HB 1172 -- Professional Counselors

Sponsor:  Morris

This bill revises the definition of the "practice of professional
counseling."  The practice of professional counseling is 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
assessments 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 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
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am