Scope of Practice – DMH Mental Health Therapist

Scope of Practice – DMH Mental Health Therapist A. DMH professional credentials are valid only in Mississippi’s “state mental health system.” DMH Mental Health Therapists may only use their credential title if actively employed in the state mental health system (or in Inactive Status). B. Provisionally Certified Mental Health Therapists (PCMHTs), Certified Mental Health Therapists (CMHTs) and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapists (LCMHTs) are certified/licensed to provide mental health services (involving application of the principles, methods, and procedures of mental health service provision) within Mississippi’s “state mental health system.” CMHTs and LCMHTs are also certified/licensed to supervise the provision of mental health services (involving application of the principles, methods, and procedures of mental health service provision) within Mississippi’s “state mental health system.” C. DMH Mental Health Therapists (PCMHTs, CMHTs, and LCMHTs) are also certified/licensed to provide (or supervise the provision of) community support services and/or ID/DD waiver support coordination services (involving application of the principles, methods and procedures of community support service provision and/or ID/DD waiver support coordination service provision) within Mississippi’s “state mental health system,” as per the definitions of “community support services” and “ID/DD waiver support coordination services” located in the glossary section of this document and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health Operational Standards for Mental Health, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Community Service Providers and as appropriate to the population being served. D. The scope and type of mental health services, community support services, and/or ID/DD waiver support coordination services provided (or supervised, as appropriate) by DMH Mental Health Therapists, as well as the principles, methods and procedures of mental health services, community support services, and/or ID/DD waiver support coordination services which are provided (or supervised, as appropriate) by DMH Mental Health Therapists, must be consistent with and in compliance with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health Operational Standards for Mental Health, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Community Service Providers. E. DMH Mental Health Therapists should only practice within the boundaries of their education, training, supervised or other relevant professional experience, and credential(s) held. F. DMH Mental Health Therapist certification or licensure does not qualify an individual to provide services outside this scope of practice or in private practice. G. Practicing beyond the scope of practice may lead to sanctions as described in Chapter Twenty- One. H. A person issued a certificate/license by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health may use the title appropriate to his/her category of professional certification/licensure while in the employ of a state mental health system program (or while in Inactive Status). I. Professional identification is directly affected by employment. DMH-credentialed individuals who experience a change in or separation from state mental health system employment are expected to follow the relevant guidelines below.