HB 492 -- Professional Counselors

Sponsor:  Morris

This bill revises the definition of the "practice of professional
counseling."  The practice of professional counseling is defined
as the application of mental health, behavior, or human
development principles in order to facilitate human development;
prevent, diagnose, and treat mental and behavior disorders;
conduct assessment for the purpose of establishing treatment; and
plan, evaluate, and implement treatment plans using counseling
treatment interventions.

The bill also revises the definition of "professional
counseling."  Professional counseling includes individual, group,
marriage, and family counseling and psychotherapy; assessment;
crisis intervention; diagnosis and treatment of persons with
mental disorders; guidance and consultation to facilitate normal
growth and development; utilization of functional assessment;
consulting; research; and referral.  Restrictions are placed on
these practices to apply to those persons appropriately trained
as a professional counselor.

The bill also requires that all persons making application for
licensure as a professional counselor after August 28, 2005, must
complete at least three graduate-level semester hours in the
diagnosis of mental and emotional disorders.  All persons
licensed as professional counselors prior to August 28, 2005,
have until August 28, 2006, to complete the three semester hours
of graduate study or its equivalent, as determined by the State
Committee of Psychologists and the State Committee for
Professional Counselors, if they wish to engage in the diagnosis
of mental and emotional disorders.

The bill also gives the Committee for Professional Counselors the
authority to establish continuing education requirements in order
for professional counselors to maintain and renew their licenses.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am