scopes of practice violations e.g. psychology, nursing, and dental boards.

Diagnosing Mental Disorders
There is no list of mental disorders that LPCs can’t diagnose, however limit your diagnosing if possible.

…..

Guidelines for Psychological Testing
1) The new board rules state you can administer tests that you have been properly trained to administer and interpret, but even though you have been trained in administering for example the Rorschach, it is clearly a psychological test that is usually studied in a psychology PhD program.

2) The board does not a have list of tests masters prepared psychotherapists can administer. In order to protect your license, err on the side of caution:

Suggestions To Avoid

Psychological tests that can potentially cause psychological harm to a patient if misinterpreted. For example, some IQ testing.

Tests that are primarily used in psychological research. For example, the lexical decision task (LDT).

Many of the common instruments used in a formal neuropsychological battery for example those used by the Social Security Administration for making determinations about psychological disability.

Avoid making a determination of malingering.

You can query this in your progress notes but also document either a referral or reference to a psychologist or psychiatrist needing to assess it. Avoid tests which are used to diagnose degenerative brain disorders. In fact, this potentially places you in the realm of practicing medicine.

Safe But Proceed with Caution

Questionnaires completed by the patient that render results that are a simple sum total of the items which you then interpret. Examples include the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.

An example of a test you can administer and interpret by virtue of training is the Dissociative Experiences Scale. Many masters level therapists are trained in trained and skilled in treating dissociative disorders and the DES renders information useful for assessment and informing treatment planning.

Career and vocational tests are generally acceptable.

Some psychological tests, but only if under supervision of a psychologist. Document in your record that the psychologist both interpreted the results and directed you to administer the test.

Advertising Your Testing Services
Avoid the use of any and all terms with variants of the word, “psychology” in your advertising. Examples of what to avoid are psychological assessment, career psychology assessment services and psychological and counseling testing services.

“Career and vocational testing” won’t likely be challenged by either the Composite or the Psychology Board. Be clear about your testing services. As a rule, don’t attempt to push the boundaries of any of your advertising.

Still feeling uncertain? Contact the board directly to ask about what tools are okay to utilize in your work AND/OR if diagnosing ADHD and/or Autism as a masters level clinician is explicitly prohibited.

Click HERE to contact the board

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Georiga Diagnose?  In General – YES! ADHD/Autism – It’s complicated / the bill contains conflicting information. 

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

HOUSE SUBSTITUTE TO SENATE BILL 319 – A BILL TO BE ENTITLED – AN ACT – SB 319/HCSFA

(Link alternative, if above link doesn’t work)

Bill defines Diagnose, Professional Counseling (which applies to clinical social work) AND Psychological Testing: 

SECTION 1.

The General Assembly finds that the mental health and wellness needs of Georgia’s citizens require the availability of trained mental health professionals who can accurately diagnose, treat, prescribe, and appropriately assess the mental and emotional illnesses, disorders, and conditions from which they suffer and the vocational, educational, interpersonal, and intrapersonal needs essential to living and learning how to live productive and useful lives. It is the intent of the General Assembly to assure geographical and financial access for all of Georgia’s citizens to excellent mental health services to the extent that Georgia’s resources and regulations permit. To these ends, Georgia regulates its licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers who provide graduate level professional services to Georgia’s private and public mental health services and to its public mental health, educational, and vocational support systems. The General Assembly seeks in such regulatory process to protect the public and assure it receives high quality and appropriate services and to define the scopes of practice and diagnostic authority for each of these professional groups consistent with the graduate level training and supervision, or its equivalent, that the members of each profession have sought and successfully completed. The General Assembly has empowered and authorized the Georgia Composite Medical Board, the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, and

1. B. 319

– 2 –

the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists to fulfill these responsibilities and expects them to work together to assure a continuum of professional services that ensure appropriate diagnostic and assessment functions for each profession and the psychotherapeutic and counseling treatment services appropriate to each profession. The General Assembly recognizes that advances in medicine, science, education, training, and service delivery occur constantly in our modern history and therefore also expects the regulatory boards for each profession to assure that its licensees seek and successfully complete appropriate continuing education and training for the functions and services authorized to each profession.

SECTION 2.

Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, is amended in Code Section 43-10A-3, relating to definitions relative to professional counselors, social workers, and others, by adding a new paragraph and by revising paragraph (10) to read as follows: “(4.1) ‘Diagnose’ means the use, administration, or application of any criteria contained within standard classification or diagnostic systems for mental disorders and that are related to the scope of practice as provided pursuant to this chapter. Diagnose shall not mean the diagnosis of any neuropsychological functioning or conditions.”

“(10) ‘Professional counseling’ means that specialty which utilizes counseling techniques based on principles, methods, and procedures of counseling that assist people in identifying and resolving personal, social, vocational, intrapersonal, and interpersonal concerns; utilizes counseling and psychotherapy to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and recommend a course of treatment for emotional and mental problems and conditions, whether cognitive, behavioral, or affective, provided that the counselor shall have training and experience working with people with mental illness, developmental disability, or substance abuse; administers and interprets educational and vocational assessment instruments and other tests which the professional counselor is qualified to employ by virtue of education, training, and experience; utilizes information, community resources, and goal setting for personal, social, or vocational development; utilizes individual and group techniques for facilitating problem solving, decision making, and behavior change; utilizes functional assessment and vocational planning and guidance for persons requesting assistance in adjustment to a disability or disabling condition; utilizes referral for persons who request counseling services; performs service planning; and utilizes and interprets counseling research.”

(6) ‘Psychological testing’ means the use of assessment instruments to both: (A) Measure mental abilities, personality characteristics, or neuropsychological functioning; and (B) Diagnose, evaluate, classify, or render opinions regarding mental and nervous disorders and illnesses, including, but not limited to, organic brain disorders, brain damage, and other neuropsychological conditions.

SECTION 6.

Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 43-39-7, relating to the practice of psychology without a license, use of psychologist title, and exceptions, by striking the word “and” at the end of paragraph (7), by replacing the period at the end of paragraph (8) with “; and”, and by adding a new paragraph to read as follows:

“(9) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting any person licensed under Chapter 10A of this title from providing services he or she is authorized to perform under Chapter 10A of this title, including, but not limited to, administering and interpreting educational and vocational tests; functional assessments; interest inventories; tests that evaluate marital and family functioning; mental health symptom screening and assessment instruments that evaluate emotional, mental, behavioral, and interpersonal problems or conditions including substance use, health, and disability; or any other assessments or tests which the person is qualified to employ by virtue of his or her education, training, or experience within the scope of practice of professional counselors. The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists shall have sole authority to regulate assessment and testing performed by persons licensed under Chapter 10A of this title.

Still feeling uncertain? Contact the board directly to ask about what tools are okay to utilize in your work AND/OR if diagnosing ADHD and/or Autism as a masters level clinician is explicitly prohibited.

Click HERE to contact the board

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Georgia Diagnose?  In General – YES! ADHD/Autism? – It’s complicated / the bill contains conflicting information. 

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

HOUSE SUBSTITUTE TO SENATE BILL 319 – A BILL TO BE ENTITLED – AN ACT – SB 319/HCSFA

(Link alternative, if above link doesn’t work)

Statute defines Marriage and Family Therapist:

SECTION 1.

The General Assembly finds that the mental health and wellness needs of Georgia’s citizens require the availability of trained mental health professionals who can accurately diagnose, treat, prescribe, and appropriately assess the mental and emotional illnesses, disorders, and conditions from which they suffer and the vocational, educational, interpersonal, and intrapersonal needs essential to living and learning how to live productive and useful lives. It is the intent of the General Assembly to assure geographical and financial access for all of Georgia’s citizens to excellent mental health services to the extent that Georgia’s resources and regulations permit. To these ends, Georgia regulates its licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers who provide graduate level professional services to Georgia’s private and public mental health services and to its public mental health, educational, and vocational support systems. The General Assembly seeks in such regulatory process to protect the public and assure it receives high quality and appropriate services and to define the scopes of practice and diagnostic authority for each of these professional groups consistent with the graduate level training and supervision, or its equivalent, that the members of each profession have sought and successfully completed. The General Assembly has empowered and authorized the Georgia Composite Medical Board, the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, and the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists to fulfill these responsibilities and expects them to work together to assure a continuum of professional services that ensure appropriate diagnostic and assessment functions for each profession and the psychotherapeutic and counseling treatment services appropriate to each profession. The General Assembly recognizes that advances in medicine, science, education, training, and service delivery occur constantly in our modern history and therefore also expects the regulatory boards for each profession to assure that its licensees seek and successfully complete appropriate continuing education and training for the functions and services authorized to each profession.

 

SECTION 2.

Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, is amended in Code Section 43-10A-3, relating to definitions relative to professionalcounselors, social workers, and others, by adding a new paragraph and by revising paragraph (10) to read as follows: “(4.1) ‘Diagnose’ means the use, administration, or application of any criteria containedwithin standard classification or diagnostic systems for mental disorders and that are related to the scope of practice as provided pursuant to this chapter. Diagnose shall not mean the diagnosis of any neuropsychological functioning or conditions.” “(10) ‘Professional counseling’ means that specialty which utilizes counseling techniques based on principles, methods, and procedures of counseling that assist people in identifying and resolving personal, social, vocational, intrapersonal, and interpersonal concerns; utilizes counseling and psychotherapy to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and recommend a course of treatment for emotional and mental problems and conditions, whether cognitive, behavioral, or affective, provided that the counselor shall have training and experience working with people with mental illness, developmental disability, or substance abuse; administers and interprets educational and vocational assessment instruments and other tests which the professional counselor is qualified to employ by virtue of education, training, and experience; utilizes information, community resources, and goal setting for personal, social, or vocational development; utilizes individual and group techniques for facilitating problem solving, decision making, and behavior change; utilizes functional assessment and vocational planning and guidance for persons requesting assistance in adjustment to a disability or disabling condition; utilizes referral for persons who request counseling services; performs service planning; and utilizes and interprets counseling research.” (6) ‘Psychological testing’ means the use of assessment instruments to both: (A) Measure mental abilities, personality characteristics, or neuropsychological functioning; and (B) Diagnose, evaluate, classify, or render opinions regarding mental and nervous disorders and illnesses, including, but not limited to, organic brain disorders, brain damage, and other neuropsychological conditions.

Still feeling uncertain? Contact the board directly to ask about what tools are okay to utilize in your work AND/OR if diagnosing ADHD and/or Autism as a masters level clinician is explicitly prohibited.

 Click HERE to contact the board

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Hawaii Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional & Vocational Licensing Division – House Bill HRS CHAPTER 453D – MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS

Statute defines Practice of Mental Health Counseling:

453D-1  Definitions.  As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

  “Practice of mental health counseling” means the rendering of professional counseling services based on specialized education, training, and experience to individuals, families, or groups for compensation, monetary or otherwise.  These professional counseling services include applying the respective principles, methods, and theories of counseling, human development, learning theory, group and family dynamics, rehabilitation, and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior, and defining goals and developing a treatment plan of action aimed toward the prevention, treatment, and resolution of mental and emotional dysfunction and intra or interpersonal disorders to all persons irrespective of diagnosis.  “Practice of mental health counseling” includes but is not limited to:

     (1)  The assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of, and counseling for, mental and emotional disorders;

     (2)  The assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of, and counseling for, substance abuse and conduct disorders defined in the approved diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders;

     (3)  The application of educational techniques aimed at the prevention of these disorders; and

     (4)  The provision of consultative services to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. [L 2004, c 209, pt of §2; am L 2006, c 14, §1; am L 2008, c 206, §1]

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Hawaii Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional & Vocational Licensing Division – House Bill HRS CHAPTER 457E – SOCIAL WORKERS

Bill defines Practice of Social Work & Explains Scope of Practice for different levels of Social Workers

467E-1 Definitions. As used in this chapter:

“Practice of social work” means applying the formal knowledge base, theoretical concepts, specific functional skills, and essential social values that are used to effect change in human behavior, emotional responses, and social conditions, and helping individuals, couples, families, groups, and community organizations enhance or restore their capacities for personal and social functioning while preventing and controlling social problems. Social work practice is the professional application of social work values, principles, ethics, and techniques in the following areas:

(1) Information, resource identification, referral services, mediation services, advocacy services, and education of individuals, groups, couples, and families;

(2) Preparation and evaluation of assessments and development and implementation of social work service plans;

(3) Case management, coordination, casework intervention, and monitoring of social work service plans in the areas of personal, social, or economic resources, conditions, or problems;

(4) Administration and development of social service programs, policies, community organization, planning, implementation, and involvement in the evaluation of social systems and social policies;

(5) Social work consultation and resource development;

(6) Research through the formal design and methodology of data collection and the analysis and evaluation of data, social work programs, social systems, and social policies;

(7) Psychosocial assessment, diagnostic impressions, treatment of individuals, couples, families, and groups, prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or impairment, including emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders, and evaluation of practice effectiveness; and

(8) Clinical diagnosis or psychotherapy, or both, provided by a licensed clinical social worker. “Social worker” or “S.W.” means a person who has been issued a license as a licensed bachelor social worker, licensed social worker, or licensed clinical social worker to practice within the scope of practice as provided in this chapter.

467E-1.5 Limitations of scope of practice. In accordance with the definition of the practice of social work, there shall be limitations on the scope of the practice of social work as follows:

(1) The “licensed bachelor social worker” or “L.B.S.W.” may perform duties as defined in paragraphs (1) to (4) of the definition of the practice of social work in section 467E-1 in an agency setting under supervision;

(2) The “licensed social worker” or “L.S.W.” may perform duties as defined in paragraphs (1) to (7) of the definition of the practice of social work in section 467E1; and

(3) The “licensed clinical social worker” or “L.C.S.W.” may perform duties as defined in paragraphs (1) to (8) of the definition of the practice of social work in section 467E1.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Georgia Diagnose?  YES! (With clarified limitations)

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional & Vocational Licensing Division – House Bill HRS CHAPTER 451J – LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS

Click to access HRS451j-Marr_Fam_Therapy.pdf

Statute defines Marriage and Family Therapist:

451J-1 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning: 

“Marriage and family therapy practice” means the application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, or families in order to diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and nervous disorders, whether these are behavioral, cognitive, or affective, within the context of the individual’s relationships. Marriage and family therapy is offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private, for a fee or through pro bono work. Marriage and family therapists assist individuals, couples, and families to achieve more adequate, satisfying, and productive social relationships, enable individuals to improve behavioral or psychological functioning, and help individuals reduce distress or disability. Marriage and family therapy includes but is not limited to:

(1) Assessment and diagnosis of presenting problems through inquiry, observation, evaluation, integration of diagnostic information from adjunctive resources, description, and interpretation of verbal and non-verbal communication, thought processes, beliefs, affect, boundaries, roles, life cycle stages, family interaction patterns, economic, social, emotional, and mental functioning, in order to identify specific dysfunctions and to identify the presence of disorders as identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders;

(2) Designing and developing treatment plans by incorporating and integrating recognized family system theories, communication principles, crisis counseling principles, cognitive and behavioral counseling principles, or psychotherapeutic techniques in establishing short- and long-term goals and interventions collaboratively with the client; and

(3) Implementing and evaluating the course of treatment by incorporating family systems theories to assist individuals, couples, and families to achieve more adequate, satisfying, and productive social relationships, to enable individuals to improve behavioral or psychological functioning, and to help individuals reduce distress or disability by improving problem solving skills, decision making skills, communication and other relationship interaction patterns, identification of strengths and weaknesses, understanding or resolution of interpersonal or intrapersonal issues, recognition, development, and expression of appropriate affect, and referral to adjunctive medical, psychological, psychiatric, educational, legal, or social resources.

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Idaho Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS NOT officially mentioned state statute.

TITLE 54 PROFESSIONS, VOCATIONS, AND BUSINESSES – CHAPTER 34 COUNSELORS AND THERAPISTS

Statute defines Practice of Professional Counseling:

(10) “Practice of professional counseling” means the application of mental health, psychological, and human development principles in order to facilitate human development and adjustment throughout the life span; prevent, assess, and treat mental, emotional or behavioral disorders and associated distresses which interfere with mental health; conduct assessments for the purpose of establishing treatment goals and objectives; and plan, implement and evaluate treatment plans using counseling treatment interventions. The practice of professional counseling also means the application of cognitive, affective, behavioral, and systemic counseling strategies across the continuum of care. It includes principles of development, wellness and pathology that reflect a contemporary society. Such interventions are specifically implemented in the context of a professional counseling setting. The practice of professional counseling includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Individual, group, couples, family counseling and therapy;

(b) Assessment;

(c) Crisis intervention;

(d) Treatment of persons with mental and emotional disorders including, but not limited to, addictive disorders;

(e) Guidance and consulting to facilitate normal growth and development, including educational and career development;

(f) Utilization of functional assessment and counseling for persons requesting assistance in adjustment to a disability;

(g) Consulting;

(h) Research; and

(i) Referral. 

The use of specific methods, techniques, or modalities within the practice of professional counseling is restricted to professional counselors appropriately trained in the use of such methods, techniques or modalities.

—————————–

Official Statute does not include the word diagnose/diagnosis, but it is implied ( “The practice of professional counseling includes, but is not limited, assessment”) and not restricted. AND this is CONFIRMED by the Idaho Mental Health Professionals Workforce Overview (2023)

Idaho Mental Health Professionals Workforce Overview – 2023

“Like marriage and family therapists, counselors are licensed by the Idaho Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, and counseling licensure is codified by the same rule book and same chapter of Idaho Code. Counseling, in contrast to marriage and family therapy, focuses more on the development and adjustment of individuals including diagnosis and assessment.”

LCSW

Can LCSW’s in Idaho Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS officially mentioned state statute.

IDAPA 24 – DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES IDAHO BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAMINERS 24.14.01 – Rules of the State Board of Social Work Examiners – Zero-Based Regulation Review – 2023 for Rulemaking and 2024 Legislative Review

Statute defines Psychotherapy as it pertains to Clinical Social Work:

010. DEFINITIONS.

02.  Psychotherapy. Treatment methods using a specialized, formal interaction between a Clinical Social Worker and an individual, couple, family, or group in which a therapeutic relationship is established, maintained, or sustained to understand unconscious processes, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and psychosocial dynamics, and the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions, and addictions. (3-28-23)

LMFT

Can LMFT’s in Idaho Diagnose?  Probably!

Diagnosis IS NOT officially mentioned state statute, but it is implied (Evaluation & Treatment) and diagnosis is not restricted. 

TITLE 54 PROFESSIONS, VOCATIONS, AND BUSINESSES – CHAPTER 34 COUNSELORS AND THERAPISTS

Statute defines Psychotherapy as it pertains to Clinical Social Work:

54-3401. DEFINITIONS. As used in this chapter:

(8) “Marriage and family therapy” means the evaluation and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Marriage and family therapy includes the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples and families for the purpose of treating nervous and mental disorders including, but not limited to, addictive disorders. 

(9) “Practice of marriage and family therapy” means the rendering of professional marriage and family therapy services to individuals, couples and families, singly or in groups, whether such services are offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private. A licensed associate marriage and family therapist shall only practice marriage and family therapy under supervision as established in this chapter and rules of the board. The practice of marriage and family therapy is restricted to marriage and family therapists competent in the area of practice, and in the use of such methods, techniques or modalities.

LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Can LCPC’s in Illinois Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS officially mentioned state statute.

PROFESSIONS, OCCUPATIONS, AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS (225 ILCS 107/) Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. 

Statute defines Professional Counseling and Clinical Professional Counseling:

“Professional counseling” means the provision of services to individuals, couples, groups, families, and organizations in any one or more of the fields of professional counseling. “Professional counseling” includes the therapeutic process of: (i) conducting assessments and diagnosing for the purpose of establishing treatment goals and objectives and (ii) planning, implementing, and evaluating treatment plans using treatment interventions to facilitate human development and to identify and remediate mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and associated distresses that interfere with mental health.

    Professional counseling may also include clinical professional counseling as long as it is not conducted in independent private practice as defined in this Act.

    “Clinical professional counseling” means the provision of professional counseling and mental health services, which includes, but is not limited to, the application of clinical counseling theory and techniques to prevent and alleviate mental and emotional disorders and psychopathology and to promote optimal mental health, rehabilitation, treatment, testing, assessment, and evaluation. “Clinical professional counseling” may include the practice of professional counseling as defined in this Act. It also includes clinical counseling and psychotherapy in a professional relationship to assist individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations to alleviate emotional disorders, to understand conscious and unconscious motivation, to resolve emotional, relationship, and attitudinal conflicts, and to modify behaviors that interfere with effective emotional, social, adaptive, and intellectual functioning.

    “Licensed professional counselor” and “professional counselor” means a person who holds a license authorizing the practice of professional counseling as defined in this Act.

    “Licensed clinical professional counselor” and “clinical professional counselor” means a person who holds a license authorizing the independent practice of clinical professional counseling in private practice as defined in this Act.

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Illinois Diagnose? YES! While under supervision.

Diagnosis IS officially mentioned state statute.

PROFESSIONS, OCCUPATIONS, AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS (225 ILCS 107/) Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. 

Statute defines Professional Counseling and Clinical Professional Counseling:

“Professional counseling” means the provision of services to individuals, couples, groups, families, and organizations in any one or more of the fields of professional counseling. “Professional counseling” includes the therapeutic process of: (i) conducting assessments and diagnosing for the purpose of establishing treatment goals and objectives and (ii) planning, implementing, and evaluating treatment plans using treatment interventions to facilitate human development and to identify and remediate mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and associated distresses that interfere with mental health.

    Professional counseling may also include clinical professional counseling as long as it is not conducted in independent private practice as defined in this Act.

  “Clinical professional counseling” means the provision of professional counseling and mental health services, which includes, but is not limited to, the application of clinical counseling theory and techniques to prevent and alleviate mental and emotional disorders and psychopathology and to promote optimal mental health, rehabilitation, treatment, testing, assessment, and evaluation. “Clinical professional counseling” may include the practice of professional counseling as defined in this Act. It also includes clinical counseling and psychotherapy in a professional relationship to assist individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations to alleviate emotional disorders, to understand conscious and unconscious motivation, to resolve emotional, relationship, and attitudinal conflicts, and to modify behaviors that interfere with effective emotional, social, adaptive, and intellectual functioning.

    “Licensed professional counselor” and “professional counselor” means a person who holds a license authorizing the practice of professional counseling as defined in this Act.

    “Licensed clinical professional counselor” and “clinical professional counselor” means a person who holds a license authorizing the independent practice of clinical professional counseling in private practice as defined in this Act.

 

LCSW

Can LCSW’s in Illinois Diagnose? Probably!

Diagnosis IS NOT officially mentioned state statute. Evaluation may imply diagnosis. 

PROFESSIONS, OCCUPATIONS, AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS (225 ILCS 107/) Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. 

Statute defines Clinical social work practice:

5. “Clinical social work practice” means the providing of mental health services for the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders in individuals, families, and groups based on knowledge and theory of professionally accepted theoretical structures, including, but not limited to, psychosocial development, behavior, psychopathology, unconscious motivation, interpersonal relationships, and environmental stress.

Professional Opinion – YES. According to Social Worker License

LCSWs provide clinical services without supervision, including diagnosis, treatment, and therapy. The LCSW is the second and highest level of licensure provided by Illinois.

Have information about diagnosing as an LCSW in the state of Illinois? Contact Me & I’ll add it to anecdotal evidence that it IS happening in practice.

LMFT

Can LMFT’s in Illinois Diagnose? Probably!

Diagnosis IS NOT officially mentioned state statute. Evaluation may imply diagnosis. 

PROFESSIONS, OCCUPATIONS, AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS (225 ILCS 55/) Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act. – (225 ILCS 55/10) (from Ch. 111, par. 8351-10)

Statute defines Marriage and Family Therapy:

“Marriage and family therapy” means the evaluation and treatment of mental and emotional problems within the context of human relationships. Marriage and family therapy involves the use of psychotherapeutic methods to ameliorate interpersonal and intrapersonal conflict and to modify perceptions, beliefs and behavior in areas of human life that include, but are not limited to, premarriage, marriage, sexuality, family, divorce adjustment, and parenting.

Professional Opinion – YES

Illinois Counseling Association reports on Medicaid (Goverment Medical Coverage) including Diagnostic services offered by LMFTs

Medicaid Coverage of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors

This notice informs providers of new coverage per PA 102-0043 of services rendered by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) enrolled for participation in the Medical Assistance Programs beginning with dates of service on or after December 1, 2021.

LCPCs and LMFTs may receive reimbursement for the delivery of certain diagnostic and therapeutic services provided in the office, home or community setting for the treatment of the customer, consistent with the covered services and reimbursement rates

Have information about diagnosing as an LCSW in the state of Illinois? Contact Me & I’ll add it to anecdotal evidence that it IS happening in practice.

LPC

Can LCPC’s in Indiana Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS officially mentioned state statute.

Indiana General Assembly – 2023 Code – TITLE 25. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS – IC 25-23.6-1 – Chapter 1. Definitions

Statute defines Practice of Mental Health Counseling and Mental Health Diagnosis:

Sec. 7.5. “Practice of mental health counseling” means a specialty that:

(1) uses counseling and psychotherapeutic techniques based on principles, methods, and procedures of counseling that assist people in identifying and resolving personal, social, vocational, intrapersonal, and interpersonal concerns;

(2) uses counseling to provide a mental health diagnosis and treat emotional and mental problems and conditions in a variety of settings, including mental and physical health facilities, child and family service agencies, or private practice, and including the use of accepted evaluation classifications;

(3) administers and interprets appraisal instruments that the mental health counselor is qualified to employ by virtue of the counselor’s education, training, and experience;

(4) uses information and community resources for personal, social, or vocational development;

(5) uses individual and group techniques for facilitating problem solving, decision making, and behavioral change;

(6) uses functional assessment and vocational planning guidance for persons requesting assistance in adjustment to a disability or disabling condition;

(7) uses referrals for individuals who request counseling services; and

(8) uses and interprets counseling research.

Sec. 5.6. (a) “Mental health diagnosis” means the evaluation of mental, emotional, behavioral, and addictive disorders and conditions by an individual who:
1) uses accepted classifications, including the most current version of:
(A) the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); and (B) the International Classification of Diseases (ICD); and (2) complies with:
(A) the education, training, experience, and licensure requirements set forth in IC 25-23.6-11-4; and
(B) the individual’s professional scope of practice.
(b) The term does not include a physical diagnosis.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Indiana Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS officially mentioned state statute.

2023 Indiana Code – Title 25. Professions and Occupations – Article 23.6. Behavioral Health and Human Services Professionals

Statute defines Practice of Clinical Social Work and Mental Health Diagnosis:

Chapter 1. Definitions
25-23.6-1-6. “Practice of Clinical Social Work”

Sec. 6. “Practice of clinical social work” means professional services that are designed to help individuals, marriages, couples, families, groups, and communities to enhance or restore their capacity for functioning by:
(1) assisting in the obtaining or improving of tangible social and health services;
(2) providing a mental health diagnosis;
(3) using appraisal instruments as an aid in treatment planning that the clinical social worker is qualified to employ by virtue of the counselor’s education, training, and experience; and
(4) counseling and psychotherapeutic techniques, casework social work advocacy, and treatment in a variety of settings that include mental and physical health facilities, child and faIC 25-23.6-1-5.6 “Mental health diagnosis”

Sec. 5.6. (a) “Mental health diagnosis” means the evaluation of mental, emotional, behavioral, and addictive disorders and conditions by an individual who:
1) uses accepted classifications, including the most current version of:
(A) the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); and (B) the International Classification of Diseases (ICD); and (2) complies with:
(A) the education, training, experience, and licensure requirements set forth in IC 25-23.6-11-4; and
(B) the individual’s professional scope of practice.
(b) The term does not include a physical diagnosis.

LMFT

Can LMFT’s in Indiana Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS officially mentioned state statute.

Indiana General Assembly – 2023 Code – TITLE 25. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS – IC 25-23.6-1 – Chapter 1. Definitions

Statute defines Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Diagnosis:

IC 25-23.6-1-7 “Practice of marriage and family therapy”

Sec. 7. “Practice of marriage and family therapy” means a specialty that:

(1) uses an applied understanding of the dynamics of marital, relational, and family systems, and individual psychodynamics;

(2) uses counseling and psychotherapeutic techniques;

(3) provides a mental health diagnosis and treats mental and emotional conditions, resolves intrapersonal and interpersonal conflict, and changes perceptions, attitudes, and behavior, all within the context of family, marital, and relational systems, including the use of accepted evaluation classifications;

(4) uses individual, group, couple, sexual, family, and divorce therapy; and

(5) uses appraisal instruments that evaluate individual, marital, relational, communicational, parent and child, and family functioning that the marriage and family therapist is qualified to employ by virtue of the counselor’s education, training, and experience.

Sec. 5.6. (a) “Mental health diagnosis” means the evaluation of mental, emotional, behavioral, and addictive disorders and conditions by an individual who:
1) uses accepted classifications, including the most current version of:
(A) the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); and (B) the International Classification of Diseases (ICD); and (2) complies with:
(A) the education, training, experience, and licensure requirements set forth in IC 25-23.6-11-4; and
(B) the individual’s professional scope of practice.
(b) The term does not include a physical diagnosis.

LMHC – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Can LMHC’s in Iowa Diagnose?  Probably!

Diagnosis NOT defined officially by any state statute. However, it may be implied by the word “assessment”

Iowa Code 2024, Section 154D.1 – CHAPTER 154D BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE – 154D.1 Definitions

Statute defines Practice of Mental Health Counseling:

“Mental health counseling” means the provision of counseling services involving assessment, referral, consultation, and the application of counseling, human development principles, learning theory, group dynamics, and the etiology of maladjustment and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, families, and groups.”

DIAGNOSIS IS referred to as a service applicants to become or are LPC’s in the state of Iowa perform.

645—31.1(154D) Definitions. 

“Mental health setting” means a behavioral health setting where an applicant is providing mental health services including the diagnosis, treatment, and assessment of emotional and mental health disorders and issues.

AND as a necessity of supervision to become an Licensed Professional Counselor: 

645—31.7(154D) Supervised clinical experience. An applicant for licensure as a mental health counselor or marital and family therapist must complete a supervised clinical experience as set forth in this rule.

1. Content. The supervised clinical experience must involve performing psychosocial assessments, diagnostic practice using the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) published March 2022, and providing treatment, including the establishment of treatment goals, psychosocial therapy using evidence-based therapeutic modalities, and differential treatment planning. The supervised clinical experience will prepare the supervisee for independent practice and must include training on practice management, ethical standards, legal and regulatory requirements, documentation, coordination of care, and self-care.

ADDITIONAL Administrative Code as it applies to training in testing/assessment/diagnosis: 

645-31.6(2)(a)(6)(154D) requires counseling licensure applicants to have graduate-level training in: (8) Diagnosis and assessment treatment procedures. Studies that provide an understanding of individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation. Studies in this area include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Theoretical and historical bases for assessment techniques and methods of interpretation of appraisal data and information; 2. Types of educational and psychological appraisal as appropriate to the helping process; 3. Validity, including evidence for establishing content, construct, and empirical validity; 4. Reliability, including methods of establishing stability and internal and equivalence reliability; 5. Major appraisal methods, including environmental assessment, performance assessment, individual and group test and inventory methods, behavioral observations, and computer-managed and computer-assisted methods; 6. Psychometric statistics, including types of test scores, measures of central tendency, indices of variability, standard errors and correlations; and 7. Gender, ethnicity, language, disability, and cultural factors related to the assessment and evaluation of individuals and groups. 

645-31.6(2)(b)(1)(154D) requires licensure applicants to have graduate-level training in: (7) Assessment. Studies that provide an understanding of individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation in a multicultural society, including the following: 1. Historical perspectives concerning the nature and meaning of assessment; 2. Basic concepts of standardized and nonstandardized testing and other assessment techniques including norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessment, environmental assessment, performance assessment, individual and group test and inventory methods, and behavioral observations; 3. Statistical concepts, including scales of measurement, measures of central tendency, indices of variability, shapes and types of distributions, and correlations; 4. Reliability (i.e., theory of measurement error, models of reliability, and the use of reliability information); 5. Validity (i.e., evidence of validity, types of validity, and the relationship between reliability and validity); 

LCSW

Can LCSW’s in Iowa Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

CODE OF IOWA 2024 – CHAPTER 154C SOCIAL WORK – 154C.1 Definitions

Statute defines Practice of Social Work:

3. “Practice of social work” means the professional activity of licensees which is directed at enhancing or restoring people’s capacity for social functioning, whether impaired by environmental, emotional, or physical factors, with particular attention to the person-in-situation configuration. The social work profession represents a body of knowledge requiring progressively more sophisticated analytic and intervention skills, and includes the application of psychosocial theory methods to individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. The practice of social work does not include the making of a medical diagnosis, or the treatment of conditions or disorders of biological etiology except treatment of conditions or disorders which involve psychosocial aspects and conditions. The practice of social work for each of the categories of social work licensure includes the following:

a. Bachelor social workers provide psychosocial assessment and intervention through direct contact with clients or referral of clients to other qualified resources for assistance, including but not limited to performance of social histories, problem identification, establishment of goals and monitoring of progress, interviewing techniques, counseling, social work administration, supervision, evaluation, interdisciplinary consultation and collaboration, and research of service delivery including development and implementation of organizational policies and procedures in program management.

b. Master social workers are qualified to perform the practice of bachelor social workers and provide psychosocial assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, including but not limited to performance of psychosocial histories, problem identification and evaluation of symptoms and behavior, assessment of psychosocial and behavioral strengths and weaknesses, effects of the environment on behavior, psychosocial therapy with individuals, couples, families, and groups, establishment of treatment goals and monitoring progress, differential treatment planning, and interdisciplinary consultation and collaboration.

c. Independent social workers are qualified to perform the practice of master social workers as a private practice.

4. “Private practice” means social work practice conducted only by an independent social worker who is either self-employed or a member of a partnership or of a group practice providing diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders or conditions.

OTHER/INTERESTING: 

TITLE XIII COMMERCE SUBTITLE 1. INSURANCE AND RELATED REGULATION – CHAPTER 514C: SPECIAL HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COVERAGES

Autism Spectrum Disorder Coverage

1. “Diagnostic assessment of autism spectrum disorder” means medically necessary assessment, evaluations, or tests performed by a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, licensed psychologist, or licensed registered nurse practitioner to diagnose whether an individual has autism spectrum disorder 

The state may not cover/pay for autism assessment / diagnosis performed by anyone without the above credentials. 

LMFT

Can LMFT’s in Iowa Diagnose?  Probably!

Diagnosis IS NOT described in the state statute. However, it may be implied by the word “assessment”.

Iowa Code 2024, Section 154D.1 – 154D.1 Definitions

Statute defines Marital and Family Therapy:

“Marital and family therapy” means the application of counseling techniques in the assessment and resolution of emotional conditions. This includes the alteration and establishment of attitudes and patterns of interaction relative to marriage, family life, and interpersonal relationships.

DIAGNOSIS IS referred to as a service applicants perform in order to become an LMFT in the state of Iowa

645—31.1(154D) Definitions. 

“Mental health setting” means a behavioral health setting where an applicant is providing mental health services including the diagnosis, treatment, and assessment of emotional and mental health disorders and issues.

AND as a necessity of supervision to become a Licensed MFT: 

645—31.7(154D) Supervised clinical experience. An applicant for licensure as a mental health counselor or marital and family therapist must complete a supervised clinical experience as set forth in this rule.

1. Content. The supervised clinical experience must involve performing psychosocial assessments, diagnostic practice using the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) published March 2022, and providing treatment, including the establishment of treatment goals, psychosocial therapy using evidence-based therapeutic modalities, and differential treatment planning. The supervised clinical experience will prepare the supervisee for independent practice and must include training on practice management, ethical standards, legal and regulatory requirements, documentation, coordination of care, and self-care

LCPC – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Can LCPC’s in Kansas Diagnose?  YES! (With some interesting requirements – See Below!)

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

2023 Statute – Article 58. – PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

Statute defines Scope of Practice and differences for LCPCs vs LPCs AND requires consult with a doctor:

Article 58. – PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

65-5804a. Application for licensure; requirements; practice of licensed clinical professional counselor; approval of colleges or universities, criteria; temporary license; community-based professional counselor license. (a) Applications for licensure as a professional counselor shall be made to the board on a form and in the manner prescribed by the board. Each application shall be accompanied by the fee set under K.S.A. 65-5808, and amendments thereto.

(3) A licensed clinical professional counselor may engage in the independent practice of professional counseling and is authorized to diagnose and treat mental disorders specified in the edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders of the American psychiatric association designated by the board by rules and regulations. When a client has symptoms of a mental disorder, a licensed clinical professional counselor shall consult with the client’s primary care physician or psychiatrist to determine if there may be a medical condition or medication that may be causing or contributing to the client’s symptoms of a mental disorder. A client may request in writing that such consultation be waived and such request shall be made a part of the client’s record. A licensed clinical professional counselor may continue to evaluate and treat the client until such time that the medical consultation is obtained or waived.

(4) A licensed professional counselor may diagnose and treat mental disorders specified in the edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders of the American psychiatric association designated by the board by rules and regulations only under the direction of a licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed psychologist, person licensed to practice medicine and surgery or person licensed to provide mental health services as an independent practitioner and whose licensure allows for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. When a client has symptoms of a mental disorder, a licensed professional counselor shall consult with the client’s primary care physician or psychiatrist to determine if there may be a medical condition or medication that may be causing or contributing to the client’s symptoms of a mental disorder. A client may request in writing that such consultation be waived and such request shall be made a part of the client’s record. A licensed professional counselor may continue to evaluate and treat the client until such time that the medical consultation is obtained or waived.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Kansas Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

Kansas Statutes – Chapter 65.—PUBLIC HEALTH

Statute defines Social Work Practice:

65-6302. Definitions. As used in the social workers licensure act, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(d) “Social work practice” means the professional activity of helping individuals, groups or communities enhance or restore their capacity for physical, social and economic functioning and the professional application of social work values, principles and techniques in areas such as psychotherapy, social service administration, social planning, social work consultation and social work research to one or more of the following ends: Helping people obtain tangible services; counseling with individuals, families and groups; helping communities or groups provide or improve social and health services; and participating in relevant social action. The practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior; of social, economic and cultural institutions and forces; and of the interaction of all these factors. Social work practice includes the teaching of practicum courses in social work and includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders as authorized under K.S.A. 65-6306 and 65-6319, and amendments thereto.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Kansas Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described in the state statute.

2023 Statute – Article 64. – MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS

Statute defines Marriage and Family Therapy and scope of practice for LMFTs VS. MFTs

65-6402. Definitions. As used in the marriage and family therapists licensure act:

(c) ”Licensed clinical marriage and family therapist” means a person who engages in the independent practice of marriage and family therapy including the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders specified in the edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders of the American psychiatric association designated by the board by rules and regulations and is licensed under this act.

(d) ”Licensed marriage and family therapist” means a person who engages in the practice of marriage and family therapy, is licensed under this act and engages in the practice of marriage and family therapy only under the direction of a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist, a licensed psychologist, a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery or a person licensed to provide mental health services as an independent practitioner and whose licensure allows for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

(e) ”Marriage and family therapy” means the assessment and treatment of cognitive, affective or behavioral problems within the context of marital and family systems and includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders as authorized under the marriage and family therapists licensure act.

LPCC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Can LPC’s in Kentucky Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis NOT defined officially by state statute. However, it IS Defined in detail in Administrative Codes

Kentucky Revised Statutes – KRS Chapter 335 – Professional Counselors

Statute defines Practice of Professional Counseling:

335.500 Definitions for KRS 335.500 to 335.599. (5) “Practice of professional counseling” means professional counseling services that involve the application of mental health counseling and developmental principles, methods, and procedures, including assessment, evaluation, treatment planning, amelioration, and remediation of adjustment problems and emotional disorders, to assist individuals or groups to achieve more effective personal, social, educational, or career development and adjustment

DIAGNOSIS AND Testing/Assessment procedures ARE discussed in Administrative Code

Kentucky Administrative Regulations – 201 KAR 36:005, Section 1

201 KAR 36:005, Section 1(22)(c) clarifies that the “scope of practice for professional counseling” includes: …Psychotherapy, diagnosis, evaluation; administration of assessments, tests and appraisals; referral; or the establishment of counseling plans for the treatment of individuals, couples, groups, and families with emotional, mental, addiction, and physical disorders. 

201 KAR 36:05, Section 1(27) defines “testing and assessment services” as: …An educational, mental health, clinical, and career assessment to gather information regarding the client for a variety of purposes, including client decision making, treatment planning, and forensic proceedings. Assessment may include both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. 

Kentucky Administrative Regulations – 201 KAR 36:005, Section 2

201 KAR 36:040, Section 2(10) indicates, “A professional counselor shall take steps to ensure that each client understands the implications of diagnosis and the intended use of tests and reports.” 

201 KAR 36:040, Section 3 offers an extensive list of ethical codes related to evaluation, assessment, and interpretation, some of which that are most applicable to testing include: 

(3) A professional counselor shall use only those testing and assessment services for which the professional counselor has been trained and is competent. A professional counselor using technology-assisted test interpretations shall be trained in the construct being measured and the specific instrument being used prior to using its technology-based application. A professional counselor shall take measures to ensure the proper use of assessment techniques by persons under the counselor’s supervision. 

(4) A professional counselor shall be responsible for the application, scoring, interpretation, and use of assessment instruments relevant to the needs of the client, whether the counselor scores and interprets the assessments himself or herself or uses technology or other services. 

(5) A professional counselor shall be responsible for decisions involving individuals or policies that are based on assessment results and have a thorough understanding of psychometrics. 

(10) A professional counselor shall take special care to provide proper diagnosis of mental disorders. Assessment techniques, including personal interviews, used to determine client care which includes locus of treatment, type of treatment, recommended follow-up, shall be tailored to the client and appropriately used. 

(13) When assessments are not administered under standard conditions, as may be necessary to accommodate clients with disabilities, or when unusual behavior or irregularities occur during the administration, those conditions shall be noted in counselors interpretation, and the results may be dseignated as invalid or of questionable validity.

OTHER / Interesting

LPCC’s can be medicaid providers

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Kentucky Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis NOT defined officially by state statute. However, it IS Defined in detail in Administrative Codes

Kentucky Revised Statutes – KRS Chapter 335 – Social Workers

Statute defines Practice of Social Work:

335.020 Definitions. As used in KRS 335.010 to 335.160 and 335.990, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) “Board” means the Kentucky Board of Social Work. (2) “The practice of social work” means the professional activity of helping for remuneration individuals, groups, or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and create societal conditions favorable to this goal. It includes the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to one or more of the following ends: counseling and nonmedical psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups; helping people obtain tangible services; assisting communities or groups provide or improve social and health services; and engaging in social work education, research, planning, and the appropriate administration of social work or social welfare services. 

DIAGNOSIS AND Testing/Assessment procedures ARE discussed in Administrative Code

Kentucky Administrative Regulations – Title 201 | Chapter 023 | Regulation 070 – Section 3. Practice of Clinical Social Work.

201 KAR 23:070. Qualifying education and clinical practice experience under supervision.

(1) The practice of clinical social work shall be based on knowledge of psychodynamics, human relations, crisis intervention, psychopathology, and group dynamics.

(2) A practitioner of clinical social work shall:

(a) Possess competencies including skills necessary for:

1. Individual, marital, family, and group psychotherapy; and
2. Other recognized treatment modalities; and

(b) Establish a therapeutic relationship with his or her client that includes:

1. Assessment and diagnosis of mental disorders using professionally recognized clinical nomenclature;
2. Safe and appropriate treatment planning that includes development, implementation, modification of the plan, and coordination of treatment with other clinicians who may be involved in the client’s care;
3. Evaluation of progress;
4. Termination of the treatment process; and
5. Face-to-face contact with the client throughout the treatment process, and which may include telehealth in accordance with KRS 335.158 and 201 KAR Chapter 23.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Kentucky Diagnose?  Probably!

Diagnosis IS NOT described in the state statute. AND indicates that psychological tests should NOT be used.

Kentucky Revised Statutes – KRS Chapter 335 – Marriage and Family Therapists – 335.300 Definitions for KRS 335.300 to 335.399. 

(4) “The practice of marriage and family therapy” means the identification and treatment of cognitive, affective, and behavioral conditions related to marital and family dysfunctions that involve the professional application of psychotherapeutic and systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any licensed marriage and family therapist or marriage and family therapy associate to administer or interpret psychological tests in accordance with the provisions of KRS Chapter 319.

HOWEVER Diagnosis IS mentioned as a part of Supervision Requirements AND withing the Code of Ethics

Kentucky Administrative Regulations – Title 201 | Chapter 032 | Regulation 035

Section 3. Clinical Supervision.

(1) Clinical supervision shall:

(a) Be equally distributed throughout the qualifying period and shall average at least four (4) hours per month as specified in the supervision contract;

(b) Be clearly distinguishable from psychotherapy, didactic enrichment, or training activities;

(c) Focus on raw data from the supervisee’s clinical work within in the last twelve (12) months;

(d) Be direct, face-to-face contact between the supervisor and supervisee or be conducted via live video conferencing if both the supervisor and supervisee have met the educational requirements of 201 KAR 32:110, Section 3(1) and (2); and

(e) Continue until the supervisee is licensed by the board.

(2) The supervision process shall focus on:

(a) Accurate diagnosis of client problems leading to proficiency in applying professionally recognized nomenclature and developing a plan for treatment as established in DSM 5: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (2013);

(b) Development of treatment skills appropriate to the therapeutic process;

(c) Development of sensitivity to context and issues relating specifically to the family or individual being counseled;

(d) Acknowledgment of an awareness of the use of the professional self of the therapist in the process of therapy;

(e) Increased theoretical and applied knowledge for the therapist;

(f) Acquisition of a greater depth of knowledge and range of techniques in the provision of marriage and family therapy; and

(g) Awareness of ethical issues in practice, in order to safeguard and enhance the quality of care available to marriage and family therapy clients.

Kentucky Administrative Regulations – Title 201 | Chapter 032 | Regulation 050

201 KAR 32:050. Code of ethics.

Section 1. Responsibility to Clients.

(j) Diagnose, treat, or advise on problems outside the recognized boundaries of his or her competence. 

This code implies that an LMFT MAY be allowed to diagnose, treat and advise on problems WITHIN the recognized boundaries of his or her competence.

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Lousianna Diagnose?  YES! With limitations around testing

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

Louisiana State Legislature – CHAPTER 13. MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS – PART I. SHORT TITLE AND PURPOSE

PART II. MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR LICENSING – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Statute defines Mental Health Counseling Services & Limitations of Testing:

1101. Short title

This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Louisiana Mental Health Counselor Licensing Act”.

(7) “Mental health counseling services” means rendering or offering prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, which includes psychotherapy, of mental, emotional, behavioral, and addiction disorders to individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public by a licensed professional counselor, that is consistent with his professional training as prescribed by R.S. 37:1107(A)(6), by a provisional licensed professional counselor, that is consistent with the requirements as prescribed by R.S. 37:1107(F), and code of ethics/behavior involving the application of principles, methods, or procedures of the mental health counseling profession. Moreover, nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to authorize any person licensed hereunder to administer or interpret intellectual, personality, developmental, or neuropsychological tests in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 37:2352(7), except as provided by LAC 46:LXIII.1702(E), or engage in the practice of psychology or to prescribe, either orally or in writing, distribute, dispense, or administer any medications. If intellectual, personality, developmental, or neuropsychological tests are deemed necessary, the licensed professional counselor or provisional licensed professional counselor shall make an appropriate referral.

Testing/Assessment procedures ARE further explained in Administrative Code for Psychologists

Title 46 – PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS – Part LXIII. Psychologists – Subpart 1. General Provisions

Chapter 17. Specialty Titles – LAC 46:LXIII.1702

E. Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the contrary, psychologists as well as other appropriately licensed or certified professionals may also administer or use tests of language, educational and achievement tests, adaptive behavioral tests, and symptom screening checklists or instruments, as well as tests of abilities, interests, and aptitudes. The administration and interpretation of these tests is not exclusively within the scope of this regulation.

MORE information on LPC’s Testing/Assessment/Appraisal

Louisiana State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors – Rules Standards and Procedures

Rules:

§ 503(A)(e) defines “appraisal” and restricts counselors to tests of language, educational and achievement tests, adaptive behavior tests, and symptoms screening checklist instruments:

e. Appraisal—

i. Use or administration of tests of language, educational and achievement tests, adaptive behavioral tests, and symptoms screening checklists or instruments, as well as tests of abilities, interests, and aptitudes, for the purpose of diagnosing those conditions allowed within the scope of these statutes, defining counseling goals, planning and implementing interventions, and documenting clients progress as related to mental health counseling. Appraisal includes but is not necessarily limited to the following areas.

(a). Abilities—those normative-based individual and group administered instruments used to measure general mental ability vis-a-vis specific abilities.

(b). Interests—those normative-based individual and group administered instruments used to suggest educational and vocational adjustment, interpersonal relations, intrapersonal tendencies and interests, satisfaction from avocational pursuits, and other major phases of human development.

(c). Aptitudes—those normative-based individual and group administered instruments used to measure special ability related to a future task(s).

ii. Qualified licensed professional counselors as well as other appropriately licensed or certified professionals may also administer or use test of language, educational and achievement, adaptive behavior tests, and symptom screening checklists or instruments. The administration and interpretation of these tests are not exclusively within the scope of this regulation.

iii. Appraisals done within the practice of mental health counseling must be performed in accordance with the requirements of the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part LX, Chapter 21, Code of Conduct for Licensed Professional Counselors and Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors. A licensed professional counselor must be privileged by this board to utilize formal appraisal instruments and shall limit such use to those areas heretofore mentioned in this Chapter. A licensed professional counselor who wishes to be board privileged to utilize formal appraisal instruments in the appraisal of individuals shall additionally furnish this board satisfactory evidence of formal graduate training in statistics, sampling theory, test construction, test and measurements and individual differences and must renew this privileging designation every two years (as defined in Chapter 7). Formal training shall include a practicum and supervised practice with appraisal instruments.

§ 2111 consists of the “evaluation, appraisal, and interpretation” section of the code of conduct for licensed counselors in Louisiana.

Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners: Position Statement on Appraisal Activities Clarification of the Distinction between Appraisals and Psychological Tests

The Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners adopted a position statement on appraisal activities on 11/22/09 (revised on 11/18/16) distinguishing between “appraisal activities” and “psychological tests,” clarifying that: LPCs who are privileged to utilize formal appraisal instruments are authorized to administer the following: 1. tests of language, education and achievement tests; 2. adaptive behavioral tests; 3. symptoms screening checklists or instruments; 4. tests of abilities; 5. tests of interests; and 6. tests of aptitudes.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Louisiana Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis NOT defined officially by state statute. However, it IS Defined in detail in Administrative Codes

Louisiana State Legislature – CHAPTER 35. Social Workers

Statute defines Practice of Social Work:

RS 37:2703
§2703. Definitions

(14)(a) “Social work practice” means the professional application of social work values, theories, and interventions to one or more of the following: enhancing the development, problem-solving, and coping capacities of people; promoting the effective and humane operations of systems that provide resources and services to people; linking people with systems that provide them with resources, services, and opportunities; developing and improving social policy; and engaging in research related to the professional activities. The practice of social work shall include but not be limited to clinical social work, planning and community organization, policy and administration, research, and social work education. Social work practice is guided by knowledge of human behavior, biopsychosocial development, social systems and resources, economic and cultural institutions, and their interactions.

(c) Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to authorize any person licensed, certified, provisionally certified, or registered hereunder to prescribe, either orally or in writing, distribute, dispense, or administer any medications. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to authorize any social worker licensed, certified, provisionally certified, or registered under this Chapter to administer or interpret psychological tests, or to engage in the practice of psychology, as defined by the provisions of R.S. 37:2352 or to engage in the practice of medicine, as defined by the provisions of R.S. 37:1262. Notwithstanding any provisions of R.S. 37:2352, persons covered by this Chapter may, based upon scope of practice, administer, use, or interpret tests of language, education and achievement, adaptive behavioral tests, and symptom screening checklists instruments, as well as tests of abilities, interests, and aptitudes.

DIAGNOSIS AND Testing/Assessment procedures ARE discussed in Administrative Code

Louisiana Administrative Code June 2020

Title 46 – PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS

Part XXV. Credentialed Social Workers

• 111. Practice Requirements

1. Assessment or Diagnosis. A social worker shall base services on an assessment or diagnosis. A social worker shall evaluate on an ongoing basis whether the assessment or diagnosis needs to be revised.
2. Assessment or Diagnostic Instruments. A social worker shall take reasonable steps to ensure that appropriate explanations of results are given. A social worker shall ensure that an explanation of the results is provided using language that is reasonably understandable to the person assessed or to another legally authorized person on behalf of the client.
3. Plan. A social worker shall develop a plan for services which includes goals based on the assessment or diagnosis. A social worker shall evaluate on an ongoing basis whether the plan needs to be revised.

Chapter 3. General Provisions 

301. Definitions

Clinical Social Work Practice―the practice of clinical social work requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of prevention, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral and addiction disorders. Treatment methods include the provision of individual, marital, couple, family, and group psychotherapy. The practice of clinical social work may include, but is not limited to, private practice, employee assistance and addiction services.

RESTRICTIONS on Assessment Tools / Testing 

 (c) Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to authorize any person licensed, certified, provisionally certified, or registered hereunder to prescribe, either orally or in writing, distribute, dispense, or administer any medications. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to authorize any social worker licensed, certified, provisionally certified, or registered under this Chapter to administer or interpret psychological tests, or to engage in the practice of psychology, as defined by the provisions of R.S. 37:2352 or to engage in the practice of medicine, as defined by the provisions of R.S. 37:1262. Notwithstanding any provisions of R.S. 37:2352, persons covered by this Chapter may, based upon scope of practice, administer, use, or interpret tests of language, education and achievement, adaptive behavioral tests, and symptom screening checklists instruments, as well as tests of abilities, interests, and aptitudes.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Kansas Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described in the state statute.

Louisiana State Legislature – CHAPTER 32. Mental Health Counselors

Statute defines Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy

PART II. MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR LICENSING – GENERAL PROVISIONS
§1103. Definitions

(6) “Marriage and family therapy” means the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the prevention, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in an individual and relational disorders in couples and families.

(9) “Practice of marriage and family therapy” means the rendering of professional marriage and family therapy and psychotherapy services, limited to prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral, relational, and addiction disorders to individuals, couples, and families, singly or in groups, whether such services are offered directly to the general public or through either public or private organizations for a fee, monetary or otherwise, in accordance with professional training as prescribed by R.S. 37:1116 and code of ethics/behavior involving the application of principles, methods, or procedures of the marriage and family therapy profession.

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Maine Diagnose?  NO! See differences between LPC & LCPC

Diagnosis IS NOT defined within scope of practice within state statute.

Maine Legislature – Maine Revised Statutes – Title 32: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS – Chapter 119: COUNSELING PROFESSIONALS

Statute defines procedures of counseling:

8. Procedures of counseling.  “Procedures of counseling” means methods and techniques that include, but are not limited to, the following.

A. “Assessment” means selecting, administering and interpreting instruments designed to assess personal, interpersonal and group characteristics.   [PL 1989, c. 465, §3 (NEW).

B. “Consulting” means the application of scientific principles and procedures in counseling to provide assistance in understanding and solving a current or potential problem that the client may have in relation to a 3rd party, be it an individual, a family, a group or an organization.   [PL 1989, c. 465, §3 (NEW).

C. “Counseling” means assisting individuals, families or groups through the counseling relationship to develop understanding of intrapersonal and interpersonal problems, to define goals, to make decisions, to plan a course of action reflecting their needs, and to use information and community resources, as these procedures are related to personal, social, educational and vocational development.   [PL 1989, c. 465, §3 (NEW).

D. “Referral” means the evaluation of information to identify needs or problems of the counselee and to determine the advisability of referral to other specialists, informing the counselee of that judgment, and communicating as requested or deemed appropriate with referral sources.

Diagnosis actively prohobited for LPCs by board rules. 

State of Maine – Rule Chapters for the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation – Chapter 2  – LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

Section 514-2-1 – Scope of Practice

1. Scope of Practice

A licensed professional counselor practices the principles and procedures of counseling, as defined in 32 MRSA §13851(8), to assist those served in achieving more effective personal, emotional, social, educational and vocational development and adjustment. A licensed professional counselor may not diagnose or treat mental health disorders.

LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Can LCPC’s in Maine Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS defined within scope of practice within Board Rules / Administrative Code.

State of Maine – Rule Chapters for the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation – Chapter 3  – LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELORS

1. Scope of Practice

A licensed clinical professional counselor practices the principles and procedures of counseling, as defined in 32 MRSA §13851(8), to assess and treat intrapersonal and interpersonal problems and other dysfunctional behaviors and to assist in the overall development and adjustment of those served. A licensed clinical professional counselor may both diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

OTHER / Interesting – Statute addressing Counseling Compact refers to Diagnosis

Maine Legislature – Maine Revised Statutes – Title 32: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS – Chapter 147: INTERSTATE COUNSELING COMPACT

The purpose of this compact is to facilitate interstate practice of licensed professional counselors with the goal of improving public access to professional counseling services. The practice of professional counseling occurs in the state where the client is located at the time of the counseling services. The compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. 

20.  Professional counseling.  “Professional counseling” means the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health conditions by a licensed professional counselor.

On Testing – Gathered from Previous Research

US STATE AND TERRITORY LAWS AND RULES REGULATING COUNSELORS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING

13851(2) defines a “clinical professional counselor” as “a professional counselor who renders or offers to render for a fee, monetary or otherwise, to individuals, families, groups, organizations or the general public, a counseling service involving the application of the principles and procedures of counseling to assess and treat intrapersonal and interpersonal problems and other dysfunctional behaviors and to assist in the overall development and adjustment of those served. 

13851(8)(a) defines “assessment” as “selecting, administering and interpreting instruments designed to assess personal, interpersonal and group characteristics.” 

13855 reads: Nothing in this chapter may be construed as permitting clinical professional counselors, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, pastoral counselors or conditional license holders to hold themselves out to the public as psychologists or psychological examiners as defined in section 3811, subsection 1, or to offer primarily or solely the services of psychological testing. The board shall adopt ethical standards relating to the utilization of assessment techniques. 

Rules: Chapter 8-A of Rule 02-514 lists several forms of misconduct related to testing in a section labeled “Measurement and Evaluation.”

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Maine Diagnose?  YES! Depending on level of licensure – See Details Below

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

Maine Legislature – Maine Revised Statutes – Title 32: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS – Chapter 83: SOCIAL WORKERS – Subchapter 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS

Statute defines Clinical Setting, Psychosocial Evaluation and Social Work:

4. Clinical setting.  A “clinical setting” is a setting where mental disorders are evaluated, prevented, diagnosed and treated using psychosocial evaluation. 

10. Psychosocial evaluation.  “Psychosocial evaluation” includes the determination and examination by social workers of the psychosocial situation of an individual or group related to interpersonal and intrapersonal stress, family background, family interaction, living arrangements and socioeconomic problems and treatment, evaluation, plans and goals, including the diagnosis of mental illness and emotional disorders for the purpose of treatment and therapeutic intervention, but excluding the treatment of any illness by organic therapy, to the extent permitted by the licensure provision of this chapter. In the process of making a diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan for mental illness or emotional disorder, the social worker shall comply with rules adopted by the board. The board shall define standards by rule, in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, for implementation of this subsection. 

11. Social work.  “Social work” means engaging in psychosocial evaluation and intervention, including therapy, to the extent permitted by the licensure provisions of this chapter, to effect a change in the feelings, attitudes and behavior of a client, whether an individual, group or community. “Social work” also means engaging in community organization, social planning, administration and research.

Significant Limitations based on LEVEL of licensure and ALL levels prohibited from diagnosing “Organic Mental Illness”

416 BOARD OF SOCIAL WORKER LICENSURE – Chapter 15: SCOPE OF PRACTICE – 1.Restrictions on Scope of Practice

1. Organic Mental Illness; Organic Therapy
Pursuant to 32 M.R.S. §7053-A, no social worker at any level may diagnose organic mental illness, as that term is defined in board rules in Chapter 10, subsection 12, or treat any illness by organic therapy.

2. Mental Illness
No licensed social worker – conditional, licensed social worker, or licensed master social worker may diagnose or treat mental illness or emotional disorders.

3. Mental Illness – Licensed Master Social Worker – Conditional Clinical
No licensed master social worker – conditional clinical may diagnose or treat mental illness or emotional disorders without the consultation required by Chapter 13, section 4(2)(B) or section 5(1)(D) of the board’s rules.

4. Private Practice – General
No licensed social worker or licensed social worker – conditional may engage in the private practice of social work.

5. Private Practice – Clinical
No licensed social worker, licensed social worker – conditional, licensed master social worker or licensed master social worker – conditional clinical may engage in the private practice of clinical social work.

Summary of Changes 2022 – Maine Board of Social Work Licensure

Chapter 15: SCOPE OF PRACTICE 

Summary: This chapter contains restrictions on the permissible scope of practice applicable to the different categories of licenses issued by the board, and related provisions. 

Changes: There were minor, technical formatting amendments made to the chapter. This chapter reinforces the state statute forbidding social workers at any level to diagnosis “organic mental illness” (32 M.R.S. §7053-A) and forbidding LSW-C, LSW, and LMSW-CC licensees from engaging in the private practice of clinical social work. This section also reinforces the state statute requiring the assurance by the licensee that a client has been examined by a physician in the course of psychosocial evaluation and documentation standards of such (32 M.R.S. §7001-A(10)).

DEFINITION of Organic Mental Illness

DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL SERVICES – 416 – BOARD OF SOCIAL WORKER LICENSURE – Chapter 10: DEFINITIONS – Link to Word Document for Download -“Definitions”

Chapter 10: DEFINITIONS

Organic mental illness. “Organic mental illness” means any decrease in mental functioning in which the cause is not attributable to psychiatric illness, which includes damage from physical trauma, anoxic injury, damage from chemicals or toxins, infection, cancer, and degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Maine Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described in the state statute.

02-514: Department of Professional and Financial Regulation Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure – Chapter 4 -LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS 

Statute defines Scope of Practice for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Scope of Practice

A licensed marriage and family therapist assesses and treats intrapersonal and interpersonal problems through the application of principles, methods and therapeutic techniques for the purpose of resolving emotional conflicts, modifying perceptions and behavior, enhancing communication and understanding among all family members, and preventing family and individual crises. A licensed marriage and family therapist may both diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Can LCPC’s in Maryland Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

Annotated Code of Maryland – HEALTH OCCUPATIONS ARTICLE – Title 17. Professional Counselors and Therapists – Subtitle 1: Definitions; General Provisions

Statute defines Practice of Clinical Professional Counseling:

17-101. Definitions

(s) Practice clinical professional counseling. — “Practice clinical professional counseling” means to engage professionally and for compensation in counseling and appraisal activities by providing services involving the application of counseling principles and methods in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and amelioration of psychological problems and emotional or mental conditions of individuals or groups.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Maryland Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute.

Title 10 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH – Subtitle 42 BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAMINERS- Chapter 01 Regulations Governing Licensure

Statute defines Clinical Social Work:

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§19-101—19-502, Annotated Code of Maryland

.02 Definitions. 

(6) Clinical Social Work.

(a) “Clinical social work” means the professional application of social work knowledge, skills, values, theories, and methods for the treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or impairment, including emotional, mental disorders, and substance use disorders with individuals, groups and families.

(b) “Clinical social work” includes formulating a diagnostic impression or a diagnosis based on standard diagnostic criteria.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Maryland Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described in the state statute.

Annotated Code of Maryland – HEALTH OCCUPATIONS ARTICLE – Title 17. Professional Counselors and Therapists – Subtitle 1: Definitions; General Provisions

Statute defines Practice of Clinical Marriage and Family Therapy

17-101. Definitions

(r) Practice clinical marriage and family therapy. — “Practice clinical marriage and family therapy” means to engage professionally and for compensation in marriage and family therapy and appraisal activities by providing services involving the application of therapy principles and methods in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and amelioration of psychological problems and emotional or mental conditions of individuals or groups.

 

LMHC – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Can LMHC’s in Massachusetts Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

262 CMR: BOARD OF ALLIED MENTAL HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PROFESSIONS – 262 CMR 2.00: REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AS A MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Statute defines Practice of Mental Health Counseling:

2.02: Definitions 

Mental Health Counseling. The rendering of professional services to individuals, families or groups for compensation, monetary or otherwise. These professional services include: applying the principles, methods, and theories of counseling, human development, learning theory, group and family dynamics, the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior and psychotherapeutic techniques to define goals and develop a treatment plan of action aimed toward the prevention, treatment and resolution of mental and emotional dysfunction and intra or interpersonal disorders to all persons irrespective of diagnosis. The practice of Mental Health Counseling includes, but is not limited to, assessment, diagnosis and treatment, counseling and psychotherapy, of a nonmedical nature of mental and emotional disorders, psychoeducational techniques aimed at prevention of such disorders, and consultation to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities.

On Testing / Assessment:

262 CMR 8.03(3)(e)(3) requires licensed mental health counselors to obtain written and signed informed consent that includes “information regarding the use of tests and inventories.”

LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Massachusetts Diagnose?  YES! Limitations exist for LCSW, LSW & LSWA

Clinical Diagnostic Knowledge & Assessment IS mentioned in the state statute.

258 CMR: BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS – 258 CMR 12.00: SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Statute defines Scope of Practice for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker:

12.01: Scope of Professional Practice – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) An individual who holds a license as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) issued by the Board may properly perform or provide any or all of the following functions or services: (1) Practice social work autonomously in any clinical or non-clinical setting, utilizing consultation whenever appropriate; (2) Provide clinical social work services, as defined in 258 CMR 8.03: Definitions, autonomously in any practice setting to individuals, couples, families or groups for the purpose of improving, restoring or enhancing their social and/or psychosocial functioning (3) Provide case management services which involve the application of clinical diagnostic, assessment or treatment knowledge or skills autonomously in any practice setting; (4) Provide non-clinical social work services, as defined in 258 CMR 8.03: Definitions, including case management services of a non-clinical nature, autonomously in any practice setting; (5) Provide clinical or non-clinical supervision to individual social workers or groups of social workers; (6) Provide consultation on clinical or non-clinical issues to individuals, groups, members of other professional disciplines, agencies, health care facilities or institutions; and (7) Perform or provide any other social work function or service which may lawfully be provided by a social worker licensed at the Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) level.

Professional Opinion = YES 

University of Massachusetts Global (A Private Nonprofit Affiliate) – Blog: SOCIAL WELFARE & JUSTICE
LCSW vs. MSW: Comparing social work credentials

What can you do as an LCSW?
Now that you know the LCSW meaning, you understand that you’ll actually need to obtain an MSW before being eligible for this title. This graduate-level education serves as a foundation for this important role.

LCSW social workers are licensed to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral and emotional disorders. They administer therapy services to individuals, groups, families and couples. They help clients develop strengths-based strategies to change problematic behavior or to cope with challenging circumstances. Another part of an LCSW’s job is to connect clients with additional resources and services.

Social Work License Map – with edX – LICSW Guide 

Professionals in the field of social work help clients overcome challenges and lead more productive, fulfilling lives. Licensed independent clinical social workers (LICSWs) practice social work in a range of capacities to assess, treat and diagnose clients with mental, emotional and psychosocial ailments. 

The states and jurisdictions that offer LICSW licenses, as of September 2020, are:

Alabama
Massachusetts
Minnesota
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
Washington D.C.
West Virginia

Other/Interesting 

 MassHealth (public Health Insurance discusses covered services for LICSW’s and it includes diagnostic services

Commonwealth of Massachusetts – MassHealth – Provider Manual Series – 2023

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Massachusetts Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described in the state statute.

Annotated Code of Maryland – HEALTH OCCUPATIONS ARTICLE – Title 17. Professional Counselors and Therapists – Subtitle 1: Definitions; General Provisions

Statute defines Practice of Clinical Marriage and Family Therapy

17-101. Definitions

(r) Practice clinical marriage and family therapy. — “Practice clinical marriage and family therapy” means to engage professionally and for compensation in marriage and family therapy and appraisal activities by providing services involving the application of therapy principles and methods in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and amelioration of psychological problems and emotional or mental conditions of individuals or groups.

 

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Michigan Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

MCL – Section 333.18101 – PUBLIC HEALTH CODE (EXCERPT) – Act 368 of 1978

Statute defines Clinical Counseling & Psychotherapy:

333.18101 Definitions.

Sec. 18101.

    As used in this part:

    (a) “Clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures” means 1 or more of the following:

    (i) Psychotherapy, the diagnosis and treatment planning for mental and emotional disorders, and evaluation.

    (ii) Selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting assessments, tests, and appraisals that are designed to assess an individual’s aptitudes, interests, attitudes, abilities, achievements, and personal characteristics in order to use appraisal and diagnostic results in helping processes.

    (iii) Psychoeducational consulting. As used in this subparagraph, “psychoeducational consulting” means assisting a consultee that is working with an individual, small group, or organization by identifying problems, strengths, and weaknesses and making recommendations for the implementation of preventative or remedial strategies.

    (iv) Counseling techniques. As used in this subparagraph:

    (A) “Counseling techniques” means the application of basic counseling and psychotherapy skills and theories in the counseling process for the purposes of establishing and maintaining the counseling relationship; diagnosing the problem; formulating a preventative, treatment, or rehabilitative plan; and facilitating appropriate interventions.

    (B) “Diagnosing the problem” means the identification of the problem through the application of recognized counseling techniques and psychotherapy skills and theories, including the use of the classifications and diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, obtained through the successful completion of a qualified program. Diagnosing the problem does not include the identification of other medical or physical conditions.

Bill that updated the Code Above in 2018 and includes provisions about not calling yourself a Psychologist or Marriage and Family Therapist

House Bill 5776 (Substitute H-2 as passed by the House) – SCOPE OF PRACTICE; COUNSELING

Additional Evidence – Licensure Committee 

Michigan Counseling Association Licensure Committee – Licensed Professional Counselor Quick Fact Sheet
(Calley & Hawley, 2009; updated 2015)

Scope of Practice – Brief
– Licensed Professional Counselors’ scope of practice includes all of the following:
– Assessment, testing and evaluation
– Individual, family and group counseling and psychotherapy
– Diagnosis and treatment planning for mental and emotional disorders
– Prevention, behavior modification, and guidance to individuals, families, and organizations

Previous threat to LPC’s ability diagnose doesn’t succeed

Bridge Michigan – Michigan’s nonparisan, nonprofit news source – Michigan counselors fighting ban on right to diagnose, give psychotherapy

Rapid Growth – New MI law protects licensed professional counselors’ ability to diagnose and treat mental disorders

Public Act 96 of 2019 goes into effect on January 27. It updates the scope of practice for counselors in the Public Health Code to make it legal for licensed professional counselors (LPC) to diagnose and treat mental disorders. The legislation came last fall when the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) proposed to change the rules governing the scope of practice for LPCs. The rule change would have prohibited counselors from using counseling techniques and psychotherapy to treat patients – techniques Michigan counselors say they’ve used for over 30 years. On October 4, 2019, hundreds of counselors gathered in Lansing to lobby against LARA’s proposed rule change and argue for the passage of a bill that would protect their right to practice. Their efforts proved to be a success, as shortly after, House Bill 4325 was passed to preserve LPC’s scope of practice – and signed into law by Governor Whitmer on October 29, 2019.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Michigan Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS mentioned in the state statute.

PUBLIC HEALTH CODE (EXCERPT) – Act 368 of 1978 – PART 185. – Social Work

Statute defines Practice of Social Work at the Masters Level:

333.18501 Definitions; scope 

(g) “Practice of social work at the master’s level” means, subject to subsection (5), all of the following

applied within the scope of social work values, ethics, principles, and advanced skills:

(i) The advanced application of the knowledge of human development and behavior and social, economic,

and cultural institutions.

(ii) The advanced application of macro social work processes and systems to improve the social or health

services of communities, groups, or organizations through planned interventions.

(iii) The application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of

assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions, and addictions. Treatment methods include the provision of advanced social work case management and casework and individual, couple, family, or group counseling and psychotherapy whether in private practice or other settings.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Michigan Diagnose?  No.

Diagnosis IS NOT described in the state statute.

MCL – Section 333.16901 – PUBLIC HEALTH CODE (EXCERPT) – Act 368 of 1978 – 333.16901 Definitions; principles of construction.

Statute defines Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy:

Sec. 16901.

    (1) As used in this part:

    (a) “Advertise” means issuing or ordering the printing or distribution of a card, sign, or device or causing, permitting, or allowing a sign or marking on or in a building or structure, or placing material in a newspaper, magazine, or directory, or on radio or television.

    (b) “Marriage and family therapist” means an individual licensed under this article to engage in the practice of marriage and family therapy.

    (c) “Practice of marriage and family therapy” means the providing of guidance, testing, discussions, therapy, instruction, or advice that is intended to avoid, eliminate, relieve, manage, or resolve marital or family conflict or discord, to create, improve, or restore marital or family harmony, or to prepare couples for marriage. Practice of marriage and family therapy does not include the administration and interpretation of psychological tests except for those tests that are consistent with the individual’s education and training and with the code of ethics for licensed marriage and family therapists.

    (2) In addition to the definitions of this part, article 1 contains general definitions and principles of construction applicable to all articles in this code and part 161 contains definitions applicable to this part.

No educational OR supervision requirements in Diagnosis

PUBLIC HEALTH CODE (EXCERPT) – Act 368 of 1978 – 333.16909 Marriage and family therapist; licensure requirements.

LPCC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Can LPCC’s in Minnesota Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS NOT defined officially by state statute. But may be implied by use of words like Evaluation and Assessment and REQUIREMENTS for LPCC’s over LPCs (LPC is older term – see below)

Minnesota – LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR. Section 148B.50 – DEFINITIONS

(Alternative Link) 

Statute defines Scope of Practice for a Licensed Professional Counselor:

Section 148B.50 – DEFINITIONS 

Subd. 5.Scope of practice.

(a) The scope of practice of a licensed professional counselor includes, but is not limited to:

(1) the implementation of professional counseling treatment interventions including evaluation, treatment planning, assessment, and referral;

(2) direct counseling services to individuals, groups, and families;

(3) counseling strategies that effectively respond to multicultural populations;

(4) knowledge of relevant laws and ethics impacting practice;

(5) crisis intervention;

(6) consultation; and

(7) program evaluation and applied research.

Licensing, Supervision and Education for LPCC’s ALL mention Diagnosis / Diagnostic ability

148B.5301 LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR.

Subdivision 1.General requirements. (a) To be licensed as a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), an applicant must provide satisfactory evidence to the board that the applicant: 

(6) has demonstrated successful completion of 4,000 hours of supervised, post-master’s degree professional practice in the delivery of clinical services in the diagnosis and treatment of child and adult mental illnesses and disorders, conducted according to subdivision 2.

Subd. 2.Supervision. (a) To qualify as a LPCC, an applicant must have completed 4,000 hours of post-master’s degree supervised professional practice in the delivery of clinical services in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses and disorders in both children and adults. The supervised practice shall be conducted according to the requirements in paragraphs (b) to (e).

(b) The supervision must have been received under a contract that defines clinical practice and supervision from a mental health professional who is qualified according to section 245I.04, subdivision 2, or by a board-approved supervisor, who has at least two years of post licensure experience in the delivery of clinical services in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses and disorders. All supervisors must meet the supervisor requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 2150.5010.

(e) The supervised practice must be clinical practice. Supervision includes the observation by the supervisor of the successful application of professional counseling knowledge, skills, and values in the differential diagnosis and treatment of psychosocial function, disability, or impairment, including addictions and emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders.

LPC’s may convert to LPCC’s after August 1, 2014

Subd. 4. Conversion to licensed professional clinical counselor after August 1, 2014. (a) After August 1, 2014, an individual currently licensed in the state of Minnesota as a licensed professional counselor may convert to a LPCC by providing evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has met the following requirements:

(1) is at least 18 years of age;

(2) is of good moral character;

(3) has a license that is active and in good standing;

(4) has no complaints pending, uncompleted disciplinary order, or corrective action agreements;

(5) has completed a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling or a related field, as determined by the board, and whose degree was from a counseling program recognized by CACREP or from an institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by CHEA;

(6) has earned 24 graduate-level semester credits or quarter-credit equivalents in clinical coursework which includes content in the following clinical areas:

(i) diagnostic assessment for child or adult mental disorders; normative development; and psychopathology, including developmental psychopathology;

(ii) clinical treatment planning with measurable goals;

(iii) clinical intervention methods informed by research evidence and community standards of practice;

(iv) evaluation methodologies regarding the effectiveness of interventions;

(v) professional ethics applied to clinical practice; and

(vi) cultural diversity;

(7) has demonstrated competence in professional counseling by passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC), and ethical, oral, and situational examinations as prescribed by the board;

(8) has demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the board, successful completion of 4,000 hours of supervised, post-master’s degree professional practice in the delivery of clinical services in the diagnosis and treatment of child and adult mental illnesses and disorders, which includes 1,800 direct client contact hours. A licensed professional counselor who has completed 2,000 hours of supervised post-master’s degree clinical professional practice and who has independent practice status need only document 2,000 additional hours of supervised post-master’s degree clinical professional practice, which includes 900 direct client contact hours; and

(9) has paid the LPCC application and licensure fees required in section 148B.53, subdivision 3.

(b) If the coursework in paragraph (a) was not completed as part of the degree program required by paragraph (a), clause (5), the coursework must be taken and passed for credit, and must be earned from a counseling program or institution that meets the requirements in paragraph (a), clause (5).

Professional Opinion – YES (and include Autism & ADHD!) 

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – What is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)?

LPCC Job Basics

A licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) is a mental health professional who works with individuals to improve their mental health and wellbeing. These individuals may be coping with situational and/or relational stressors, and/or are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder. They are trained in diagnosing, assessing, and treating mental health disorders.

The licensure titles for professional counselors differ by state, but in Minnesota, there are two possible licensures: a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and an LPC (licensed professional counselor). The LPCC is a higher-level license that requires education in additional clinical content areas and more post-degree supervised practice, as well as meets the state of Minnesota’s requirements for qualification as a mental health professional. LPCCs work with clients on a wide variety of topics and issues, including:

Mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and more
Neurodevelopmental concerns such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Emotional distress
Substance use concerns
Trauma
Career counseling
LPCCs generally work with individuals, but may also be trained to work with couples, families, and groups in a variety of settings. Job duties consist of developing relationships with clients, assessing for mental health diagnoses, and developing appropriate treatment plans.

Additional Information – LPCC’s can provide Diagnostic Assessments for the Government / Public Health

Minnesota – Department of Human Services – Diagnostic Assessment – December 1, 2023 

Eligible Providers
Only a mental health professional or a clinical trainee can complete aspects of the diagnostic assessment.

Eligible Providers
Mental health providers include agencies and individual professionals. Each mental health agency must have at least one mental health professional on staff. Other agency staff may be eligible to provide services but not eligible to enroll as MHCP providers (review the General MHCP Non-Enrollable Mental Health Provider Requirements webpage).

When qualified state staff provide mental health services, they are considered part of the certified local provider entity and their services may be billed according to typical billing practices as appropriate to the specific service.

Mental Health Professionals
The following mental health professionals may enroll with MHCP:

Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW)
Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)
Licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC)
Licensed psychologist (LP)
Certified psychiatry or osteopathic physician
Nurse practitioner (NP)*
Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)*
Tribal-certified professional

LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Can LICSW’s in Minnesota Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS mentioned in the state statute.

2023 Minnesota Statutes – 148E.010 DEFINITIONS.

Statute defines Clinical Practice and Practice of Social Work:

Subd. 6.Clinical practice. “Clinical practice” means applying professional social work knowledge, skills, and values in the differential diagnosis and treatment of psychosocial function, disability, or impairment, including addictions and emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. Treatment includes a plan based on a differential diagnosis. Treatment may include, but is not limited to, the provision of psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups across the life span. Clinical social workers may also provide the services described in subdivision 11.

Subd. 11.Practice of social work. (a) “Practice of social work” means working to maintain, restore, or improve behavioral, cognitive, emotional, mental, or social functioning of clients, in a manner that applies accepted professional social work knowledge, skills, and values, including the person-in-environment perspective, by providing in person or through telephone, video conferencing, or electronic means one or more of the social work services described in paragraph (b), clauses (1) to (3). Social work services may address conditions that impair or limit behavioral, cognitive, emotional, mental, or social functioning. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, the following: abuse and neglect of children or vulnerable adults, addictions, developmental disorders, disabilities, discrimination, illness, injuries, poverty, and trauma. Practice of social work also means providing social work services in a position for which the educational basis is the individual’s degree in social work described in subdivision 13.

(b) Social work services include:

(1) providing assessment and intervention through direct contact with clients, developing a plan based on information from an assessment, and providing services which include, but are not limited to, assessment, case management, client-centered advocacy, client education, consultation, counseling, crisis intervention, and referral;

(2) providing for the direct or indirect benefit of clients through administrative, educational, policy, or research services including, but not limited to:

(i) advocating for policies, programs, or services to improve the well-being of clients;

(ii) conducting research related to social work services;

(iii) developing and administering programs which provide social work services;

(iv) engaging in community organization to address social problems and macrocosm issues through planned collective action;

(v) supervising individuals who provide social work services to clients;

(vi) supervising social workers in order to comply with the supervised practice requirements specified in sections 148E.100 to 148E.125; and

(vii) teaching professional social work knowledge, skills, and values to students; and

(3) engaging in clinical practice as defined in subdivision 6.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Minnesota Diagnose?  Probably

Diagnosis IS NOT described in the state statute. But may be implied with the usage of the word Assess

2023 Minnesota Statutes – 148B.29 DEFINITIONS.

Statute defines Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy:

Subd. 3.Marriage and family therapy. “Marriage and family therapy” means the process of providing professional marriage and family psychotherapy to individuals, married couples, and family groups, either singly or in groups. The practice of marriage and family therapy utilizes established principles that recognize the interrelated nature of the individual problems and dysfunctions in family members to assess, understand, and treat emotional and mental problems. Marriage and family therapy includes premarital, marital, divorce, and family therapy, and is a specialized mode of treatment for the purpose of resolving emotional problems and modifying intrapersonal and interpersonal dysfunction. 

Supervision Experience describes Diagnosis

5300.0155 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO COMMENCE POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISED EXPERIENCE ON OR AFTER AUGUST 1, 2016.

Subp. 3. Years of experience; computation. The postgraduate experience shall include not less than 4,000 hours, and must be completed in no less than two and no more than seven years from the filing of the application to take the national examination. This experience must include the following:

1. A minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical client contact supervised by a board-approved, Minnesota-licensed marriage and family therapist supervisor. The 1,000 hours shall include at least 500 hours of face-to-face therapy with couples, families, or similar relational groups.

2. A minimum of 200 hours of supervision as described in subpart 4.

3. No more than 2,800 hours supervised by a licensed mental health professional as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 245.462 or 245.4871. This experience shall include the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness, and cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders, as well as all other professional responsibilities.

4. A detailed log shall be maintained of all professional activity during this time period. This log shall be permanently maintained by the applicant.

Marriage and Family Board of Minnesota – Code of Ethics mentions Diagnosis as requirement of documentation

Minnesota Administrative Rules – 5300.0350 CODE OF ETHICS.

Subp. 6. Confidentiality and keeping of records.

A client who is the recipient of marriage and family therapy services has the right to access and release private information maintained by the therapist, including client records, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, sections 144.291 to 144.298, provided the records are not classified as confidential under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.84, or except as otherwise provided by law or court order. A therapist must maintain an accurate record for each client. Each record must minimally contain:

(1) a client personal data record which shall include the presenting problem;

(2) a treatment plan with a diagnosis and treatment goals and any subsequent revision;

(3) an accurate chronological listing of all client contacts and a summary of each;

(4) records of any consultation or supervision received in relation to the client;

(5) a termination statement indicating the date and reason for termination, the client’s condition at the time, and any recommendations made to the client;

(6) copies of all client authorizations for release of information and any other forms pertaining to the client including documentation of informed consent; and

(7) a chronological listing of all fees or charges for services related to the client and to whom the fees were charged. This record may be kept separate from the client’s clinical file.

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Mississippi Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS defined officially by state statute. 

Rules and Regulations – Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors – Title 30: Professions and Occupations – Part 2201: Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors

Statute defines Counseling/Psychotherapy:

Part 2201. CHAPTER 1. General Provisions

Rule 1.4: Definitions.

Note: The terms counseling and psychotherapy are used interchangeably throughout this Document. 

Counseling/Psychotherapy Procedures: Counseling/Psychotherapy is the application of mental health, psychological, or human development principles, through cognitive, affective, behavioral, or systemic intervention strategies that address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology. Counseling/Psychotherapy involves diagnosis, assessment, and treatment by the use of counseling/psychotherapy methods and techniques, both verbal and nonverbal, which require the application of principles, methods, or procedures of understanding, predicting and/or influencing behavior and motivation; the use of informational and community resources for personal or social development; the use of group and/or placement methods and techniques which serve to further the goals of counseling/psychotherapy; designing, conducting and interpreting research on human subjects and on any consultation on any item above; and appraisal techniques including, but not limited to, testing of achievement, abilities, interests, aptitudes and personality.

LCSW – Licensed Certified Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Mississippi Diagnose?  YES! With limitations based on level of licensure.

Diagnosis IS mentioned in the state statute.

Mississippi Administrative Code – Title 30: Professions and Occupations – Part 1902: RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS – Part 1902 Chapter 1: General Provisions

Statute defines Clinical Social Work Practice:

B. Clinical Social Work Practice means the application of social work methods and values in diagnosis and treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability or impairment including emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. It is directed at enhancing, protecting, or restoring people’s capacity for social functioning, whether impaired by physical, environmental, or emotional factors. Clinical social work has a primary focus on the mental, emotional and behavioral well-being of individuals, couples, families and groups. It centers on a holistic approach to psychotherapy and the client’s relationship with his or her environment as essential to treatment planning.

Rule 3.2 GUIDELINES OF PRACTICE (See also MS Code Annotated, l972, Sections 73- 54- 1 et seq.)

B. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

The LMSW may provide services to individuals, couples, families, organizations and communities. Such services shall be guided by knowledge of social work theory, social resources, social systems, human behavior, ethics, and methods to restore or enhance social, psychosocial or bio-psychosocial functioning. Scope of practice includes, but is not limited to, assessment, treatment implementation and evaluation, case management, information and referral, mediation, education, psychotherapy, advocacy, supervision of employees, consultation, research, community organization and development, administration of social policies, programs and activities.

A LMSW may provide clinical social work services within a recognized setting such as social, medical and governmental agencies and organizations only when under the supervision of a LCSW or other licensed or certified clinical professions such as a psychiatrist, or PhD, or PsyD level clinical psychologist. A LMSW may only work as an employee in an agency or organizational setting and cannot engage in autonomous practice. Supervision of a LMSW for LCSW certification can only be provided by a LCSW as specified in Section IV. LMSWs must not provide unsupervised clinical services and cannot hold him/herself out as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

C. Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

The LCSW is qualified to perform all services included in the LMSW scope of practice in Section B above and those specified for the LCSW herein. The LCSW shall be qualified to function independently and shall demonstrate special knowledge and skill in his/her practice areas. Clinical Social Work Practice means the application of social work methods and values in diagnosis and treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction disability or impairment including emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. It is directed at enhancing, protecting, or restoring people’s capacity for social functioning, whether impaired by physical, environmental, or emotional factors. Clinical social work has a primary focus on the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of individuals, couples, families, and groups. It centers on a holistic approach to psychotherapy and the client’s relationship with his or her environment as essential to treatment planning. Clinical social workers are qualified to use the current versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), and other diagnostic classification systems in assessment, diagnosis, and other activities related to mental health issues.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Mississippi Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described in the state statute.

Title 30: Professions and Occupations – Part 1903: RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS – Part 1903 Chapter 1: General Provisions

Statute defines Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy:

Rule 1.2 DEFINITIONS

Z. “Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy” means the rendering of professional marriage and family therapy services, to individuals, couples or families, singly or in groups, whether those services are offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private, for a fee, monetary or otherwise. This involves assessment, diagnosis, identification, evaluation and treatment of emotional problems and conditions, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, resolving intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts, and attempting to change perception, attitudes, and behaviors, all within the context of human relationship systems. Marriage and Family therapy includes, without being limited to, individual, group, couple, sexual, family and divorce therapy. It involves an applied understanding of the dynamics of marriage and family systems, including individual psychodynamics, the use of assessment instruments that evaluate individuals, couples and family members with regard to marriage and family functioning, and the use of psychotherapy and counseling.

H. Criteria for Approval of Continuing Education Activities Continuing education hours must be relevant to the practice of marriage and family therapy as determined by the MFT Continuing Education Committee, with an emphasis on systemic approaches or the theory, research or practice of psychotherapy work with couples or families. Continuing education for marriage and family therapy generally evolves from the following area and must be related to at least one of the following seven (7) areas:

3. Assessment and Treatment in Marriage and Family Therapy. Acceptable offering content in this area incorporates a relational/systemic perspective on topics such as, but not limited to, psychopharmacology, physical health and illness, traditional psychodiagnostic categories, and the assessment and treatment of major mental health issues.

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Missouri Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis is RECENTLY (2023) defined by state statute, after many years of bills not being passed.

Missouri Division of Professional Registration – Committee for Professional Counselors – Title XXII OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS – Chapter 337 – 2008

Statute defines the Practice Professional Counseling:

(6) “Practice of professional counseling”, rendering, offering to render, or supervising those who render to individuals, couples, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations, schools, government agencies, or the general public any counseling service involving the application of counseling procedures, and the principles and methods thereof, to assist in achieving more effective intrapersonal or interpersonal, marital, decisional, social, educational, vocational, developmental, or rehabilitative adjustments;

(7) “Professional counseling”, includes, but is not limited to:

  (a) The use of verbal or nonverbal counseling or both techniques, methods, or procedures based on principles for assessing, understanding, or influencing behavior (such as principles of learning, conditioning, perception, motivation, thinking, emotions, or social systems);

  (b) Appraisal or assessment, which means selecting, administering, scoring, or interpreting instruments designed to assess a person’s or group’s aptitudes, intelligence, attitudes, abilities, achievement, interests, and personal characteristics;

Several Senate Bills were introduced in 2004, 2008 and 2011 to officially give LPC’s the right to diagnose and to monitor education on diagnosis. It is unclear if any of these bills were officially ratified. 

2004 – SB 1156 – This act modifies the definition of “professional counseling” to include the ability to diagnose and to identify mental, emotional and behavioral disorders based upon the assessment of the symptoms presented and observed characteristics.

2008 – SCS/SB 1109 – This act modifies the scope of practice for licensed professional counselors.

2011 – SCS/SB 358 -This act specifies that licensed professional counseling includes diagnosing, counseling, preventing, and ameliorating of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

HOWEVER. In 2023, Missouri passed a bill for the Counseling Compact and that bill included a definition of Professional Counseling that includes the word DIAGNOSIS. 

Missouri Division of Professional Registration – Committee for Professional Counselors – Title XXII OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS – Chapter 337 – SECTION 2.  DEFINITIONS  – 337.550 – Licensed professional counselors interstate compact. (8/28/2023)

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

O. “Licensed Professional Counselor” means a counselor licensed by a Member State, regardless of the title used by that State, to independently assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions.

T. “Professional Counseling” means the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of behavioral health conditions by a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Y. “Telehealth” means the application of telecommunication technology to deliver Professional Counseling services remotely to assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions.

 

SECTION 3.  STATE PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPACT

A. To Participate in the Compact, a State must currently:

1. License and regulate Licensed Professional Counselors;

2. Require Licensees to pass a nationally recognized exam approved by the Commission;

3. Require Licensees to have a 60 semester-hour (or 90 quarter-hour) master’s degree in counseling or 60 semester-hours (or 90 quarter-hours) of graduate course work including the following topic areas:

a. Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice;

b. Social and Cultural Diversity;

c. Human Growth and Development;

d. Career Development;

e. Counseling and Helping Relationships;

f. Group Counseling and Group Work;

g. Diagnosis and Treatment; Assessment and Testing;

h. Research and Program Evaluation; and

i. Other areas as determined by the Commission.

LCSW

Can LCSW’s in Missouri Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

Missouri Division of Professional Registration – SOCIAL WORKERS – Title XXII OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS – Chapter 337

Statute defines Clinical Social Work:

(2)”Clinical social work”, the application of social work theory, knowledge, values, methods, principles, and techniques of case work, group work, client-centered advocacy, community organization, administration, planning, evaluation, consultation, research, psychotherapy and counseling methods and techniques to persons, families and groups in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and amelioration of mental and emotional conditions;

Limitations for other levels of licensure regarding Diagnosing: 

(1) “Advanced macro social worker”, the applications of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values, and ethics; and the professional use of self to community and organizational systems, systemic and macrocosm issues, and other indirect nonclinical services; specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in case management, information and referral, nonclinical assessments, counseling, outcome evaluation, mediation, nonclinical supervision, nonclinical consultation, expert testimony, education, outcome evaluation, research, advocacy, social planning and policy development, community organization, and the development, implementation and administration of policies, programs, and activities. A licensed advanced macro social worker may not treat mental or emotional disorders or provide psychotherapy without the direct supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, or diagnose a mental disorder;

(11) “Licensed master social worker”, any person who offers to render services to individuals, groups, families, couples, organizations, institutions, communities, government agencies, corporations, or the general public for a fee, monetary or otherwise, implying that the person is trained, experienced, and licensed as a master social worker, and who holds a current valid license to practice as a master social worker. A licensed master social worker may not treat mental or emotional disorders, provide psychotherapy without the direct supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, or diagnose a mental disorder;

LMFT

Can LMFT’s in Missouri Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described in the state statute. 

Missouri Division of Professional Registration – MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPISTS – Title XXII OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS – Chapter 337

Statute defines Marital and Family Therapy:

(7) “Marital and family therapy”, the use of scientific and applied marriage and family theories, methods and procedures for the purpose of describing, diagnosing, evaluating and modifying marital, family and individual behavior within the context of marital and family systems, including the context of marital formation and dissolution. Marriage and family therapy is based on systems theories, marriage and family development, normal and dysfunctional behavior, human sexuality and psychotherapeutic, marital and family therapy theories and techniques and includes the use of marriage and family therapy theories and techniques in the diagnosis, evaluation, assessment and treatment of intrapersonal or interpersonal dysfunctions within the context of marriage and family systems. Marriage and family therapy may also include clinical research into more effective methods for the treatment and prevention of the above-named conditions;

LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Can LCPC’s in Montana Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis is defined by state statute and psychological testing is also described.

Montana Administrative Register – DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY – CHAPTER 219 – BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RULES

Statute defines the LCPC and the practice of psychotherapy and counseling:

(18) “LCPC” means licensed clinical professional counselor licensed under Title 37, chapter 23, MCA. 

(23) “Psychotherapy and counseling” means the therapeutic process of: (a) conducting assessments and diagnoses for the purpose of establishing treatment goals and objectives; or (b) planning, implementing, and evaluating treatment plans that use treatment interventions to facilitate human development and to identify and remediate mental, emotional or behavioral disorders and associated distresses that interfere with mental health.

Statute explains rules/expectations for psychological testing conducted by LCPCs and LCSWs. 

Subchapter 10 Psychological Evaluations  – 24.219.1001 GENERAL USE OF ASSESSMENT AND TESTING INSTRUMENTS (1) The primary purpose of educational and psychological assessment is to provide measures that are objective and interpretable in either comparative or absolute terms. Counselors and social workers shall interpret the statements in this rule as applying to the whole range of appraisal techniques, including test and nontest data. (2) Counselors and social workers shall promote the welfare and best interests of the client in the development, publication, and utilization of educational and psychological assessment results and interpretations, and take reasonable steps to prevent others from misusing the information these techniques provide. They shall respect the clients’ rights to know the results of the interpretations made and the basis for their conclusions and recommendations.

LICENSEES AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM PSYCHOLOGICAL

ASSESSMENTS (1) Psychological assessments may be performed by the following individuals: (a) a licensed clinical professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker who satisfies the requirements in ARM 24.219.1003(1), (3), (4), or (5); (b) a licensed clinical professional counselor or a licensed clinical social worker who satisfies the requirements in ARM 24.219.1003(1) and who is acting under the supervision of another licensee of the board specified in (1)(a); (c) a psychologist licensed under Title 37, chapter 17, MCA; or (d) a licensed clinical professional counselor or a licensed clinical social worker who satisfies the requirements in ARM 24.219.1003(1) and who is acting under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

Statute goes on to provide the specific education requirements for LCPCs and LCSWs to provide psychological testing

24.219.1003 EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERFORMING PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS WITHOUT SUPERVISION (1) Except as provided in (3), (4), and (5), a licensed clinical professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker may engage in psychological assessments without supervision only if the licensee has completed and can document to the board, if requested, the following information demonstrating generic and specific qualifications to perform psychological assessments:

(a) academic training at the graduate or postgraduate level from a regionally accredited program that covered:

(i) descriptive statistics; (ii) reliability and measurement error; (iii) validity and meaning of test scores; (iv) normative interpretation of test scores; (v) selection of appropriate tests; (vi) test administration procedures; (vii) ethnic, racial, cultural, gender, age, and linguistic variables; and (viii) testing individuals with disabilities; and (b) a signed statement from a professional qualified to supervise psychological assessments as set forth in ARM 24.219.2002(1)(a) or (c) that the supervised licensee has met the requirements to use psychological tests as set forth in this rule.

(2) For purposes of this rule, “regionally accredited program” means a program accredited by one of the seven regional accreditation agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education. (3) A credentialing level designated and approved by statute for psychological assessments meets the requirements as set out in (1). For example, 46-18-111, MCA, authorizes members of the Montana sex offender treatment association to perform psychosexual evaluations. (4) A licensed clinical professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker whose education was not from a regionally accredited program must obtain board approval before conducting psychological assessments. The licensee must demonstrate their education is substantially equivalent to the content set out in (1). (5) A licensed clinical professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker is qualified to perform psychological assessments and is not required to demonstrate that the licensee has met the qualifications set forth in (1) if the licensee performed psychological assessments prior to December 25, 2015.

Statute goes on to provide detailed specifics for test selection, test administration & conditions, diversity, test scoring / interpretation, security and requirements to utilize accurate/in-date testing.

Continue to read about these details using the following sections and CTRL F funtion to find them in the document.  

24.219.1020, 24.219.1023, 24.219.1026, 24.219.1029, 24.219.1032, 24.219.1035, 24.219.1038

LCSW

Can LCSW’s in Montana Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

Montana Administrative Register – DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY – CHAPTER 219 – BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RULES

Statute defines the LCSW and the practice of psychotherapy and counseling:

(19) “LCSW” means licensed clinical social worker licensed under Title 37, chapter 22, MCA.

(23) “Psychotherapy and counseling” means the therapeutic process of: (a) conducting assessments and diagnoses for the purpose of establishing treatment goals and objectives; or (b) planning, implementing, and evaluating treatment plans that use treatment interventions to facilitate human development and to identify and remediate mental, emotional or behavioral disorders and associated distresses that interfere with mental health.

Statute explains rules/expectations for psychological testing conducted by LCPCs and LCSWs. 

Subchapter 10 Psychological Evaluations  – 24.219.1001 GENERAL USE OF ASSESSMENT AND TESTING INSTRUMENTS (1) The primary purpose of educational and psychological assessment is to provide measures that are objective and interpretable in either comparative or absolute terms. Counselors and social workers shall interpret the statements in this rule as applying to the whole range of appraisal techniques, including test and nontest data. (2) Counselors and social workers shall promote the welfare and best interests of the client in the development, publication, and utilization of educational and psychological assessment results and interpretations, and take reasonable steps to prevent others from misusing the information these techniques provide. They shall respect the clients’ rights to know the results of the interpretations made and the basis for their conclusions and recommendations.

LICENSEES AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM PSYCHOLOGICAL

ASSESSMENTS (1) Psychological assessments may be performed by the following individuals: (a) a licensed clinical professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker who satisfies the requirements in ARM 24.219.1003(1), (3), (4), or (5); (b) a licensed clinical professional counselor or a licensed clinical social worker who satisfies the requirements in ARM 24.219.1003(1) and who is acting under the supervision of another licensee of the board specified in (1)(a); (c) a psychologist licensed under Title 37, chapter 17, MCA; or (d) a licensed clinical professional counselor or a licensed clinical social worker who satisfies the requirements in ARM 24.219.1003(1) and who is acting under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

Statute goes on to provide the specific education requirements for LCPCs and LCSWs to provide psychological testing

24.219.1003 EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERFORMING PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS WITHOUT SUPERVISION (1) Except as provided in (3), (4), and (5), a licensed clinical professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker may engage in psychological assessments without supervision only if the licensee has completed and can document to the board, if requested, the following information demonstrating generic and specific qualifications to perform psychological assessments:

(a) academic training at the graduate or postgraduate level from a regionally accredited program that covered:

(i) descriptive statistics; (ii) reliability and measurement error; (iii) validity and meaning of test scores; (iv) normative interpretation of test scores; (v) selection of appropriate tests; (vi) test administration procedures; (vii) ethnic, racial, cultural, gender, age, and linguistic variables; and (viii) testing individuals with disabilities; and (b) a signed statement from a professional qualified to supervise psychological assessments as set forth in ARM 24.219.2002(1)(a) or (c) that the supervised licensee has met the requirements to use psychological tests as set forth in this rule.

(2) For purposes of this rule, “regionally accredited program” means a program accredited by one of the seven regional accreditation agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education. (3) A credentialing level designated and approved by statute for psychological assessments meets the requirements as set out in (1). For example, 46-18-111, MCA, authorizes members of the Montana sex offender treatment association to perform psychosexual evaluations. (4) A licensed clinical professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker whose education was not from a regionally accredited program must obtain board approval before conducting psychological assessments. The licensee must demonstrate their education is substantially equivalent to the content set out in (1). (5) A licensed clinical professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker is qualified to perform psychological assessments and is not required to demonstrate that the licensee has met the qualifications set forth in (1) if the licensee performed psychological assessments prior to December 25, 2015.

Statute goes on to provide detailed specifics for test selection, test administration & conditions, diversity, test scoring / interpretation, security and requirements to utilize accurate/in-date testing.

Continue to read about these details using the following sections and CTRL F funtion to find them in the document.  

24.219.1020, 24.219.1023, 24.219.1026, 24.219.1029, 24.219.1032, 24.219.1035, 24.219.1038

LMFT

Can LMFT’s in Montana Diagnose?  YES!

Diagnosis IS described in the state statute. 

Montana Code Annotated – BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BOARD LAWS AS OF THE 2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION TITLE 37, CHAPTER 37 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS

Statute defines Marriage and Family Therapy:

Part 1 General Provisions

37-37-102. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following definitions apply: (5) (a) “Marriage and family therapy” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders within the context of interpersonal relationships, including marriage and family systems. Marriage and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family system theories and techniques, counseling, consultation, treatment planning, and supervision in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families. 

CPC – Certified Professional Counselor

Can CPC’s in Nebraska Diagnose?  YES! With the right credentials (LIMHP – Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner)

Scope of practice, including Diagnosis is defined by the Nebraska Department of Human Services – for those who are Licensed INDEPENDENT Mental Health Practitioners.

Nebraska – Department of Health and Human Services – Mental Health and Social Work Practice

Government regulatory department defines scope of practice for different Crendentials & Certifications:

Types of credentials issued by Nebraska:

• Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP)is a person who needs to obtain 3,000 hours of supervised experience in mental health practice in Nebraska.
• Provisional Certification as a Master Social Worker (PCMSW)is a person who needs to obtain 3,000 hours of supervised experience in social work in Nebraska.
• Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitionerincludes diagnosis and treatment of major mental illness/disorders, without supervision or consultation.
• Licensed Mental Health Practitioner does NOT include: Diagnosing major mental illness or disorder except in consultation with a licensed independent mental health practitioner, qualified physician or licensed clinical psychologist.

Certification Types (title protected):

• • Certified Professional Counselor
  • Certified Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Certified Master Social Worker
  • Certified Social Worker (no exam required)
  • Marriage and Family Therapists and Master Social Workers require specific supervision requirements. See the regulations for complete requirements

Additional requirements for supervision and tiered licensing process can be found here: 

Rules and Regulations – Department of Health and Human Services – TITLE 172 PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE – Chapter 94: INDEPENDENT MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS, MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS

Scroll to the bottom of the page and download Chapter 94 to read more. 

LCSW

Can MSW’s in Nebraska Diagnose?  YES! With the right credentials (LIMHP – Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner)

Scope of practice, including Diagnosis is defined by the Nebraska Department of Human Services – for those who are Licensed INDEPENDENT Mental Health Practitioners.

Nebraska – Department of Health and Human Services – Mental Health and Social Work Practice

Government regulatory department defines scope of practice for different Crendentials & Certifications:

Types of credentials issued by Nebraska:

• Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP)is a person who needs to obtain 3,000 hours of supervised experience in mental health practice in Nebraska.
• Provisional Certification as a Master Social Worker (PCMSW)is a person who needs to obtain 3,000 hours of supervised experience in social work in Nebraska.
• Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitionerincludes diagnosis and treatment of major mental illness/disorders, without supervision or consultation.
• Licensed Mental Health Practitionerdoes NOTinclude: Diagnosing major mental illness or disorder except in consultation with a licensed independent mental health practitioner, qualified physician or licensed clinical psychologist.

Certification Types (title protected):

• • Certified Professional Counselor
  • Certified Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Certified Master Social Worker
  • Certified Social Worker (no exam required)
  • Marriage and Family Therapists and Master Social Workers require specific supervision requirements. See the regulations for complete requirements

Additional requirements for supervision and tiered licensing process can be found here: 

Rules and Regulations – Department of Health and Human Services – TITLE 172 PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE – Chapter 94: INDEPENDENT MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS, MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS

Scroll to the bottom of the page and download Chapter 94 to read more. 

LMFT

Can LMFT’s in Nebraska Diagnose?  YES! With the right credentials  (LIMHP – Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner)

Scope of practice, including Diagnosis is defined by the Nebraska Department of Human Services – for those who are Licensed INDEPENDENT Mental Health Practitioners.

Nebraska – Department of Health and Human Services – Mental Health and Social Work Practice

Government regulatory department defines scope of practice for different Crendentials & Certifications:

Types of credentials issued by Nebraska:

• Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP)is a person who needs to obtain 3,000 hours of supervised experience in mental health practice in Nebraska.
• Provisional Certification as a Master Social Worker (PCMSW)is a person who needs to obtain 3,000 hours of supervised experience in social work in Nebraska.
• Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitionerincludes diagnosis and treatment of major mental illness/disorders, without supervision or consultation.
• Licensed Mental Health Practitionerdoes NOTinclude: Diagnosing major mental illness or disorder except in consultation with a licensed independent mental health practitioner, qualified physician or licensed clinical psychologist.

Certification Types (title protected):

• • Certified Professional Counselor
  • Certified Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Certified Master Social Worker
  • Certified Social Worker (no exam required)
  • Marriage and Family Therapists and Master Social Workers require specific supervision requirements. See the regulations for complete requirements

Additional requirements for supervision and tiered licensing process can be found here: 

Rules and Regulations – Department of Health and Human Services – TITLE 172 PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE – Chapter 94: INDEPENDENT MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS, MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS

Scroll to the bottom of the page and download Chapter 94 to read more. 

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Nevada Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute, with limitations on psychological tests

NEVADA REVISED STATUTES – CHAPTER 641A – MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS AND CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Statute defines Practice of Professional Counseling:

 NRS 641A.065  “Practice of clinical professional counseling” defined.

      1.  “Practice of clinical professional counseling” means the provision of treatment, assessment and counseling, or equivalent activities, to a person or group of persons to achieve mental, emotional, physical and social development and adjustment.

      2.  The term includes counseling interventions to prevent, diagnose and treat mental, emotional or behavioral disorders and associated distresses which interfere with mental health.

      3.  The term does not include the use of psychometric tests, assessments or measures, including, without limitation, psychological, neuropsychological, developmental, neurodevelopmental, cognitive, neurocognitive, intelligence, achievement, personality or projective tests.

It is recommended that you inquire with your board regarding what sort of asessments ARE within a clinical professional counselors scope of practice. The DIVA-5 for ADHD is a structured clinical interview. Are structured clinical interviews permitted? 

If you make this call or email & learn more – email us! 

Contact@neuroabundant.com 

LCSW

Can LCSW’s in Nevada Diagnose?  YES! (BUT NOT any other level of licensure) 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute, with reference to scope of practice of LCSW’s

NEVADA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE – CHAPTER 641B – SOCIAL WORKERS

Statute defines Clinical Social Work:

NAC 641B.057  “Psychotherapeutic methods and techniques” defined. (NRS 641B.160)  “Psychotherapeutic methods and techniques” means the methods of treatment, including, without limitation, the use of individual, couples, family and group therapy, that use a specialized, formal interaction between a licensed clinical social worker and a client in which a therapeutic relationship is established and maintained to:

     1.  Understand unconscious processes and intrapersonal, interpersonal and psychosocial dynamics; and

     2.  Diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, conditions and addictions.

Additional information about scope of practice limitations for different levels of licensure can be found here: 

Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers – Scope of Practice Table

LMFT

Can LMFT’s in Nevada Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute, with limitations on psychological tests

NEVADA REVISED STATUTES – CHAPTER 641A – MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS AND CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Statute defines Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy:

NRS 641A.080  “Practice of marriage and family therapy” defined.

   1.  “Practice of marriage and family therapy” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective or behavioral, within the context of interpersonal relationships, including, without limitation, marital and family systems, and involves the professional application or use of psychotherapy, counseling, evaluation, assessment instruments, consultation, treatment planning, supervision, research and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.

   2.  The term includes, without limitation, the rendering of professional marital and family therapy services to a person, couple, family or family group or other group of persons.

   3.  The term does not include the use of psychometric tests, assessments or measures, including, without limitation, psychological, neuropsychological, developmental, neurodevelopmental, cognitive, neurocognitive, intelligence, achievement, personality or projective tests.

It is recommended that you inquire with your board regarding what sort of asessments ARE within a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist’s scope of practice. The DIVA-5 for ADHD is a structured clinical interview. Are structured clinical interviews permitted? 

If you make this call or email & learn more – email us! 

Contact@neuroabundant.com 

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in New Hampshire Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute, where it defines mental health practice as it relates to Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Clinical Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists.

TITLE XXX – OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS – CHAPTER 330-A – MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE – Section 330-A:2

Statute defines Mental Health Practice, Mental Health Practitioner and Psychotherapist:

VI. “Mental health practice” means the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, diagnosis, and modification of human behavior by the application of psychological and systems principles, methods, and procedures for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladapted, or undesirable behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustments, personal effectiveness, behavioral health, and mental health, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of the psychological and social aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability. Mental health practice may include, but shall not be limited to, those services based on diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders and psycho-educational or consultative techniques integral to the treatment of such disorders when diagnosis is specified in the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, or an equivalent of such manual as determined by the board. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, no person licensed or registered under this chapter shall assess the need for medications, prescribe medications, or otherwise practice medicine as defined in RSA 329.

 

VII. “Mental health practitioner” means persons licensed under this chapter as pastoral psychotherapists, clinical social workers, school social workers, clinical mental health counselors, or marriage and family therapists. For purposes of this chapter, the term clinical social worker shall include independent clinical social worker.

 

VIII. “Psychotherapist” means a clinical social worker, school social worker, pastoral psychotherapist, clinical mental health counselor, or marriage and family therapist licensed under this chapter who performs or purports to perform psychotherapy. This definition shall include psychiatrists licensed as physicians under RSA 329 and advanced registered nurse practitioners licensed under RSA 326-B:18 as psychiatric nurse practitioners.

LCSW

Can LCSW’s in New Hampshire Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute, where it defines mental health practice as it relates to Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Clinical Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists.

TITLE XXX – OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS – CHAPTER 330-A – MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE – Section 330-A:2

Statute defines Mental Health Practice, Mental Health Practitioner and Psychotherapist:

VI. “Mental health practice” means the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, diagnosis, and modification of human behavior by the application of psychological and systems principles, methods, and procedures for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladapted, or undesirable behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustments, personal effectiveness, behavioral health, and mental health, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of the psychological and social aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability. Mental health practice may include, but shall not be limited to, those services based on diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders and psycho-educational or consultative techniques integral to the treatment of such disorders when diagnosis is specified in the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, or an equivalent of such manual as determined by the board. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, no person licensed or registered under this chapter shall assess the need for medications, prescribe medications, or otherwise practice medicine as defined in RSA 329.

 

VII. “Mental health practitioner” means persons licensed under this chapter as pastoral psychotherapists, clinical social workers, school social workers, clinical mental health counselors, or marriage and family therapists. For purposes of this chapter, the term clinical social worker shall include independent clinical social worker.

 

VIII. “Psychotherapist” means a clinical social worker, school social worker, pastoral psychotherapist, clinical mental health counselor, or marriage and family therapist licensed under this chapter who performs or purports to perform psychotherapy. This definition shall include psychiatrists licensed as physicians under RSA 329 and advanced registered nurse practitioners licensed under RSA 326-B:18 as psychiatric nurse practitioners.

LMFT

Can LMFT’s in New Hampshire Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute, where it defines mental health practice as it relates to Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Clinical Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists.

TITLE XXX – OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS – CHAPTER 330-A – MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE – Section 330-A:2

Statute defines Mental Health Practice, Mental Health Practitioner and Psychotherapist:

VI. “Mental health practice” means the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, diagnosis, and modification of human behavior by the application of psychological and systems principles, methods, and procedures for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladapted, or undesirable behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustments, personal effectiveness, behavioral health, and mental health, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of the psychological and social aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability. Mental health practice may include, but shall not be limited to, those services based on diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders and psycho-educational or consultative techniques integral to the treatment of such disorders when diagnosis is specified in the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, or an equivalent of such manual as determined by the board. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, no person licensed or registered under this chapter shall assess the need for medications, prescribe medications, or otherwise practice medicine as defined in RSA 329.

 

VII. “Mental health practitioner” means persons licensed under this chapter as pastoral psychotherapists, clinical social workers, school social workers, clinical mental health counselors, or marriage and family therapists. For purposes of this chapter, the term clinical social worker shall include independent clinical social worker.

 

VIII. “Psychotherapist” means a clinical social worker, school social worker, pastoral psychotherapist, clinical mental health counselor, or marriage and family therapist licensed under this chapter who performs or purports to perform psychotherapy. This definition shall include psychiatrists licensed as physicians under RSA 329 and advanced registered nurse practitioners licensed under RSA 326-B:18 as psychiatric nurse practitioners.

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in New Jersey Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute, although it uses the word “provisional” which is unclear.

New Jersey Statutes Annotated – DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY – Professional Counselor Examiners Committee Law

Statute defines clinical mental health counselor:

Statute: N.J. Stat. § 45:8B-44

A licensed professional counselor with the designation of clinical mental health counselor shall be authorized to provide counseling services that include, but are not limited to, the preliminary diagnosis of mental and emotional disorders, psychoeducational techniques aimed at the prevention of these disorders, consultations, and clinical research into more effective treatment modalities.

LCSW

Can LCSW’s in New Jersey Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

NEW JERSEY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE TITLE 13 LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY CHAPTER 44G STATE BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAMINERS

Statute defines Mental Health Practice, Mental Health Practitioner and Psychotherapist:

13:44G-1.2 DEFINITIONS

“Clinical social work services” means social work services which may be performed only by an LCSW or an LSW under supervision pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:44G-8. Clinical social work services include, but are not limited to, the following: 

1. Clinical assessment, defined as the process of evaluation in which an LCSW or an LSW conducts a differential, individualized, and accurate identification of the psychosocial/behavioral problems existing in the life of the individual client, the family, or psychotherapy group for the purpose of establishing a plan to implement a course of psychotherapeutic counseling. A clinical social work assessment includes, but is not limited to, a mental status examination and a psychosocial history. The clinical social worker may utilize currently accepted diagnostic classifications including, but not limited to, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as amended and supplemented.

LMFT

Can LCSW’s in New Jersey Diagnose?  Maybe.

Diagnosis IS NOT described officially in state statute.

NEW JERSEY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE TITLE 13 LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY CHAPTER 34 – SUBCHAPTERS 1 – 9A BOARD OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY EXAMINERS

Statute defines the Scope of Practice for Marriage and Family Therapy:

13:34-1.2 SCOPE OF PRACTICE Marriage and family therapy is a specialized field of psychotherapy, which includes premarital counseling and therapy, pre- and post-divorce counseling and therapy and family therapy that may be with couples, families or individuals. The practice of marriage and family therapy consists of the application of principles, methods and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy for the purpose of resolving psychological conflict, modifying perception and behavior, altering old attitudes and establishing new ones in the area of individual, marriage and family life. In its concern with the antecedents of marriage, with the vicissitudes of marriage and with the consequences of the failure of marriage, marriage and family therapy keeps in sight its objective of enabling clients to achieve the optimal adjustment consistent with their welfare as individuals, as members of a family and as citizens in society

Consider that Assessment IS a requirement for education and supervised experience:

13:34-2.3 EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE
c) An applicant for licensure shall satisfy the following required areas of course work:
2) Area II: Assessment and Treatment in Marriage and Family Therapy (a minimum of four, three semester hour or equivalent quarter hour, courses.) Course work in this area shall provide a comprehensive survey and substantive understanding of the major models of marriage and family therapy. Courses shall address marriage and family therapy practice and be related conceptually to theory. Course work in this area shall address a wide variety of presenting clinical problems and include assessment, marriage and family therapy methods and major mental health assessment methods and instruments.

If YOU have personal / professional experience receiving or providing a mental health diagnosis as an LMFT, please get in touch! We would love to include it in the research. contact@neuroabundant.com 

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in New Mexico Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

Current New Mexico Statutes Annotated 1978 – ARTICLE 9A Counseling and Therapy – 61-9A-3. Definitions. (Repealed effective July 1, 2028.)

Statute defines clinical counseling:

As used in the Counseling and Therapy Practice Act:

I. “clinical counseling” means the rendering of counseling services involving the application of principles of psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, diagnosis, treatment and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families or groups for the purpose of assessing and treating psychopathology and promoting optimal mental health;

LCSW

Can LCSW’s in New Mexico Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

Current New Mexico Statutes Annotated 1978 ARTICLE 31 – Social Work Practice – 61-31-6. Scope of practice. (Repealed effective July 1, 2032.)

Statute defines clinical social work practice:

61-31-6. Scope of practice. (Repealed effective July 1, 2032.)

(1)       clinical social work practice, which is the professional application of social work theory and methods in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability or impairment, including but not limited to emotional and mental disorders. It is based on knowledge of one or more theories of human development within a psychosocial context. Clinical social work includes interventions directed to interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics or life support and management issues. Clinical social work services consist of assessment, diagnosis and treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling, client-centered advocacy, consultation and evaluation;

LMFT

Can LCSW’s in New Mexico Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

2023 New Mexico Statutes – Chapter 61 – Professional and Occupational Licenses – Article 9A – Counseling and Therapy – Section 61-9A-5 – Scopes of practice. (Repealed effective July 1, 2028.)

Statute defines the Practice for Marriage and Family Therapy:

61-9A-5. Scopes of practice. (Repealed effective July 1, 2028.)
D. “Practice of marriage and family therapy” means the licensed practice of marriage and family therapy services delivered to persons, couples and families treated singly or in groups within the context of family systems to:
(1) achieve the mental, emotional, physical, social, moral, educational, spiritual or career-related development and adjustment of the client throughout the client’s life;
(2) diagnose, evaluate, prevent and treat mental, emotional or behavioral disorders and associate distresses that interfere with mental health;
(3) conduct appraisal, assessments and evaluations to establish treatment goals and objectives; and
(4) plan, implement and evaluate treatment plans using marriage and family therapy treatment interventions and strategies.

LMHC – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Can LMHC’s in New York Diagnose?  Yes… but if you graduated prior to 2025, it requires some additional paperwork & money 

Licensing Board Opinion & History of Legal fight for Diagnostic Authority.

NYS Scope of Practice – History of the Mental Health Counseling Scope of Practice – Establishment of Diagnostic Privilege for Licensed Mental Health Counselors

The New York Mental Health Counselors Association began advocating for diagnostic authority for licensed mental health counselors in 2010. At that time, the goal was to request that language be included in NYS regulations to give LMHCs diagnostic authority. Unfortunately, those attempts proved to be unsuccessful and steps were taken to begin drafting legislation to change LMHCs scope of practice in the law.

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Over the years the opposition from social workers and other professions had been fierce and, to some degree, effective. NYMHCA saw evidence that NY’s legislature will often do nothing when there is fierce opposition to a bill.

If the diagnosis privilege bill had not been signed into law by June 24, 2022, hundreds of LMHCs could have lost their jobs in state agencies and hundreds of students would have been denied internships in those agencies. The end of this exemption was the primary reason there was tremendous support for our bill by state-run and state-funded agencies.

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In June 2022, a bill was passed and signed into law that provided pathways to diagnostic privilege for mental health counselors and other mental health professions. An intentional decision was made by the final drafters, the NYS Assembly Higher Education Committee Chairperson, Debra Glick, and the NYS Education Department, to avoid the use of the word “authority.” Rather, the two entities used the word “privilege” and chose to make it an optional add-on to an already existing license, rather than change the scope of practice for licensed mental health counselors.

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While the diagnosis privilege law provided a pathway for students graduating from counselor education programs after 2025 to be automatically eligible for the privilege, there were parts of the law that were problematic and not what NYMHCA wanted.

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The diagnostic privilege is NOT required and LMHCs who decide they do not want to take the steps to obtain it do not need to. The law does not require LMHCs to obtain diagnostic privilege. Licensed mental health counselors are legally authorized to continue practicing mental health counseling without diagnostic privilege. A major difference is that LMHCs without diagnostic privilege cannot render diagnoses. Rather, they can still provide assessments and evaluations using the diagnostic codes allowed by the laws which established the licensed mental health counseling profession.

Resources for support gaining Diagnostic Privilege if you graduated prior to 2025

New York Mental Health Counselors Association – NY LMHC Diagnostic Privilege

Click HERE to download a Full PDF Download Exploring Pathways to Diagnostic Privilege for LMHCs in New York

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in New York Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

Article 154 of the Education Law, Section 7701(2) – Definitions – 2. Practice of clinical social work.

Statute defines practice of  clinical social work:

a. The practice of clinical social work encompasses the scope of practice of licensed master social work and, in addition, includes the diagnosis of mental, emotional, behavioral, addictive and developmental disorders and disabilities and of the psychosocial aspects of illness, injury, disability and impairment undertaken within a psychosocial framework; administration and interpretation of tests and measures of psychosocial functioning; development and implementation of appropriate assessment-based treatment plans; and the provision of crisis oriented psychotherapy and brief, short-term and long-term psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic treatment to individuals, couples, families and groups, habilitation, psychoanalysis and behavior therapy; all undertaken for the purpose of preventing, assessing, treating, ameliorating and resolving psychosocial dysfunction with the goal of maintaining and enhancing the mental, emotional, behavioral, and social functioning and well-being of individuals, couples, families, small groups, organizations, communities and society.

Summary & History of Scope of Practice for Licensed Clinical Social Workers

New York State Society for Social Work – NYS Scope of Practice – History of the Clinical Social Work Scope of Practice

LMFT

Can LMFT’s in New York Diagnose?  Yes! With an application and some money

Diagnostic Privilege IS described officially in state statute.

New York State Licensed Professions – Marriage and Family Therapists – Laws, Rules & Regulations –  Subpart 79-10 – Marriage and Family Therapy – 79-10.6

Statute defines the Requirements for obtaining Diagnostic Privilege as an LMFT:

b. General provisions. As authorized by subdivision (11) of section 8410 of the Education Law, effective June 24, 2022, a marriage and family therapist licensed and registered pursuant to Article 163 of the Education Law may engage in diagnosis and the development of assessment-based treatment plans in accordance with the provisions of this section.

g. Application. An applicant for the diagnostic privilege shall:

1. Submit the application and pay the $175 fee for issuance of a privilege;
2. Submit verification of licensure as a marriage and family therapist in New York;
3. Cause to be submitted verification of acceptable clinical education, as required by subdivision (e) of this section; and (4) Cause to be submitted verification or attestation, as applicable, of supervised experience in diagnosis and assessment-based treatment plans, as required by subdivision (f) of this section.

LCMHC – Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Can LCMHC’s in North Carolina Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnostic procedures ARE described officially in state statute and clinical activities / clinical expertise is clarified by the board

2022 North Carolina General Statutes – Chapter 90 – Medicine and Allied Occupations – Article 24 – Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors Act.

§ 90‑330. Definitions; practice of counseling.
a) Definitions. – The following definitions apply in this Article:
(3) The “practice of counseling” means holding oneself out to the public as a clinical mental health counselor offering counseling services that include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Counseling. – Assisting individuals, groups, and families through the counseling relationship by evaluating and treating mental disorders and other conditions through the use of a combination of clinical mental health and human development principles, methods, diagnostic procedures, treatment plans, and other psychotherapeutic techniques, to develop an understanding of personal problems, to define goals, and to plan action reflecting the client’s interests, abilities, aptitudes, and mental health needs as these are related to personal‑social‑emotional concerns, educational progress, and occupations and careers.

b. Appraisal Activities. – Administering and interpreting tests for assessment of personal characteristics.

c. Consulting. – Interpreting scientific data and providing guidance and personnel services to individuals, groups, or organizations.

d. Referral Activities. – Identifying problems requiring referral to other specialists.

e. Research Activities. – Designing, conducting, and interpreting research with human subjects.

The “practice of counseling” does not include the facilitation of communication, understanding, reconciliation, and settlement of conflicts by mediators at community mediation centers authorized by G.S. 7A‑38.5.

Diagnostic procedures North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors Provide clarification about clinical activities, clinical expertise & diagnosis

NCBLCMHC – Frequently Asked Questions about the Licensed Professional Counselor Name Change to Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

“5. Why we are adding “clinical” to our proposed license title? According to Oxford Dictionaries (2019), the term clinical is defined as a. diagnosing and treating patients; b. Relating to the observation and treatment of actual patients rather than theoretical or laboratory studies. Since 2009, the term “clinical mental health counselor” is being used by American Mental Health Counseling Association, National Board of Certified Counselors, Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and others in our profession to denote counselors who have specialized expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders (AMHCA, 2019).

Further we are adding “clinical” to our proposed licensee title in order to accurately describe what our licenses have been educated and trained to do as well as describe what they already do in their daily work. a. Clinicians treat patients and/or provide direct patient care with the goal of helping patients/clients achieve emotional and mental wellness. b. Clinicians provide direct diagnosis, treatment, or care for the patient on an ongoing basis as one part of a treatment plan. The idea is that we are specialists who can also be healthcare practitioners who serve on insurance panels, just like the term “clinical social worker” denotes social workers with such expertise and “clinical psychologist” denotes psychologists with such expertise (AMHCA, 2019) and “clinical addiction specialist” denotes addiction specialists with such expertise (NCSAPPB, n. d.). According to our “definitions: practice of counseling” (Article 24. Licensed Professional Counselors Act. § 90-330) we have that expertise; therefore we are “clinical.”

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in North Carolina Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

NORTH CAROLINA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE – TITLE 21 OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS – CHAPTER 63 SOCIAL WORK CERTIFICATION – 21 NCAC 63 .0102 DEFINITIONS

Statute defines Diagnosis in the context of Licensed Clinical Social Work Practice:

21 NCAC 63 .0102 DEFINITIONS

(12) Diagnosis. In the context of licensed clinical social work practice, diagnosis is the process of distinguishing, beyond the general social work assessment, among one or more of the following: mental, emotional, addictive, behavioral, or developmental disorders and conditions within a psychosocial framework on the basis of their similar and unique characteristics consistent with American Psychiatric Association or World Health Organization classification systems.”

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in North Carolina Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state statute.

NC General Statutes – Chapter 90 Article 18C – Article 18C. Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure.

Statute defines Diagnosis in the context of Marriage and Family Therapy

90‑270.47. Definitions 

(3b) “Marriage and family therapy” is the clinical practice, within the context of individual, couple, and marriage and family systems, of the diagnosis and treatment of psychosocial aspects of mental and emotional disorders. Marriage and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to families, couples, and individuals for the purpose of treating these diagnosed NC General Statutes – Chapter 90 Article 18C 2 mental and emotional disorders. Marriage and family therapy includes referrals to and collaboration with healthcare and other professionals when appropriate. 

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in North Dakota Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state Administrative Code.

North Dakota Administrative Code – Title 97 Article 2 Chapter 1.1 – CHAPTER 97-02-01.1 LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR

97-02-01.1-06. Definitions. As used in this title, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. “Clinical counseling” means providing clinical mental health counseling services involving the application of principles of human development, learning theory, psychotherapy, group dynamics, and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families, and groups for the purpose of promoting optimal mental health, dealing with normal problems of living, and treating psychopathic disorders. Clinical counseling includes diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders; psycho-educational techniques aimed at the prevention of emotional and mental disorders; consultations to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities; and clinical research into more effective psycho-therapeutic modalities.

2. “Licensed professional clinical counselor” means a person who is licensed under this chapter to practice the specialty of clinical counseling.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in North Dakota Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in Administrative Code.

North Dakota Century Code – CHAPTER 43-41 SOCIAL WORKERS

Statute defines Diagnosis in the context of Psychotherapy and the the practice of clinical social work:

43-41-01. Definitions.

11. “Psychotherapy” means the use of treatment methods utilizing a specialized, formal interaction between a licensed clinical social worker and an individual, couple, family, or group in which a therapeutic relationship is established, maintained, and sustained to understand unconscious processes; intrapersonal, interpersonal, and psychosocial dynamics; and the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions, or addictions.

13. “Social work practice” means the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The scope of practice for licensees of the board consist of the following:

a) The practice of baccalaureate social work, which includes the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Baccalaureate social work is generalist practice that includes assessment, planning, implementation, intervention, evaluation, research, social work case management, information and referral, counseling, supervision, consultation, education, advocacy, community organization, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities. 

b) The practice of masters social work, which includes, in addition to the practice of baccalaureate social work, the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, treatment planning, implementation, intervention, evaluation, social work case management information and referral, counseling, supervision, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities. Under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, the practice of masters social work may include the practices reserved to licensed clinical social workers. 

c) The practice of clinical social work, which includes, in addition to the practice of baccalaureate social work and the practice of masters social work, the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of assessment, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation, social work case management information and referral, counseling, supervision, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization, the development, implementation, intervention, and administration of policies, programs, and activities, and the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions, and addictions. Treatment methods include the provision of individual, marital, couple, family, and group counseling and psychotherapy. The practice of clinical social work may include the provision of clinical supervision.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in North Dakota Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state code.

North Dakota Century Code – CHAPTER 43-53 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY PRACTICE

Statute defines the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy

43-53-01. Definitions 

5. “Marriage and family therapy” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Marriage and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

LPCC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Can LPCC’s in Ohio Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in State Code.

Ohio Revised Code – Title 47 Occupations-Professions – Chapter 4757 Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage And Family Therapists – Section 4757.01 | Counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist definitions

Statute defines Practice of professional counseling:

(A) “Practice of professional counseling” means rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public a counseling service involving the application of clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, or career development and adjustment, including the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in North Ohio Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in State Code.

Ohio Revised Code – Title 47 Occupations-Professions – Chapter 4757 Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage And Family Therapists – Section 4757.01 | Counselor, social worker, and marriage and family therapist definitions

Statute defines practice of clinical social work:

(C) “Practice of social work” means the application of social work theory and specialized knowledge of human development and behavior and social, economic, and cultural systems in directly assisting individuals, families, and groups in a clinical setting to improve or restore their capacity for social functioning, including counseling, the use of psychosocial interventions, and the use of social psychotherapy, which includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.”

IMFT – Independent Marriage and Family Therapist

Can IMFT’s in Ohio Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state code.

Ohio Revised Code – Title 47 Occupations-Professions – Chapter 4757 Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage And Family Therapists – Section 4757.30 | License as marriage and family therapist

Statute describes the scope of practice for a Marriage and Family Therapist VS. An Independent Marriage and Family Therapist:

(E) A marriage and family therapist may diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders only under the supervision of a psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed professional clinical counselor, independent social worker, or independent marriage and family therapist.An independent marriage and family therapist may diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders without supervision.

(G) An independent marriage and family therapist or a marriage and family therapist may not diagnose, treat, or advise on conditions outside the recognized boundaries of the marriage and family therapist’s competency. An independent marriage and family therapist or a marriage and family therapist shall make appropriate and timely referrals when a client’s needs exceed the marriage and family therapist’s competence level.

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LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Oklahoma Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state statute.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR LICENSURE ACT TITLE 59 OF THE OKLAHOMA STATUTES

(Full Title – Alt Link HERE)

Statute defines counseling:

59-1902. Definitions.  

3. “Counseling” means the application of mental health and developmental principles in order to:  a. facilitate human development and adjustment throughout the life span, b. prevent, diagnose or treat mental, emotional or behavioral disorders or associated distress which interfere with mental health, c. conduct assessments or diagnoses for the purpose of establishing treatment goals and objectives, and d. plan, implement or evaluate treatment plans using counseling treatment interventions;

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Oklahoma Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in State Code.

BOARD OF LICENSED SOCIAL WORKERS Title 59 O.S. Section 1250 – 1273

Statute defines clinical social work practice:

59-1250.1. Definitions.

9. “Clinical social work practice” means the practice of social work by a social worker including assessment and diagnosis of behavioral disorders, treatment planning, planning intervention, case management, information and referrals, including referrals to an appropriate allopathic or osteopathic physician when the diagnosis or treatment is in question or psychiatric or medical treatment is indicated. Treatment methods include the provision of individual, marital, couple, family and group counseling and psychotherapy based on the education and training of the social worker. Treatment shall not include biological or medical treatments. The practice of clinical social work may include private or independent practice;

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Oklahoma Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state code.

MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPIST LICENSURE ACT TITLE 59 OF THE OKLAHOMA STATUTES

Statute describes Marital and Family Therapy:

4. “Marital and family therapy” means the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marital and family systems. Marital and family therapy involves the professional application of family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, marital pairs, and families for the purpose of treating such disorders;

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Oregon Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state statute.

Oregon Revised Statutes – Chapter 675 — Psychologists; Occupational Therapists; Certified Sexual Offense Therapists; Regulated Social Workers; Licensed Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists

Statute defines Professional Counseling:

Statute: Or. Rev. Stat. §675.705(8)

   (8)(a) “Professional counseling” means the assessment, diagnosis or treatment of mental, emotional or behavioral disorders involving the application of mental health counseling or other psychotherapeutic principles and methods in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, children, families, groups or organizations.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Oregon Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in State Code.

Oregon Revised Statutes – Chapter 675 — Psychologists; Occupational Therapists; Certified Sexual Offense Therapists; Regulated Social Workers; Licensed Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists – REGULATED SOCIAL WORKERS

Statute defines clinical social work:

675.510 Definitions for ORS 675.510 to 675.600. As used in ORS 675.510 to 675.600, unless the context requires otherwise:

(2) “Clinical social work” means:

(a) A specialty within the practice of master’s social work that requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills to the assessment, diagnosis or treatment of mental, emotional or behavioral disorders or conditions, or as further defined by the board by rule;

 

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Oregon Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state code.

Oregon Revised Statutes – Chapter 675 — Psychologists; Occupational Therapists; Certified Sexual Offense Therapists; Regulated Social Workers; Licensed Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists – LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS AND MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS

Statute describes Marriage and Family Therapy:

675.705 Definitions for ORS 675.715 to 675.835

 (7)(a) “Marriage and family therapy” means the assessment, diagnosis or treatment of mental, emotional or behavioral disorders involving the application of family systems or other psychotherapeutic principles and methods in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, children, families, groups or organizations.

 

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Pennsylvania Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state statute.

Pennsylvania General Assembly – Unconsolidated Statutes – SOCIAL WORKERS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS AND PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS ACT – OMNIBUS AMENDMENTS – Act of Jun. 29, 2018, P.L. 505, No. 76 Cl. 63 – Session of 2018

Statute defines Diagnosis as it pertains to LPCs, LCSWs and LMFTs:

“Diagnosis.”  The term includes the following:

(1)  A clinical social work assessment, a marriage and family therapist assessment or a professional counselor assessment.

(2)  The utilization of currently accepted diagnostic classifications by a clinical social worker, a marriage and family therapist or a professional counselor, including, but not limited to, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as amended and supplemented, but only to the extentof the clinical social worker’s, marriage and family therapist’s or professional counselor’s education, training, experience and scope of practice as established by this act.

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LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Oklahoma Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in State Code.

Pennsylvania General Assembly – Unconsolidated Statutes – SOCIAL WORKERS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS AND PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS ACT – OMNIBUS AMENDMENTS – Act of Jun. 29, 2018, P.L. 505, No. 76 Cl. 63 – Session of 2018

Statute defines Diagnosis as it pertains to LPCs, LCSWs and LMFTs:

“Diagnosis.”  The term includes the following:

(1)  A clinical social work assessment, a marriage and family therapist assessment or a professional counselor assessment.

(2)  The utilization of currently accepted diagnostic classifications by a clinical social worker, a marriage and family therapist or a professional counselor, including, but not limited to, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as amended and supplemented, but only to the extent of the clinical social worker’s, marriage and family therapist’s or professional counselor’s education, training, experience and scope of practice as established by this act.

Uncertain about YOUR competency? Join us for a deep dive in our Neurodiversity Affirming ADHD Evaluation Course!

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LCSW’s in Oklahoma Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in State Code.

Pennsylvania General Assembly – Unconsolidated Statutes – SOCIAL WORKERS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS AND PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS ACT – OMNIBUS AMENDMENTS – Act of Jun. 29, 2018, P.L. 505, No. 76 Cl. 63 – Session of 2018

Statute defines Diagnosis as it pertains to LPCs, LCSWs and LMFTs:

“Diagnosis.”  The term includes the following:

(1)  A clinical social work assessment, a marriage and family therapist assessment or a professional counselor assessment.

(2)  The utilization of currently accepted diagnostic classifications by a clinical social worker, a marriage and family therapist or a professional counselor, including, but not limited to, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as amended and supplemented, but only to the extent of the clinical social worker’s,marriage and family therapist’s or professional counselor’s education, training, experience and scope of practice as established by this act.

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LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Rhode Island Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

Rhode Island Code of Regulations – Title 216 – Department of Health – Chapter 40 – Professional Licensing and Facility Regulation – Subchapter 05 – Professional Licensing – Licensing Clinical Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists (216-RICR-40-05-11)

Statute defines practice of clinical mental health counseling:

11.2 Definitions

7. “The practice of clinical mental health counseling,” in addition to the definition in R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-63.2, includes the following professional services:

a. Promoting mental health and wellness, which includes the achievement of social, career, and emotional development across the lifespan, as well as preventing and treating mental disorders and providing crisis intervention.

b. Psychotherapy, diagnosis, evaluation, administration of assessments, tests, and appraisals, referral, and treatment of behavioral, emotional, addiction and mental disorders, and establishment of counseling treatment plans for individuals, couples, groups, and families with emotional, mental, addiction, and physical disorders. 

c. Consultation and program evaluation, program administration within and to schools and organizations, and training and supervision of interns, trainees, and pre-licensed professional counselors through accepted and established principles, methods, procedures, and ethics of counselor supervision.

d. The practice of clinical mental health counseling does not include functions or practices that are not within the professional’s training or education.

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LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Rhode Island Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state code.

Rhode Island Code of Regulations – Title 216 – Department of Health – Chapter 40 – Professional Licensing and Facility Regulation – Subchapter 05 – Professional Licensing – Clinical Social Workers and Independent Clinical Social Workers (216-RICR-40-05-7)

Statute defines Clinical Social Work Practice:

4.”Clinical social work practice” means the professional application of social work theories, methods and values in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of cognitive, affective and behavioral disorders arising from physical, environmental or emotional conditions. Clinical social work services shall include, but shall not be limited to, diagnosis, assessment, evaluation, psychotherapy and counseling for individuals, couples, families and groups, client-centered advocacy, consultation and supervision.

a.The practice of case work, group work and community organization services under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker or the practice of basic data gathering and the formulation and implementation of plans to achieve specific goals related to specific life issues for groups or for individuals, or the assessment, evaluation and counseling of individuals or groups other than for a specific mental illness or the conduct of a psychosocial evaluation, excluding the diagnosis and treatment of a mental illness, such as may be performed by bachelor’s level social workers in a nursing care facility or similar setting, shall not be considered to be the practice of clinical social work for the purposes of this Part.

b.Clinical social work services shall not include psychological testing and nothing in this Part shall be construed as permitting social workers to practice psychology.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Rhode Island Diagnose?  Maybe. 

Diagnosis IS NOT described officially in State Statutes OR Code.

Title 5 – Businesses and Professions – Chapter 63.2 – Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists – R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-63.2-2

Statute defines Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy:

5-63.2-2. Definitions.

(8) “Practice of marriage and family therapy” means the rendering of professional services to individuals, family groups, couples, or organizations for monetary compensation. These professional services include applying principles, methods, and therapeutic techniques for the purpose of resolving emotional conflicts; modifying perceptions and behavior; enhancing communications and understanding among all family members; and the prevention of family and individual crisis. Individual marriage and family therapists shall also engage in psychotherapy of a nonmedical and non-psychotic nature with appropriate referrals to psychiatric resources.

Professional interpretation from the Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation at West Virginia University suggests that diagnosis is being intentionally separated from therapy and is NOT be within LMFT’s scope of practice.  

In Rhode Island, LMFTs can “engage in psychotherapy of a nonmedical and nonpsychotic nature” but the state doesn’t explicitly say that they can diagnose mental health conditions. However, for a different occupation—clinical mental health counselor—Rhode Island’s scope of practice differentiates psychotherapy from diagnosis. Thus, if the state considers psychotherapy and diagnosis as separate activities, then Rhode Island’s scope of practice apparently allows LMFTs to provide therapy for mental health conditions, but not diagnose them.

HOWEVER, consider that Diagnosis IS considered a major part of the Core Curriculum for Marriage and Family Therapists

11.5.2 The Core Curriculum: Marriage and Family Therapists
D. Area II: Clinical Knowledge

1. A minimum of six (6) courses (eighteen (18) semester or equivalent quarter hours) will be taken in Area II.
4. Courses taught in Area II will focus on two (2) major interdependent components: diagnosis/assessment and treatment processes. Within the context of marital and family systems, students will learn to diagnose and treat both dysfunctional relationship patterns and nervous and mental disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral. Major marriage and family therapy assessment methods and instruments will be covered. Marriage and family therapy faculty will teach students to use appropriate major mental health assessment instruments within a systemic context.

CONSIDER ALSO:

The State of Rhode Island Medicaid Provider Manual describes Clinican Services (which include clinical diagnostic & treatment services of mental & emotional disorders) and lists Marriage and Family Therapists. The codes needed to provide services are the SAME code/descriptions utilized by Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers AND PhD Psychologists.

THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF Health and Human Services – State of Rhode Island – Medicaid Provider Manual – Clinician Services 

Marriage and Family Therapist
Procedure CodeDescriptionPA

H0031 HOMental health assessment by non-physician, 90 minutes

H0004 HOBehavioral health counseling and therapy, per 15 minutes

H0004 HO HQGroup behavioral health counseling and therapy, per 15 minutes

Consider emailing your board to get additional clarity!

If you do, please emailing us: Contact@NeuroAbundant.com and we’ll add the information to this research.

Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists – Contact Information

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in South Carolina Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

South Carolina Code of Laws – Unannotated – Title 40 – Professions and Occupations – CHAPTER 75 – Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Psycho-educational Specialists – ARTICLE 1 – Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists

Statute defines Assessment as a part of the Practice of Professional Counseling:

SECTION 40-75-20. Definitions.

(4) “Assessment” in the practice of counseling and therapy means selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting evaluative or standardized instruments; assessing, diagnosing, and treating, using standard diagnostic nomenclature, a client’s attitudes, abilities, achievements, interests, personal characteristics, disabilities, and mental, emotional, and behavioral problems that are typical of the developmental life cycle; and the use of methods and techniques for understanding human behavior in relation to, coping with, adapting to, or changing life situations. A counselor may assess more serious problems as categorized in standard diagnostic nomenclature but only if the counselor has been specifically trained to assess and treat that particular problem. If a client presents with a problem which is beyond the counselor’s training and competence, the counselor must refer that problem to a licensed professional who has been specifically trained to diagnose and treat the presenting problem. In all cases, ethical guidelines as established by the board must be followed.

(17) “Practice of professional counseling” means functioning as a psycho-therapist and may include, but is not limited to, providing individual therapy, family counseling, group therapy, marital counseling, play therapy, couples counseling, substance abuse counseling, vocational counseling, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, intervention, human growth and development counseling, behavioral modification counseling, and hypnotherapy. The practice of professional counseling may include assessment, crisis intervention, guidance and counseling to facilitate normal growth and development, including educational and career development; utilization of functional assessment and counseling for persons requesting assistance in adjustment to a disability or handicapping condition; and consultation and research. The use of specific methods, techniques, or modalities within the practice of licensed professional counseling is restricted to professional counselors appropriately trained in the use of these methods, techniques, or modalities.

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LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Rhode Island Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state code.

South Carolina Code of Laws – Unannotated – Title 40 – Professions and Occupations – CHAPTER 63 – Social Workers

Statute defines different levels of Social Work Practice and their scope as well as Psychotherapy:

SECTION 40-63-20. Definitions.

(23) “Practice of Baccalaureate Social Work” means the professional application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values, and ethics and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The practice of Baccalaureate Social Work is a basic generalist practice that includes assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, mediation, case management, information and referral, counseling, advocacy, supervision of employees, consultation, client education, research, community organization, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities. Baccalaureate Social Workers are not qualified to diagnose and treat mental illness nor provide psychotherapy services. Baccalaureate Social Work is practiced only in organized settings such as social, medical, or governmental agencies and may not be practiced independently or privately.

(25) “Practice of Independent Social Work-Clinical Practice” means the professional application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values, and ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, and direct clinical needs of organizations and communities. The practice of Clinical Social Work requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, and conditions. Treatment methods include the provision of individual, marital, couple, family, and group counseling and psychotherapy. The practice of independent clinical social work includes case management, information and referral, mediation, client education, supervision of employees, consultation, research, advocacy, outcome evaluation, and expert testimony. The practice of Independent Social Work-Clinical Practice may include private practice. A Licensed Independent Social Worker-CP may not practice advanced practice social work independently. The Independent Social Worker-CP may engage in the activities included under the practice of Masters Social Work.

(28) “Psychotherapy” means the use of treatment methods utilizing a specialized, formal interaction between an appropriately Licensed Social Worker and an individual, couple, family, or group in which a therapeutic relationship is established, maintained, and sustained to understand unconscious processes, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and psychosocial dynamics, and the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions, and addictions.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in South Carolina Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

South Carolina Code of Laws – Unannotated – Title 40 – Professions and Occupations – CHAPTER 75 – Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Psycho-educational Specialists – ARTICLE 1 – Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists

Statute defines Assessment as a part of the Marriage and Family Therapy:

SECTION 40-75-20. Definitions.

(4) “Assessment” in the practice of counseling and therapy means selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting evaluative or standardized instruments; assessing, diagnosing, and treating, using standard diagnostic nomenclature, a client’s attitudes, abilities, achievements, interests, personal characteristics, disabilities, and mental, emotional, and behavioral problems that are typical of the developmental life cycle; and the use of methods and techniques for understanding human behavior in relation to, coping with, adapting to, or changing life situations. A counselor may assess more serious problems as categorized in standard diagnostic nomenclature but only if the counselor has been specifically trained to assess and treat that particular problem. If a client presents with a problem which is beyond the counselor’s training and competence, the counselor must refer that problem to a licensed professional who has been specifically trained to diagnose and treat the presenting problem. In all cases, ethical guidelines as established by the board must be followed.

(14) “Marriage and family therapy” means the assessment and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Marriage and family therapy involves the application of psycho-therapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating diagnosed emotional, mental, behavioral, or addictive disorders.

Uncertain about YOUR training/competence to diagnose ADHD/Autism ? Join us for a deep dive in our Neurodiversity Affirming ADHD Evaluation Course!

LPC-MH – Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health

Can LPC-MH’s in South Dakota Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

South Dakota Legislature – Codified Laws – CHAPTER 36-32 – PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS. 36-32-47 .  Definitions.

Statute defines Counseling &  Practice of Professional Counseling:

36-32-47.  Definitions.

(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;

(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.

Statute describes the requirements for becoming an LPC-MH

36-32-65 . Licensed professional counselor–Mental health–Application–Requirements.

An applicant for a license as a professional counselor–mental health shall file an application, in the manner prescribed by the board, together with the application fee prescribed by the board in accordance with § 36-32-92. The board may issue a license as a professional counselor–mental health to an applicant who pays the license fee and demonstrates that:

(1) The applicant has obtained licensure as a professional counselor under § 36-32-64 ;

(2) The applicant has received a master’s or a doctoral degree, consisting of at least forty-eight credit hours in counseling, with an emphasis on mental health counseling, from a counseling program approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs or an equivalent program, as demonstrated by studies in the following areas:

(a) The general principles and practices of etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders and dysfunctional behavior;

(b) The general principles and practices for the promotion of optimal mental health;

(c) The specific models and methods for assessing mental status;

(d) The identification of mental illness or abnormal, deviant, or psychopathologic behavior by obtaining appropriate behavioral data using a variety of techniques, including nonprojective personality assessments and achievement, aptitude, and intelligence testing, and translating findings into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders;

(e) The specific theories of psychotherapy for initiating, maintaining, and terminating therapy with a mentally and emotionally impaired client or a client with disabilities in a variety of settings using a variety of modalities, including crisis intervention, brief, intermediate, and long-term modalities;

(f) The basic classification, indications, and contraindications of the commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications for the purpose of identifying the effects and side effects of prescribed psychotropic medications;

(g) The guidelines for conducting an intake interview and mental health history for planning and managing of client caseload; and

(h) The specific concepts and ideas related to mental health education, outreach, prevention, and mental health promotion;

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in South Carolina Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state code.

South Dakota Legislature – Codified Laws – CHAPTER 36-26 – SOCIAL WORKERS

Statute defines Clinical Social Work:

36-26-45. Clinical social work defined.
Clinical social work is practiced by a social worker who has received a master’s or doctoral degree and is licensed under § 36-26-14 or 36-26-17. Clinical social work includes individual, family, and small group psychotherapy. Clinical social work practice is the professional application of social work theory and methods to the treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or impairment, including emotional and mental disorders. It is based on knowledge of one or more theories of human development. Clinical social work services consist of assessment; diagnosis; treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling; client-centered advocacy; consultation; and evaluation. The process of clinical social work is undertaken within the objectives of social work and the principles and values contained in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics as of January 1, 1995.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in South Dakota Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state law.

South Dakota Legislature – Codified Laws – MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS – CHAPTER 36-33

Statute defines Assessment as a part of the Marriage and Family Therapy:

36-33-34. Definitions.
Terms used in this chapter mean:
(3) “Practice of marriage and family therapy,” the rendering of professional marriage and family therapy services to individuals, family groups, and marital pairs, one-on-one or in groups, whether the services are offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private, for compensation, including the diagnosis and treatment of nervous and mental disorders through the application of systemic theory and technique, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems.

LPC-MHSP – Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health Service Provider

Can LPC-MHSP’s in Tennessee Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

RULES OF TENNESSEE BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS, MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPISTS, AND CLINICAL PASTORAL THERAPISTS – CHAPTER 0450-01 GENERAL RULES GOVERNING PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

Statute defines Practice of Counseling as a Mental Health Services Provider:

30) Practice of counseling as a mental health services provider – the application of mental health 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 disorders which interfere with mental health;
(c) Conduct assessments and diagnoses for the purpose of establishing treatment goals and objectives within the limitations prescribed in T.C.A. § 63-22-150(1); and
(d) Plan, implement, and evaluate treatment plans using counseling treatment interventions. Counseling treatment interventions shall mean the application of cognitive, affective, behavioral and systemic counseling strategies which include principles of development, wellness, and pathology that reflect a pluralistic society. Nothing in this definition shall be construed to permit the performance of any act which licensed professional counselors designated as mental health service providers are not educated and trained to perform, nor shall it be construed to permit the designation of testing reports as “psychological”.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Tennessee Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state code.

Tennessee Code Unannotated  – Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-23-105

Statute defines practice of advanced social work for Licensed Clinical Social Work:

(a) The practice of advanced master’s or doctorate social work as a licensed clinical social worker is a specialty within the practice of social work that requires the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups or persons who are adversely affected by social or psychosocial stress or health impairment. The practice of clinical social work requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, conditions and addictions, including severe mental illness in adults and serious emotional disturbances in children, case management, direct practice, information and referral, clinical and nonclinical supervision, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs and activities. Treatment methods include the provision of individual, marital, couple, family, and group therapy, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, advanced case management, direct practice and psychotherapy. Clinical social workers are qualified to use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), and other diagnostic classification systems in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and other activities. The advanced practice of clinical social work may occur outside the jurisdiction of an agency or organizational setting in which the social worker assumes responsibility and accountability for the nature and quality of the services provided to clients, pro bono or in exchange for direct payment or third-party reimbursement. Practice at this level may include the provision of supervision for licensed or temporarily licensed master’s social workers seeking advanced licensure as an advanced practice social worker or as a licensed clinical social worker. Licensed clinical social workers may engage in both independent clinical and agency-based, nonclinical, macro social work practice. A social worker may not prescribe medication or interpret psychological tests. The practice of advanced master’s or doctorate social work as a licensed clinical social worker may include the practice activities of a licensed baccalaureate social worker, licensed master’s social worker and/or licensed advanced practice social worker.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in South Dakota Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state law.

South Dakota Legislature – Codified Laws – MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS – CHAPTER 36-33

Statute defines Assessment as a part of the Marriage and Family Therapy:

36-33-34. Definitions.
Terms used in this chapter mean:
(3) “Practice of marriage and family therapy,” the rendering of professional marriage and family therapy services to individuals, family groups, and marital pairs, one-on-one or in groups, whether the services are offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private, for compensation, including the diagnosis and treatment of nervous and mental disorders through the application of systemic theory and technique, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems.

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Texas Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

Title 22 (Examining Boards) Texas Administrative Code Part 30, Chapter 681 Rules Relating to the Licensing and Regulation of Professional Counselors – SUBCHAPTER B – AUTHORIZED COUNSELING METHODS AND PRACTICES

Statute defines assessing and appraising for mental health counselors:

(16) assessing and appraising, in compliance with §681.43 of this title (relating to Testing), which utilizes formal and informal instruments and procedures, for which the counselor has received appropriate training and supervision, in individual and group settings for the purposes of determining the client’s strengths and weaknesses, mental status, emotional stability, intellectual ability, interests, aptitudes, achievement level and other characteristics for diagnosing mental health disorders; but does not permit the diagnosis of a physical condition or physical disorder

Fact SHEET via Texas State Health Services – Mentions Diagnostic Assessment

Professional counselors. A licensed professional counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who provides professional therapeutic services to individuals and groups that involve the application of mental health, psychotherapeutic, and human development principles to facilitate adjustment and development throughout life. Services may include individual counseling, group counseling, marriage counseling, family counseling, chemical dependency counseling, rehabilitation counseling, education counseling, career development counseling, sexual issues counseling, psychotherapy, play therapy, diagnostic assessment, hypnotherapy, expressive therapies, biofeedback, and related services.

Professional LEGAL Opinion – Texas District & County Attorney’s Association

“Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). LCSWs, LPCs, and LMFTs are required to have a master’s degree, supervised clinical hours, and have passed a licensing exam. They are allowed to diagnose mental illness and provide treatment, which generally means counseling. They can operate independently and are generally reimbursed by insurance.”

Regarding Assessment / Testing 

“Assessment” means the selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of an instrument designed to assess an individual’s aptitudes, attitudes, abilities, achievements, interests, personal characteristics, disabilities, and mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, and the use of methods and techniques for understanding human behavior that may include the evaluation, assessment, and treatment by counseling methods, techniques, and procedures for mental and emotional disorders, alcoholism and substance abuse, and conduct disorders. The term does not include the use of standardized projective techniques or permit the diagnosis of a physical condition or disorder.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Texas Diagnose?  YES! 

Diagnosis IS described officially in state code.

OCCUPATIONS CODE – TITLE 3. HEALTH PROFESSIONS – SUBTITLE I. REGULATION OF PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING – CHAPTER 505. SOCIAL WORKERS – SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Statute defines practice of Social Work:

Sec. 505.0025. PRACTICE OF SOCIAL WORK. (a) The practice of social work is the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, or communities.

(b) The practice of social work may include the provision of individual, conjoint, family, and group psychotherapy using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the International Classification of Diseases, and other diagnostic classification systems in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and other activities by a person licensed under this chapter.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Texas Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state law.

OCCUPATIONS CODE – TITLE 3. HEALTH PROFESSIONS – SUBTITLE I. REGULATION OF PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING – CHAPTER 502. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS

Statute defines Marriage and Family Therapy:

(6)  “Marriage and family therapy” means providing professional therapy services to individuals, families, or married couples, alone or in groups, that involve applying family systems theories and techniques.  The term includes the evaluation, diagnostic assessment, and remediation of mental, cognitive, affective, behavioral, or relational dysfunction, disease, or disorder in the context of marriage or family systems and may include the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases.  The practice of marriage and family therapy does not constitute the practice of medicine and does not include prescribing medication, treating a physical disease, or providing any service outside the scope of practice of a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed marriage and family therapist associate.

CMHC – Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Can CMHC’s in Utah Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

Utah Code Chapter 60 – Mental Health Professional Practice Act – Part 1 – General Provisions – 58-60-102 Definitions.

Statute defines Mental Health Therapist (and who that includes) and the Practice of Mental Health Therapy:

(15) “Mental health therapist” means an individual who is practicing within the scope of practice defined in the individual’s respective licensing act and is licensed under this title as:

(a) a physician and surgeon, or osteopathic physician engaged in the practice of mental health therapy;

(b) an advanced practice registered nurse, specializing in psychiatric mental health nursing;

(c) an advanced practice registered nurse intern, specializing in psychiatric mental health nursing;

(d) a psychologist qualified to engage in the practice of mental health therapy;

(e) a certified psychology resident qualifying to engage in the practice of mental health therapy;

(f) a physician assistant specializing in mental health care under Section 58-70a-501.1;

(g) a clinical social worker;

(h) a certified social worker;

(i) a marriage and family therapist;

(j) an associate marriage and family therapist;

(k) a clinical mental health counselor;

(l) an associate clinical mental health counselor;

(m) a master addiction counselor; or

(n) an associate master addiction counselor.

 

(17) “Practice of mental health therapy” means treatment or prevention of mental illness, whether

in person or remotely, including:

(a) conducting a professional evaluation of an individual’s condition of mental health, mental illness, or emotional disorder consistent with standards generally recognized in the professions of mental health therapy listed under Subsection (15);

(b) establishing a diagnosis in accordance with established written standards generally recognized in the professions of mental health therapy listed under Subsection (15);

(c) prescribing a plan for the prevention or treatment of a condition of mental illness or emotional disorder; and

(d) engaging in the conduct of professional intervention, including psychotherapy by the application of established methods and procedures generally recognized in the professions of mental health therapy listed under Subsection (15).

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Utah Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

Utah Code Chapter 60 – Mental Health Professional Practice Act – Part 1 – General Provisions – 58-60-102 Definitions.

Statute defines Mental Health Therapist (and who that includes) and the Practice of Mental Health Therapy:

(15) “Mental health therapist” means an individual who is practicing within the scope of practice defined in the individual’s respective licensing act and is licensed under this title as:

(a) a physician and surgeon, or osteopathic physician engaged in the practice of mental health therapy;

(b) an advanced practice registered nurse, specializing in psychiatric mental health nursing;

(c) an advanced practice registered nurse intern, specializing in psychiatric mental health nursing;

(d) a psychologist qualified to engage in the practice of mental health therapy;

(e) a certified psychology resident qualifying to engage in the practice of mental health therapy;

(f) a physician assistant specializing in mental health care under Section 58-70a-501.1;

(g) a clinical social worker;

(h) a certified social worker;

(i) a marriage and family therapist;

(j) an associate marriage and family therapist;

(k) a clinical mental health counselor;

(l) an associate clinical mental health counselor;

(m) a master addiction counselor; or

(n) an associate master addiction counselor.

 

(17) “Practice of mental health therapy” means treatment or prevention of mental illness, whether

in person or remotely, including:

(a) conducting a professional evaluation of an individual’s condition of mental health, mental illness, or emotional disorder consistent with standards generally recognized in the professions of mental health therapy listed under Subsection (15);

(b) establishing a diagnosis in accordance with established written standards generally recognized in the professions of mental health therapy listed under Subsection (15);

(c) prescribing a plan for the prevention or treatment of a condition of mental illness or emotional disorder; and

(d) engaging in the conduct of professional intervention, including psychotherapy by the application of established methods and procedures generally recognized in the professions of mental health therapy listed under Subsection (15).

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Utah Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

Utah Code Chapter 60 – Mental Health Professional Practice Act – Part 1 – General Provisions – 58-60-102 Definitions.

Statute defines Mental Health Therapist (and who that includes) and the Practice of Mental Health Therapy:

(15) “Mental health therapist” means an individual who is practicing within the scope of practice defined in the individual’s respective licensing act and is licensed under this title as:

(a) a physician and surgeon, or osteopathic physician engaged in the practice of mental health therapy;

(b) an advanced practice registered nurse, specializing in psychiatric mental health nursing;

(c) an advanced practice registered nurse intern, specializing in psychiatric mental health nursing;

(d) a psychologist qualified to engage in the practice of mental health therapy;

(e) a certified psychology resident qualifying to engage in the practice of mental health therapy;

(f) a physician assistant specializing in mental health care under Section 58-70a-501.1;

(g) a clinical social worker;

(h) a certified social worker;

(i) a marriage and family therapist;

(j) an associate marriage and family therapist;

(k) a clinical mental health counselor;

(l) an associate clinical mental health counselor;

(m) a master addiction counselor; or

(n) an associate master addiction counselor.

 

(17) “Practice of mental health therapy” means treatment or prevention of mental illness, whether

in person or remotely, including:

(a) conducting a professional evaluation of an individual’s condition of mental health, mental illness, or emotional disorder consistent with standards generally recognized in the professions of mental health therapy listed under Subsection (15);

(b) establishing a diagnosis in accordance with established written standards generally recognized in the professions of mental health therapy listed under Subsection (15);

(c) prescribing a plan for the prevention or treatment of a condition of mental illness or emotional disorder; and

(d) engaging in the conduct of professional intervention, including psychotherapy by the application of established methods and procedures generally recognized in the professions of mental health therapy listed under Subsection (15).

LMHC – Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Can LMHC’s in Vermont Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

2023 Vermont Statutes – Title 26 – Professions and Occupations – Chapter 65 – Clinical Mental Health Counselors – § 3261. Definitions

(ALTERNATIVE LINK – Justia Law)

Statute defines Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Counselor:

§ 3261. Definitions
(2) “Clinical mental health counseling” means providing, for a consideration, professional counseling services that are primarily drawn from the theory and practice of psychotherapy and the discipline of clinical mental health counseling, involving the application of principles of psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, group dynamics, and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families, and groups, for the purposes of treating psychopathology and promoting optimal mental health. The practice of clinical mental health counseling includes diagnosis and treatment of mental conditions or psychiatric disabilities and emotional disorders, psychoeducational techniques aimed at the prevention of such conditions or disabilities, consultations to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities, and clinical research into more effective psychotherapeutic treatment modalities.

(3) “Clinical mental health counselor” means a person who is licensed to practice clinical mental health counseling under this chapter.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Vermont Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

2023 Vermont Statutes – Title 26 – Professions and Occupations – Chapter 61 – Social Workers – 3201. Definitions

(ALTERNATIVE LINK – Justia Law)

Statute defines Clinical Social Work and Psychotherapy:

§ 3201. Definitions

(1) “Clinical social work” is a specialty practice of social work within the practice of master’s social work and requires the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities.

(A) The practice of clinical social work requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions, and addictions.

(B) Treatment methods include the provision of individual, marital, couple, family, and group counseling, and psychotherapy, which may occur in diverse settings.

(C) The practice of clinical social work may include private practice and the provision of clinical supervision.

(D) Licensed independent clinical social workers are qualified to use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), and other diagnostic classification systems used in diagnosis and other activities.

(7) “Psychotherapy” means the provision of treatment, diagnosis, evaluation, or counseling services to individuals or groups, for a consideration, for the purpose of alleviating mental disorders.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Vermont Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

2023 Vermont Statutes – Title 26 – Professions and Occupations – Chapter 076 : Marriage and Family Therapists

(ALT LINK – Justia Law)

Statute defines Marriage and Family Services:

§ 4031. Definitions
(6) “Marriage and family services” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental conditions or disabilities, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, from the context of marital and family systems. It further involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theory and technique in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed mental conditions or disabilities.

LMHC – Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Can LMHC’s in Virginia Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

Code of Virginia – Title 54.1. Professions and Occupations – Subtitle III. Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards within the Department of Health Professions – Chapter 35. Professional Counseling – Article 1. General Provisions – § 54.1-3500. Definitions

Statute defines appraisal activities, counseling, the practice of counseling & professional counselor:

“Appraisal activities” means the exercise of professional judgment based on observations and objective assessments of a client’s behavior to evaluate current functioning, diagnose, and select appropriate treatment required to remediate identified problems or to make appropriate referrals.

 

“Counseling” means the application of principles, standards, and methods of the counseling profession in (i) conducting assessments and diagnoses for the purpose of establishing treatment goals and objectives and (ii) planning, implementing, and evaluating treatment plans using treatment interventions to facilitate human development and to identify and remediate mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and associated distresses that interfere with mental health.

 

“Practice of counseling” means rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public any service involving the application of principles, standards, and methods of the counseling profession, which shall include appraisal, counseling, and referral activities.

 

“Professional counselor” means a person trained in the application of principles, standards, and methods of the counseling profession, including counseling interventions designed to facilitate an individual’s achievement of human development goals and remediating mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and associated distresses that interfere with mental health and development.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Virginia Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

Code of Virginia – Title 54.1. Professions and Occupations – Subtitle III. Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards within the Department of Health Professions – Chapter 37. Social Work – Article 1. Social Work – § 54.1-3500. Definitions

Statute defines Scope of Practice of a Clinical Social Worker:

“Clinical social worker” means a social worker who, by education and experience, is professionally qualified at the autonomous practice level to provide direct diagnostic, preventive and treatment services where functioning is threatened or affected by social and psychological stress or health impairment.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMHC’s in Virginia Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

Code of Virginia – Title 54.1. Professions and Occupations – Subtitle III. Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards within the Department of Health Professions – Chapter 35. Professional Counseling – Article 1. General Provisions – § 54.1-3500. Definitions

Statute defines appraisal activities, counseling, the practice of counseling & professional counselor:

“Appraisal activities” means the exercise of professional judgment based on observations and objective assessments of a client’s behavior to evaluate current functioning, diagnose, and select appropriate treatment required to remediate identified problems or to make appropriate referrals.

 

“Marriage and family therapist” means a person trained in the appraisal and treatment of cognitive, affective, or behavioral mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage and family systems through the application of therapeutic and family systems theories and techniques.

 

“Marriage and family therapy” means the appraisal and treatment of cognitive, affective, or behavioral mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage and family systems through the application of therapeutic and family systems theories and techniques and delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families, singularly or in groups, for the purpose of treating such disorders.

LMHC – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Can LMHC’s in Washington Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

Revised Code of Washington (RCW) – Title 18 RCW BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS Chapter 18.225 RCW – MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS – 18.225.010 Definitions.

Statute defines Mental Health Counseling:

(9) “Mental health counseling” means the application of principles of human development, learning theory, psychotherapy, group dynamics, and etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations, for the purpose of treatment of mental disorders and promoting optimal mental health and functionality. Mental health counseling also includes, but is not limited to, the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, as well as the application of a wellness model of mental health.

LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Can LICSW’s in Washington Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

Revised Code of Washington (RCW) – Title 18 RCW BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS Chapter 18.225 RCW – MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS – 18.225.010 Definitions.

Statute defines Independent Clinical Social Work:

(7) “Independent clinical social work” means the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders based on knowledge of human development, the causation and treatment of psychopathology, psychotherapeutic treatment practices, and social work practice as defined in advanced social work. Treatment modalities include but are not limited to diagnosis and treatment of individuals, couples, families, groups, or organizations. 

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Washington Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

Revised Code of Washington (RCW) – Title 18 RCW BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS Chapter 18.225 RCW – MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS – 18.225.010 Definitions.

Statute defines Marriage and Family Therapy:

8) “Marriage and family therapy” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of relationships, including marriage and family systems. Marriage and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders. The practice of marriage and family therapy means the rendering of professional marriage and family therapy services to individuals, couples, and families, singly or in groups, whether such services are offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private, for a fee, monetary or otherwise.

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in West Virginia Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

CHAPTER 30. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS. ARTICLE 31. §30-31-3. Definitions.

Statute defines Clinical counseling procedures, licensed professional counseling and Professional counseling:

(c) “Clinical counseling procedures” means an approach to counseling that emphasizes the counselor’s role in systematically assisting clients through all of the following including, but are not limited to, observing, assessing and analyzing background and current information; utilizing assessment techniques useful in appraising aptitudes, abilities, achievements, interests or attitudes; diagnosing; and developing a treatment plan. The goal of these procedures is the prevention or elimination of symptomatic, maladaptive or undesired behavior, cognitions or emotions in order to integrate a wellness, preventative, pathology and multicultural model of human behavior to assist an individual, couple, family, group of individuals, organization, institution or community to achieve mental, emotional, physical, social, moral, educational, spiritual, vocational or career development and adjustment through the lifespan of the individual, couple, family, group of individuals, organization, institution or community.

 

(d) “Licensed professional counselor” means a person licensed under the provisions of this article to practice professional counseling.

 

(j) “Professional counseling” means the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional or addiction disorders through the application of clinical counseling procedures. Professional counseling includes the use of psychotherapy, assessment instruments, counseling, consultation, treatment planning and supervision in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, families and groups.

LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Can LICSW’s in West Virginia Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

CHAPTER 30. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS. ARTICLE 30. SOCIAL WORKERS. §30-30-9. Scope of practice for an independent clinical social worker.

Statute defines the Scope of practice for an independent clinical social worker:

A clinical social worker may:

 

(1) Perform all duties within the scope of practice of a licensed certified social worker, licensed graduate social worker, and licensed social worker.

 

(2) Apply social work theory, methods, assessment, ethics and the professional use of self to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of psychological dysfunction, disability or impairment, including emotional and mental disorders and developmental disabilities.

 

(3) Clinical social work practice is based on knowledge of one or more theories of biological, psychological and social development, normal human behavior, psychopathology, the causes and effects of physical illness and disability, unconscious motivation, interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, environmental stress, social systems and cultural diversity with particular attention to the person existing as a combination of biological, psychological and social elements in his or her environment.

 

(4) Clinical social work includes interventions directed to interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics and life-support and management issues.

(5) Clinical social work services consist of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling, client-centered advocacy, consultation and evaluation. The process of clinical social work is undertaken within the objectives of the social work profession and the principles and values of its code of ethics.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in West Virginia Diagnose?  Yes!

Diagnosis is named in state code.

CHAPTER 30. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS. ARTICLE 31. §30-31-3. Definitions.

Statute defines Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Marriage and Family Therapy:

(f) “Licensed marriage and family therapist” means a person licensed under the provisions of this article to practice marriage and family therapy.

(g) “Marriage and family therapy” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective or behavioral, specifically within the context of marriage and family systems, that involve the professional application of theories and techniques to individuals, couples and families, singly or in groups.

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Wisconsin Diagnose?  Yes! With some additional credentials needed to utilize psychometric testing

Diagnosis is named in state code.

CHAPTER 457 – MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING, AND SOCIAL WORK – SUBCHAPTER I – REGULATION OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING, AND SOCIAL WORK

Statute defines Professional Counseling and Psychotherapy as a practice offered by Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors:

(6) “Professional counseling” means applying a combination of human development, rehabilitation and either psychosocial or psychotherapeutic principles, procedures or services that integrate a wellness, pathology and multicultural model of human behavior in order to assist an individual, couple, family, group of individuals, organization, institution or community to achieve mental, emotional, physical, social, moral, educational, spiritual, vocational or career development and adjustment through the life span of the individual, couple, family, group of individuals, organization, institution or community.

8m) “Psychotherapy” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders, conditions, or addictions through the application of methods derived from established psychological or systemic principles for the purpose of assisting people in modifying their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and other personal characteristics, which may include the purpose of understanding unconscious processes or intrapersonal, interpersonal, or psychosocial dynamics.

Utilizing psychometric tests is prohibited without additional credentials. Psychometric tests are defined and the process for obtaining specialty credentials is described here:

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Psychometric Testing – Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board (Professional Counselor Section) – #12507 (V1. 5/19/2023) – Wis. Stat. ch. 457 

Psychometric test – means a procedure for measuring psychological, behavioral, or interpersonal characteristics in which a sample of an examinee’s behavior is obtained and subsequently evaluated and scored using a standardized process. 

It is UNCLEAR if a clinical interview (such as the DIVA-5 or the MIGDAS) would count as a psychometric test.

It’s worth emailing the board to learn! If you do – please email me & I will include that information in this research. Email – contact@neuroabundant.com 

LCSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Can LPC’s in Wisconsin Diagnose?  Yes! With some additional credentials needed to utilize psychometric testing

Diagnosis is named in state code.

CHAPTER 457 – MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING, AND SOCIAL WORK – SUBCHAPTER I – REGULATION OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING, AND SOCIAL WORK

Statute defines Clinical Social Work AND Psychotherapy as a practice offered by Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors:

(1n) “Clinical social work” means providing services without supervision for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders in individuals, families, and groups, to restore, maintain, and enhance social functioning through treatment interventions that include psychosocial evaluation, counseling of individuals, families, or groups, referral to community resources, advocacy, facilitation of organizational change to meet social needs, and individual, marital, or group psychotherapy.

8m) “Psychotherapy” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders, conditions, or addictions through the application of methods derived from established psychological or systemic principles for the purpose of assisting people in modifying their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and other personal characteristics, which may include the purpose of understanding unconscious processes or intrapersonal, interpersonal, or psychosocial dynamics.

Utilizing psychometric tests is prohibited without additional credentials. Psychometric tests are defined and the process for obtaining specialty credentials is described here:

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Psychometric Testing – Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board (Professional Counselor Section) – #12507 (V1. 5/19/2023) – Wis. Stat. ch. 457 

Psychometric test – means a procedure for measuring psychological, behavioral, or interpersonal characteristics in which a sample of an examinee’s behavior is obtained and subsequently evaluated and scored using a standardized process. 

It is UNCLEAR if a clinical interview (such as the DIVA-5 or the MIGDAS) would count as a psychometric test.

It’s worth emailing the board to learn! If you do – please email me & I will include that information in this research. Email –contact@neuroabundant.com

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Wisconsin Diagnose?  Yes! With some additional credentials needed to utilize psychometric testing

Diagnosis is named in state code.

CHAPTER 457 – MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING, AND SOCIAL WORK – SUBCHAPTER I – REGULATION OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING, AND SOCIAL WORK

Statute defines Marriage and Family Therapy AND Psychotherapy as a practice offered by Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors:

5) “Marriage and family therapy” means applying psychotherapeutic and marital or family systems theories and techniques in the assessment, marital or family diagnosis, prevention, treatment or resolution of a cognitive, affective, behavioral, nervous or mental disorder of an individual, couple or family.

8m) “Psychotherapy” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders, conditions, or addictions through the application of methods derived from established psychological or systemic principles for the purpose of assisting people in modifying their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and other personal characteristics, which may include the purpose of understanding unconscious processes or intrapersonal, interpersonal, or psychosocial dynamics.

Utilizing psychometric tests is prohibited without additional credentials. Psychometric tests are defined and the process for obtaining specialty credentials is described here:

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Psychometric Testing – Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board (Professional Counselor Section) – #12507 (V1. 5/19/2023) – Wis. Stat. ch. 457 

Psychometric test – means a procedure for measuring psychological, behavioral, or interpersonal characteristics in which a sample of an examinee’s behavior is obtained and subsequently evaluated and scored using a standardized process. 

It is UNCLEAR if a clinical interview (such as the DIVA-5 or the MIGDAS) would count as a psychometric test.

It’s worth emailing the board to learn! If you do – please email me & I will include that information in this research. Email –contact@neuroabundant.com

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Can LPC’s in Wyoming Diagnose?  Yes! 

Diagnosis is named in state code.

2022 Wyoming Statutes – Title 33 – Professions and Occupations – Chapter 38 – Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers and Chemical Dependency Specialists – Section 33-38-102 – Definitions.

Statute defines Apprasial, Psychotherapy and the Practice of Counseling:

(B) “Appraisal” means selecting, administering, scoring and interpreting instruments designed to assess an individual’s attitudes, abilities, achievements, interests and personal characteristics and the use of methods and techniques for understanding human behavior in relation to coping with, adapting to, or changing life situations;

 

(viii) “Psychotherapy” means the treatment, diagnosis, testing, assessment or counseling in a professional relationship to assist individuals or groups to alleviate mental disorders, understand unconscious or conscious motivation, resolve emotional relationships, or attitudinal conflicts, or modify behaviors which interfere with effective emotional, social or intellectual functioning;

(vi) “Practice of counseling” means rendering to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, corporations, institutions, government agencies or the general public a service that integrates a wellness, pathology and multicultural model of human behavior. This model applies a combination of mental health, psychotherapeutic, and human development principles and procedures to help clients achieve effective mental, emotional, physical, social, moral, educational, spiritual or career development and adjustment throughout the life span, and includes the diagnostic description and treatment of mental disorders or disabilities within the range of the professional’s preparation;

LCSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Can LCSW’s in Wyoming Diagnose?  Yes! 

Diagnosis is named in state code.

2022 Wyoming Statutes – Title 33 – Professions and Occupations – Chapter 38 – Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers and Chemical Dependency Specialists – Section 33-38-102 – Definitions.

Statute defines Apprasial, Psychotherapy and the Practice of Clinical Social Work:

(B) “Appraisal” means selecting, administering, scoring and interpreting instruments designed to assess an individual’s attitudes, abilities, achievements, interests and personal characteristics and the use of methods and techniques for understanding human behavior in relation to coping with, adapting to, or changing life situations;

 

(viii) “Psychotherapy” means the treatment, diagnosis, testing, assessment or counseling in a professional relationship to assist individuals or groups to alleviate mental disorders, understand unconscious or conscious motivation, resolve emotional relationships, or attitudinal conflicts, or modify behaviors which interfere with effective emotional, social or intellectual functioning;

(v) “Practice of clinical social work” means applying social work theory and methods to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability or impairment, including emotional and mental disorders. It is based on knowledge of one (1) or more theories of human development within a psychosocial context. The perspective of person-in-situation is central to professional social work practice. Professional clinical social work includes but is not limited to interventions directed to interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics, and life support and management issues. Professional clinical social work services consist of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling, client-centered advocacy, consultation and evaluation with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations;

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Can LMFT’s in Wyoming Diagnose?  Yes! 

Diagnosis is named in state code.

2022 Wyoming Statutes – Title 33 – Professions and Occupations – Chapter 38 – Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers and Chemical Dependency Specialists – Section 33-38-102 – Definitions.

Statute defines Apprasial, Psychotherapy and the Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy:

(B) “Appraisal” means selecting, administering, scoring and interpreting instruments designed to assess an individual’s attitudes, abilities, achievements, interests and personal characteristics and the use of methods and techniques for understanding human behavior in relation to coping with, adapting to, or changing life situations;

 

(viii) “Psychotherapy” means the treatment, diagnosis, testing, assessment or counseling in a professional relationship to assist individuals or groups to alleviate mental disorders, understand unconscious or conscious motivation, resolve emotional relationships, or attitudinal conflicts, or modify behaviors which interfere with effective emotional, social or intellectual functioning;

(vii) “Practice of marriage and family therapy” means the rendering of professional marital and family therapy services and treatment to individuals, family groups and marital pairs, singly or in groups. Marital and family therapy includes but is not limited to the diagnosis and treatment, including psychotherapy, of nervous, emotional, and mental disorders, whether cognitive, affective or behavioral, within the context of marital and family systems. Marital and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, marital pairs and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders;