216-RICR-40-05-11
216-RICR-40-05-11. Licensing Clinical Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists (version Amendment, 12/10/2012 to 03/07/2018)
RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOR LICENSING
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS AND
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS
(R5-63.2-MHC/MFT)
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
Department of Health
December 1997
As Amended:
April 2000
November 2001
January 2002 (re-filing in accordance with the
provisions of section 42-35-4.1 of the Rhode Island
General Laws, as amended)
January 2007 (re-filing in accordance with the
provisions of section 42-35-4.1 of the Rhode Island
General Laws, as amended)
May 2008
January 2012 (re-filing in accordance with the
provisions of section 42-35-4.1 of the Rhode Island
General Laws, as amended)
September 2012
i
INTRODUCTION
These Rules and Regulations for the Licensing of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and
Family Therapists (R5-63.2-MHC/MFT) are promulgated pursuant to the authority conferred under
sections 42-35 and 5-63.2 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended. These regulations are
established for the purpose of adopting prevailing standards pertaining to the licensure of mental health
counselors and marriage and family therapists in this state.
In accordance with the provisions of section 42-35-3(c) of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as
amended, consideration was given to: (1) alternative approaches to the regulations; and (2) duplication
or overlap with other state regulations. Based upon available information, no known alternative approach,
duplication or overlap, was identified. The protection of the health, safety and welfare of the public
necessitates the adoption of these regulations.
These rules and regulations shall supersede all previous rules and regulations pertaining to the
licensing of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists promulgated by the Department
of Health and filed with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
Page
PART I
Definitions
1
1.0
Definitions
1
PART II
Professional Licensing Requirements
3
2.0
Licensure Qualifications: Clinical Mental Health Counselors
3
3.0
Licensure Qualifications: Marriage and Family Therapists
4
4.0
Application and Fees
5
5.0
Examination of Applicants
6
6.0
Endorsement for Licensure
6
7.0
Expiration and Renewal of License
6
8.0
Inactive Lists and Reinstatement
7
9.0
Continuing Education Requirements
7
10.0
Privileged Communications
9
PART III
Grounds For Discipline, Penalties For Violations and Prohibited Acts
11.0
Grounds for Discipline
10
12.0
Penalties for Violations
10
13.0
Prohibited Acts
11
14.0
Exemptions
11
15.0
Rules Governing Practices and Procedures
12
16.0
Severability
12
References
13
Appendix “A”: Core Curriculum--Clinical Mental Health Counselors
14
Appendix “B”: Core Curriculum--Marriage and Family Therapists
16
1
PART I Definitions
Section 1.0
Definitions
Wherever used in these rules and regulations, the following terms shall be construed as follows:
1.1
"Act" refers to Chapter 5-63.2 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended, entitled, "Mental
Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists."
1.2 "Advertise" means, but is not limited to, the issuing or causing to be distributed any card, sign, or
device to any person; or the causing, permitting, or allowing any sign or marking on or in any
building, radio or television, or by advertising by any other means designed to secure public
attention.
1.3 “Allied field” means counselor education, psychology, marriage and family therapy, counseling
psychology, community mental health, education with a concentration in counseling or
psychology, or other field determined by the Board to be an allied field. Said allied field shall
include all components of the core curriculum, as it appears in Appendix “A” herein (for a
clinical mental health counselor license) or in Appendix “B” herein (for a marriage and family
therapist license).
1.4
"Board" means the Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists.
1.5
"Clinical counselor in mental health" means a person who has been licensed pursuant to
Chapter 5-63.2-9 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended, which license is in force and
not suspended or revoked as of the particular time in question.
1.6
“Clinical instruction” means all supervised course work within which the student has the
opportunity to engage in a broad range of clinical activities similar to those performed by a
licensed counselor/therapist. This includes all practice and internships completed within a
student’s program.
1.7
"The practice of clinical mental health counseling" means the rendering of professional services
to individuals, families or groups for monetary compensation. These professional services would
include:
1.7.1 Applying the principals, methods and theories of counseling and/or psychotherapeutic
techniques to define goals and develop a treatment plan of action aimed toward the
prevention, treatment and resolution of social, mental, and emotional dysfunction and
intra- or interpersonal disorders in persons diagnosed at intake as nonpsychotic and not
presenting medical problems; and
1.7.2 Engaging in psychotherapy of a nonmedical nature utilizing supervision when
appropriate and making referrals to other psychiatric, psychological or medical
resources when the person is diagnosed as psychotic or presenting a medical problem.
1.8
"Department" means the Rhode Island Department of Health.
1.9
"Director" means the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health.
2
1.10
“Individual (face-to-face) supervision” means a tutorial relationship between a member of the
mental health counseling profession and a student trainee. The supervisor monitors the clinical
work of the trainee in order to evaluate this work, monitor the quality of services being offered
to clients, and enhance the professional growth of the trainee.
1.11
"Internship" means a part of an organized graduate or post-graduate program in counseling
therapy and shall constitute a supervised experience within a mental health and/or marriage
and family setting.
1.12
“Marriage and family therapist” means a person who has been licensed pursuant to Chapter 5-
63.2-10 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended, which license is in force and not
suspended or revoked as of the particular time in question.
1.13
"Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, organization or body politic.
1.14
The "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 would 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 also engage in
psychotherapy of a nonmedical and nonpsychotic nature with appropriate referrals to
psychiatric resources.
1.15
"Practicum" means a part of an organized graduate program or post-graduate program in
counseling therapy and shall constitute a supervised experience within the graduate counseling
program or post-graduate program.
1.16
"Qualified supervision" means the supervision of clinical services in accordance with standards
established by the Board under the supervision of an individual who has been recognized by the
Board as an approved supervisor.
1.17
"Recognized educational institution" means any educational institution which grants a
Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree, and which is recognized by the Board of Mental
Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners or a recognized post-graduate
clinical training program as specified in sections 5-63.2-9(2) and 5-63.2-10(2) of the Act.
1.18
To "use a title or description of" means to hold oneself out to the public as having a particular
status by means of stating on signs, mailboxes, address plates, stationery, announcements,
calling cards or other instruments of professional identification.
3
PART II
Professional Licensing Requirements
Section 2.0
Qualifications for Licensure of Clinical Mental Health Counselors
2.1
An applicant for licensure shall submit to the Board written evidence on forms furnished by the
Department verified under oath (i.e., notarized) that said applicant:
2.1.1 is of good character; and
2.1.2 has received a graduate degree specializing in counseling/therapy from a college or
university accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, or an
equivalent regional accrediting agency, and which has the approval by a cognizable
national or regional certifying authority; or
2.1.3 has a master’s degree or certificate in advanced graduate studies or a doctoral degree in
mental health counseling from a recognized educational institution, or a graduate degree
in an allied field from a recognized educational institution and graduate level course
work that is equivalent to a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Coursework
must include the required components of the core curriculum as indicated in Appendix
“A”; and
2.1.4 has completed sixty (60) semester hours or ninety (90) quarter hours within their
graduate counseling/therapy program or post-graduate program; and
2.1.5 has completed a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours or eighteen (18) quarter hours
of supervised practicum and a minimum of one (1) calendar year of supervised
internship consisting of twenty (20) hours per week or its equivalent with emphasis in
mental health counseling supervised by the department within the college or university
granting the requisite degree or by an accredited postgraduate clinical training program
recognized by the United State Department of Education, or education and/or
experience which is deemed equivalent by the Board; and
2.1.6 has completed a minimum of two (2) years of relevant post-graduate experience,
including at least two thousand (2,000) hours of direct client contact offering clinical or
counseling or therapy services with emphasis in mental health counseling subsequent to
being awarded a Master's degree, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study or Doctorate
with a minimum of one hundred (100) hours of post-degree supervised case work spread
over a two (2) year period.
Such supervision shall be provided by a person who at the time of rendering said
supervision was recognized by the Board as an approved supervisor under the following
guidelines:
i)
For the purposes of the rules and regulations herein, a person shall be an
“approved supervisor” of clinical mental health counselor post-graduates if
she/he is:
A)
a licensed clinical mental health counselor, a licensed psychiatrist, a
licensed psychologist, a licensed marriage and family therapist, or a
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licensed independent clinical social worker, who has been licensed in
good standing for at least five (5) years and has at least five (5) years of
clinical experience as a licensee AND:
1. has successfully completed one graduate course in supervision in
counseling, taken at an institution of higher learning OR
2. is approved by the NBCC as a certified supervisor; OR
3. has at least two (2) years experience supervising clinical staff in a
mental health setting.
2.1.7 successfully completes the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination of
the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) or other examination approved by
the Board to determine the applicant's qualification for licensure as a clinical mental
health counselor or is applying for licensure under the provisions of section 5-63.2-15 of
the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended.
2.2
A candidate shall be held to have qualified for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor
upon the affirmative vote of at least four (4) members of the Board, two (2) of whom must be
mental health counselors on the Board.
Section 3.0
Qualifications for Licensure of Marriage and Family Therapists
3.1
An applicant for licensure shall submit to the Board written evidence on forms furnished by the
Department verified under oath (i.e., notarized) that said applicant:
3.1.1 is of good character; and
3.1.2 has completed a graduate degree program specializing in marital and family therapy
from a college or university accredited by the New England Association of Schools and
Colleges, or an equivalent regional accreditation agency; or
3.1.3 has a master’s degree or certificate in advanced graduate studies or a doctoral degree in
marriage and family therapy from a recognized educational institution, or a graduate
degree in an allied field from a recognized educational institution and graduate level
course work that is equivalent to a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.
Coursework must include the required components of the core curriculum as defined in
Appendix “B” herein; and
3.1.4 has completed sixty (60) semester hours or ninety (90) quarter hours within their
graduate degree or post-graduate degree program specializing in marital and family
therapy; and
3.1.5 has completed a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours or eighteen (18) quarter hours
of supervised practicum and a one (1) calendar year of supervised internship consisting
of twenty (20) hours per week or its equivalent with emphasis in marriage and family
therapy supervised by the department within the college or university granting the
requisite degree or by an accredited postgraduate clinical training program, approved by
5
the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
recognized by the United States Department of Education or education and/or
experience which is deemed equivalent by the Board; and
3.1.6 has had a minimum of two (2) years of relevant postgraduate experience, including at
least two thousand (2,000) hours of direct client contact offering clinical or counseling
or therapy services with emphasis in marriage and family therapy subsequent to being
awarded a master's degree or doctorate with a minimum of one hundred (100) hours of
post-degree supervised case work spread over two (2) years.
Such supervision shall be provided by a person who at the time of rendering said
supervision was recognized by the Board as an approved supervisor under the following
guidelines:
i)
For the purposes of the rules and regulations herein, a person shall be an
“approved supervisor” of marriage and family therapy post-graduates if she/he
is:
A)
duly certified as a supervisor by the American Association for Marriage
and Family Therapy (AAMFT); OR
B)
is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has been licensed in
good standing for at least five (5) years and has at least five (5) years of
clinical experience as a licensee; AND
1.
has successfully completed one graduate-level course in MFT
supervision; OR
2.
has successfully completed one MFT supervision course taken
through the American Association for Marriage and Family
Therapy (AAMFT)/Rhode Island Association for Marriage and
Family Therapy (RIAMFT).
3.1.7 successfully completes the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory
Boards (AMFTRB) or other examination approved by the Board to determine the
applicant's qualification for licensure as a marriage and family therapist or is applying
for licensure under the provisions of section 5-63.2-15 of the Rhode Island General
Laws, as amended.
3.2
A candidate shall be held to have qualified for licensure as a marriage and family therapist upon
the affirmative vote of at least four (4) members of the Board, two (2) of whom must be
marriage and family therapists on the Board.
Section 4.0
Application for Licensure and Fees
4.1
Application for license to practice as a mental health counselor or a marriage and family
therapist shall be made on forms provided by the Department, which shall be completed,
6
notarized and submitted to the Board thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled date of the Board
meeting at which they are to be reviewed.
4.2
Such application shall be accompanied by the following:
4.2.1 A passport-type photograph of the applicant;
4.2.2 A non-refundable application fee as set forth in the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to
the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by
the Department of Health. In no case shall said fee be returned. Applicants requiring
reexamination shall submit a fee as set forth in the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to
the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by
the Department of Health for each reexamination.
Section 5.0 Examination of Applicants
5.1
Examination for licensure shall be conducted by the Department, as scheduled by the Director,
and offered by the Board at least twice a year according to methods and in each subject fields as
it deems most practical and expeditious to test the applicant's qualifications.
5.2
The Board may require examinations to be written or oral, or both. In any written examination,
the identity of the applicant shall not be disclosed to the Board until after the examination
papers have been graded. Written examination papers shall be preserved and available to the
Board for at least two (2) years.
Section 6.0
Endorsement for Licensure
6.1
A license as a clinical mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist may be issued,
at the discretion of the Board, without examination, to an applicant who is a clinical mental
health counselor or marriage and family therapist where the applicant is licensed or certified in
another state whose requirements are equivalent to or exceed the requirements established
pursuant to the Act.
Section 7.0
Expiration and Renewal of License
7.1
Every clinical mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist who desires to
continue licensure as a licensed clinical mental health counselor or licensed marriage and family
therapist shall attest to the Department that the licensed clinical mental health counselor or
licensed marriage and family therapist has completed a prescribed course of continuing
education in accordance with the requirements of section 10.0 herein.
7.2
The license of every person licensed under the provisions of the Act shall expire on the first day
of July of the next even year following the date of his/her license.
7.3
On or before the first day of May in each even year, the Department shall mail an application
for renewal of license to every person to whom a license has been issued or renewed during the
current year and every person so licensed who desires to renew his/her license shall file with the
Department such renewal application duly executed, which application shall include verification
of prescribed continuing education requirements, together with the fee as set forth in the Rules
7
and Regulations Pertaining to the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative
Services Provided by the Department of Health on or before the first day of June in each even
year. Upon receipt of such application and payment of said fee, the accuracy of the application
shall be verified and the Department shall grant a renewal license effective July 1st and shall
expire twenty-four (24) months thereafter.
7.4
Any person who allows his/her license to lapse, by failing to renew it on or before June 1st in
each even year, as provided in section 8.3 above, may be reinstated by the Department on
payment of the current renewal fee plus an additional fee as set forth in the Rules and
Regulations Pertaining to the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative
Services Provided by the Department of Health and verification of prescribed continuing
education requirements.
7.4.1 Any person using the title "clinical mental health counselor" and/or "marriage and
family therapist" during the time his/her license has lapsed shall be subject to the
penalties provided for violation of the Act.
7.4.2 Provided, however, that if a person has allowed his/her license to lapse for four (4) years
or more, he/she shall be reinstated at the discretion of the Board.
Section 8.0
Transfer to Inactive Lists--Reinstatement
8.1
A licensed clinical mental health counselor and/or licensed marriage and family therapist who
does not intend to continue his/her licensure, upon written request to the Department, may have
his/her name transferred to an inactive list, and shall not be required to pay the renewal fee as
long as he/she remains inactive. Should he/she wish to resume functioning as a licensed clinical
mental health counselor and/or licensed marriage and family therapist, he/she shall submit an
application and fees to the Department, attesting to the completion of the continuing education
requirements in accordance with section 10.0 herein within the immediate two (2) years prior to
the applicant’s request for licensure reactivation, unless the license has been suspended or
revoked.
Section 9.0 Continuing Education Requirements
9.1
The application for license renewal shall include satisfactory evidence of completion of forty
(40) credits of continuing education relevant to the practice of clinical mental health counseling
or marriage and family therapy practice, completed over the two (2) year period preceding re-
licensure. Furthermore, a minimum of twenty (20) of the forty (40) credits of continuing
education shall be completed within Category 1, Formal Programs, as set forth hereunder.
9.2
Continuing education programs sponsored or approved by the following organizations are
deemed to be approved by the Board: American Counseling Association (ACA), American
Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), National Board for Certified Counselors,
Inc. (NBCC), American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), Rhode Island
Mental Health Counselors Association (RIMHCA), Rhode Island Counseling Association
(RICA), Rhode Island Marriage and Family Therapist Association (RIMFTA), National
Association of Social Workers (NASW), American Psychological Association (APA),
American Medical Association (AMA) or such other nationally-recognized organizations, as
approved by the Board.
8
9.3
Categories of Continuing Education Programs and Credits:
The Board recognizes the following categories of continuing education programs and/or
activities and established credit hours.
Category I: Formal continuing education program that may consist
of graduate or post-graduate courses, workshops, and/or institutes,
including web-based offerings.
Credit: 1 credit per hour;
minimum 20 credits per two (2)
year cycle.
Category II: Exceptional contributions to professional development
that may consist of: a written publication in a peer-reviewed journal,
teaching a relevant, semester-long course in an accredited institution,
serving as an elected officer on national or international organizations
(e.g., ACA, NBCC, AAMFT). Participation by duly appointed
members of the Board in regular Board meetings and investigating
committee meetings shall be considered acceptable on an hours
served basis for Category II credit.
Credit: 10 credits for each
publication or formal lecture 20
credits
for
national
or
international contribution.
9.4
An extension of time to complete the continuing education requirements may be granted to a
clinical mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist solely at the discretion of the
Board for reasons of hardship or other extenuating circumstances.
9.5
It shall be the sole responsibility of the individual clinical mental health counselor or marriage
and family therapist to obtain documentation from the approved sponsoring or co-sponsoring
organization, agency, or institution of his/her participation in a continuing education program
and/or activity that shall include no less than the date, time, subject matter, name of lecturer or
teacher, or such other data, and the number of credits earned. Those documents shall be
retained by each licensee for no less than four (4) years (i.e., from the date of license renewal)
and are subject to random audit by the Department.
9.6
A license shall be denied to any applicant who fails to provide satisfactory evidence of
continuing education relevant to counseling/family studies as required herein.
9.7
Clinical mental health counselors or marriage and family therapists initially licensed by
examination after the July 1st renewal date shall be exempt from the continuing education
requirements stated herein until the date of the next renewal cycle (i.e., June 30th of the next even-
numbered year).
9.8
A clinical mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist whose license has been
revoked for failing to satisfy the continuing education requirements herein shall be required to
complete such additional continuing education credits as may be required by the Board for the
preceding two (2) year cycle.
9.9
Failure to comply with any provisions of this section shall be subject to the sanctions set forth in
the Act. Furthermore, all hearings and reviews that may be required shall be subject to the
provisions of section 16.0 herein.
Section 10.0 Privileged Communications
9
10.1
The provisions of Chapters 9-17-24 ("Privileged Communications to and Information Obtained
by Health Care Providers") and 5-37.3 ( “Confidentiality of Health Care Information Act”) of
the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended, shall apply to persons licensed pursuant to the
Act and the rules and regulations herein.
10
PART III
Grounds For Discipline, Penalties for Violations and Prohibited Acts
Section 11.0 Grounds for Discipline
11.1
The Board shall have the power to deny, revoke or suspend any registration issued by the
Department or applied for in accordance with the Act or otherwise to discipline a licensed
clinical mental health counselor and/or a licensed marriage and family therapist upon proof that
the person:
11.1.1 is guilty of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a registration;
11.1.2 is guilty of a felony or of a crime of immorality;
11.1.3 is habitually intemperate or is addicted to the use of habit-forming drugs;
11.1.4 is mentally incompetent;
11.1.5 has willfully or repeatedly violated any of the provision of the Act;
11.1.6 is habitually negligent in the performance of his/her duties;
11.1.7 has departed from or has failed to conform to the minimal standards of acceptable and
prevailing practice of mental health counseling and/or marriage and family therapy;
11.1.8 has willfully or repeatedly violated any of the ethical principles governing the practice
of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists as adopted by the Board,
regardless of whether or not the person is a member of any national, regional or state
professional association; provided, however, that such ethical principles shall be of a
nationally-recognized standard of the respective national professional organization.
Section 12.0 Penalties for Violations
12.1
It shall be a misdemeanor for any person, in offering his/her services to the public to:
12.1.1 use in connection with his/her name any designation tending to imply that he/she is a
licensed clinical mental health counselor and/or licensed marriage and family therapist
unless duly licensed under the provisions of the Act;
12.1.2 use in connection with his/her name any designation tending to imply that he/she is a
licensed clinical mental health counselor and/or licensed marriage and family therapist
during the time his/her license issued under the provisions of the Act shall be suspended
or revoked;
12.1.3 otherwise violate any of the provisions of the Act or the rules and regulations herein.
12.2
All such misdemeanors shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred ($500)
dollars for each offense.
Section 13.0 Prohibited Acts
11
13.1
Except as specifically provided elsewhere in the Act, no person who is not licensed under the
Act shall:
13.1.1 advertise the performance of marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling
services by him/her;
13.1.2 use a title or description such as "marital or marriage therapist, counselor, advisor or
consultant", "marital or marriage and family therapist, counselor, advisor, or
consultant", "mental health advisor or consultant" or any other name, style or
description denoting that the person is a marriage and family therapist or mental health
counselor; or
13.1.3 practice marriage and family therapy;
13.1.4 practice mental health counseling.
Section 14.0 Exemptions
14.1
No provisions of the Act shall be construed to limit the practice of medicine, osteopathy,
psychology, clinical social work, psychiatric nursing, or other recognized business or
profession, or to prevent qualified members of other professions from doing work of a nature
consistent with their training so long as they do not hold themselves out to the public as a
licensed mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist.
14.2
No person shall be required to be licensed under the Act who:
14.2.1 is a salaried employee of a government agency or of a developmental services program
or of a mental health, alcohol, or drug abuse facility operating pursuant to Chapter 40.1-
24 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended, or who is an employee of an
accredited academic institution or research institution, if such employee is performing
duties for which he was hired solely within the confines of such agency, facility or
institution;
14.2.2 is a student who is pursuing a course of study which leads to a degree in medicine or a
profession regulated by the Act who is providing services in a training setting, provided
such activities or services constitute part of a supervised course of study, or is a
graduate accumulating the experience required for any licensure under the Act; provided
such graduate or student is designated by a title such as "intern" or "trainee" which
clearly indicates the in-training status of the student;
14.2.3 is certified in school psychology by the Department of Education and is performing
psychological services as an employee of a public or private educational institution;
14.2.4 is a rabbi, priest, minister, or member of the clergy of any religious denomination or sect
when engaging in activities which are within the scope of the performance of his/her
regular or specialized ministerial duties and for which no separate charge is made, or
when such activities are performed, with or without charge, for or under the auspices or
sponsorship, individually or in conjunction with other, of an established and legally
12
recognized church, denomination, or sect, and when the person rendering service
remains accountable to the established authority thereof.
Section 15.0 Rules Governing Practices and Procedures
15.1
All hearing and reviews required under the provisions of Chapter 5-63.2 of the Rhode Island
General Laws, as amended, shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the Act and of the
Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Department of Health Regarding Practices and
Procedures Before the Department of Health and Access to Public Records of the Department
of Health (R42-35-PP).
Section 16.0 Severability
16.1
The provisions of the Act are severable and if any of its provisions shall be held
unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of that court shall not
affect or impair any of the remaining provisions.
MarriageFam_MentHealth_Final_Sept2012.doc
Monday, 17 September 2012
13
REFERENCES
1.
"Administrative Procedures Act," Chapter 42-35 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as
amended. Available online:
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE42/42-35/INDEX.HTM
2.
Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Department of Health Regarding the Practices and
Procedures Before the Department of Health and Access to Public Records of the Department
of Health (R42-35-PP), Rhode Island Department of Health, April 2004 and subsequent
amendments thereto. Available online:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/dar/regdocs/released/pdf/DOH/DOH_2945.pdf
3.
"Privileged Communication to and Information Obtained by Health Care Providers," Chapter
9-17-24 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended. Available online:
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE9/9-17/9-17-24.HTM
4.
“Confidentiality of Health Care Information Act,” Chapter 5-37.3 of the General Laws of Rhode
Island, as amended. Available online:
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE5/5-37.3/INDEX.HTM
14
Appendix "A"
The Core Curriculum: Clinical Mental Health Counselors
Core Curriculum: An applicant needs to complete courses in each of the following eight (8)
categories, in accordance with the minimum number of credits required in each category, for a total of
thirty (30) credits:
1.
Helping relationships and counseling theory (9 credits minimum) (i.e., counseling and
consultation theories including both individual and systems perspectives as well as coverage of
relevant research and factors considered in applications; basic interviewing, assessment, and
counseling skills; counselor or consultant characteristics and behaviors that influence helping
processes including age, gender, and ethnic differences, verbal and nonverbal behaviors and
personal characteristics, orientation, and skills; client or consultee characteristics and behaviors
that influence helping processes including age, gender and ethnic differences, verbal and non-
verbal behaviors and personal characteristics, traits, capabilities, and life circumstances; and
ethical considerations, counseling processes, counseling theories, marriage and family
counseling, family counseling, systems concepts)
2.
Human growth and development (3 credits minimum) (i.e., theories of individual and family
development and transitions across the life-span; theories of learning and personality
development; human behavior including an understanding of developmental crises, disability,
addictive behavior, psychopathology, and environmental factors as they affect both normal and
abnormal behavior; strategies for facilitating development over the life-span; ethical
considerations)
3.
Social and cultural foundations (3 credits minimum) (i.e., multicultural and pluralistic trends
including characteristics and concerns of diverse groups; attitudes and behavior based on such
factors as age, race, religious preference, physical disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity and
culture, family patterns, gender, socioeconomic status, and intellectual ability; individual
family, and group strategies with diverse populations; and ethical considerations)
4.
Groups (3 credits minimum) (i.e., principles of group dynamics including group process
components, developmental stage theories, group members’ roles and behaviors; group
leadership styles and approaches including characteristics of various types of group leaders and
leadership styles; theories of group counseling including commonalities, distinguishing
characteristics, and pertinent research and literature; group counseling methods including group
counselor orientations and behaviors, ethical standards, appropriate selection criteria and
methods, and methods of evaluation of effectiveness; approaches used for other types of group
work, including task groups, prevention groups, support groups, and therapy groups; and ethical
considerations)
5.
Lifestyle and career development (3 credits minimum) (i.e., career development theories and
decision making models; career, avocational, educational and labor market information
resources, visual and print media, computer based career information systems; career
development program planning, organization, implementation, administration and evaluation;
interrelationships among work, family, and other life roles and factors including multicultural
and gender issues as related to career development; career and educational placement, follow-up
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and evaluation; assessment instruments and techniques relevant to career planning and decision
making; computer based career development applications and strategies, including computer
assisted career guidance systems; career counseling processes, techniques and resources
including those applicable to specific populations; and ethical considerations)
6.
Appraisal (3 credits minimum) (i.e., theoretical and historical bases for assessment techniques;
validity including evidence for establishing content, construct and empirical validity; reliability
including methods of establishing stability, internal and equivalence reliability; appraisal
methods including environmental assessment, performance assessment, individual and group
test and inventory methods; behavioral observations, and computer managed and computer
assisted methods; psychometric statistics including types of assessment scores, measures of
central tendency, indices of variability, standards errors, and correlations; age, gender, ethnicity,
language, disability, and cultural factors related to the assessment and evaluation of individuals
and groups; strategies for selecting, administering, interpreting, and using assessment and
evaluation instruments and techniques in counseling; ethical considerations)
7.
Research and program evaluation (3 credits minimum) (i.e., basic types of research methods to
include qualitative and quantitative research designs; basic parametric and nonparametric
statistics; principles, practices, and applications of needs assessment and program evaluation;
uses of computer for data management and analysis; ethical and legal considerations in
research)
8.
Professional orientation (3 credits minimum) (i.e., history of the helping professions including
significant factors and events; professional roles and functions including similarities and
differences with other types of professionals; professional organizations; ethical standards;
professional preparation standards, their evolution and current applications; professional
credentialing including certification, licensure, and accreditation practices and standards, and
the effects of public policy on these issues; and public policy processes including the role of the
professional counselor in advocating on behalf of the profession and its clientele).
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Appendix “B”
The Core Curriculum: Marriage and Family Therapists
Minimum Requirements
Areas of Study
Course(s
)
Semester
Hours
I. Theoretical Foundations of Marriage and
Family Therapy
2
6
II. Clinical Knowledge
6
18
III. Human Development and Family Relations
1
3
Total Required for Areas I, II, and III
9
27
IV. Ethics and Professional Studies
1
3
V. Research
1
3
VI. Graduate credit elective to enhance professional goals
1
3
VII. Supervised Clinical Practice (500 hours required for 12
successive months)
This may be done on-site or off-site
12
The marriage and family therapy core curriculum is based upon a systems/interactional understanding
of peoples’ lives.
A total of nine courses (twenty-seven [27] semester or equivalent quarter hours) are to be obtained from
Areas I, II, and III. A total of three [3] standard courses must be taken in areas IV, V and VI.
You must have supervised clinical practice in Area VII. This may be done either on-site or off-site.
Area I: Theoretical Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy
A minimum of two (2) courses (six [6] semester or equivalent hours) will be taken in Area I.
In Area I, students conceptualize and distinguish the critical epistemological issues in marriage and
family therapy.
Students learn about the historical development, theoretical foundations, and contemporary conceptual
directions of the field of marriage and family therapy.
Course content should not be isolated conceptually from clinical concerns; nor is it adequate for
students to deal only with practical treatment issues without reference to theoretical literature.
Area II: Clinical Knowledge
A minimum of six (6) courses (eighteen [18] semester or equivalent quarter hours) will be taken in Area
II.
Area II courses will provide students with a comprehensive survey and substantive understanding of the
major models and clinical issues of marriage and family therapy.
17
Courses taught in Area II will address the applied aspects of marriage and family therapy practice.
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.
Courses taught in Area II will emphasize the interface between the interpersonal and the intrapersonal.
Courses will expose all students to issues of gender as they relate to marriage and family therapy theory
and practice. Course content in this area will include sex discrimination and gender role stereotyping.
Courses will also expose all students to issues of sexuality as they relate to marriage and family therapy
theory and practice. Course content will include sexual orientation and sexual functioning.
Courses will expose all students to issues of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status and culture as they
relate to marriage and family therapy and practice. Course content will include social, educational,
economic and behavioral factors.
Courses taught in Area II will educate students about a wide variety of presenting problems including,
but not limited to, sexual abuse, intense stress, problems of life cycle transitions, sexual dysfunctions,
substance abuse, suicide, and violence.
Area III: Human Development and Family Studies
A minimum of one (1) course (three [3] semester or equivalent quarter hours) will be taken in Area
III.
In Area III, students learn about the developmental processes within the family context. Students
will become conversant with the life cycle of the family and the process and modification of family
structures over time (e.g., birth of the first child, adolescent sexual development, leaving home, etc.)
Courses taught in Area III will emphasize the interface between the interpersonal and the
intrapersonal. Courses will expose all students to issues of gender as they relate to marriage and
family therapy theory and practice. Course content in this area will include sex discrimination and
gender role stereotyping. Courses will also expose all students to issues of sexuality as they relate to
marriage and family therapy theory and practice. Course content will include sexual orientation and
sexual functioning.
Courses will expose all students to issues of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status and culture as
they relate to marriage and family therapy and practice. Course content will include social,
educational, economic and behavioral factors.
Area IV: Ethics and Professional Studies
A minimum of one (1) course (three [3] semester or equivalent quarter hours) will be taken in Area
IV.
Area IV contributes to the development of a professional attitude and identity. Studies will include
18
professional socialization and the role of professional organizations, licensure and certification, legal
responsibilities and liabilities of clinical practice and research, family law, confidentiality issues, the
AAMFT Code of Ethics, and interprofessional cooperation.
The content of course work will be specific to the practice and profession of marriage and family
therapy. A generic course in ethics is inappropriate for Area IV.
Area V: Research
A minimum of one (1) course (three [3] semester or equivalent quarter hours) will be taken in Area V.
In Area V, students gain an understanding of research methodology and data analysis, and learn to
evaluate research in marriage and family therapy.
Course content will include both quantitative and qualitative research.
Area VI: Graduate Elective
A minimum of one (1) course (three [3] semester or equivalent quarter hours) will be taken in Area VI.
Additional elective courses will augment students’ specialized interest and background in marriage and
family therapy. Additional courses may be chosen from coursework offered in a variety of disciplines.
Area VII: Supervised Clinical Practice
Students are required to spend a minimum of five hundred (500) face-to-face hours with clients.
Programs will document a student’s satisfactory completion of the five hundred (500) hour requirement
before awarding a degree. A minimum of one hundred (100) hours of supervision is required in the
supervised clinical practica. A minimum twelve (12) successive months of supervised clinical practice
is required.
Although students may treat individual clients, at least 250 hours (fifty percent [50%] of the 500 direct
client contact hours) must be completed with couples or families physically present in the room.
Preparation for clinical practice includes any necessary remediation for previous clinical deficiencies.
Clinical training will integrate didactic with clinical material. A practicum is a part-time clinical
experience completed concurrently with didactic coursework. A practicum typically results in 5-10
direct client hours per week. It also includes such activities as supervision, staff meetings, community
relations, and record keeping.
Direct client contact is defined as face-to-face (therapist and client) therapeutic meetings. Activities
such as brief telephone contact, case planning, observation of therapy, record keeping, travel,
administrative activities, consultation with community members or professionals, or supervision, are
not considered direct client contact.
Assessments may be counted as direct client contact if they are face-to-face processes that are more
than clerical in nature and focus.
19
Both individual or dyadic and group supervision of the student’s clinical practice are required.
Individual or dyadic supervision will occur at least once (1) per week over a period of one (1) or more
years.