The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Application of social work methods and theory.” Includes psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, case management, client-centered advocacy, psychotherapy and family therapy with individuals, couples, families and groups in an effort to prevent or ameliorate family and personal dysfunction at home, at work and in the community.

“Board.” The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors under the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs within the Department of State.

“Client.” A person with whom a licensee has established a formal provider-client relationship and to whom the licensee is providing, or has provided, professional services.

“Clinical social work assessment.” A process of evaluation in which a clinical social worker conducts a differential, individualized and accurate identification of the psychosocial and behavioral problems existing in the life of an individual client, family or group for the purpose of establishing a plan to implement a course of psychotherapeutic counseling. The term includes, but is not limited to, a mental health examination and psychological history.

“Commissioner.” The Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs.

“Diagnosis.” The term includes the following:

“Independent practice of clinical social work.” The application of clinical social work knowledge and skills by an individual:

“Independent practice of marriage and family therapy.” The application of marriage and family therapy knowledge and skills by an individual:

“Independent practice of professional counseling.” The application of professional counseling knowledge and skills by an individual:

“Licensed associate marriage and family therapist.” An individual licensed as an associate marriage and family therapist under this act who is obtaining supervised clinical experience for the purpose of becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist.

“Licensed associate professional counselor.” An individual licensed as an associate professional counselor under this act who is obtaining supervised clinical experience for the purpose of becoming a licensed professional counselor.

“Licensed bachelor social worker.” A social worker who holds a current bachelor's level license under this act.

“Licensed clinical social worker.” An individual who engages in or advertises to engage in the practice of clinical social work and who holds a current clinical license under this act.

“Licensed marriage and family therapist.” An individual who engages in or offers to engage in the practice of marriage and family therapy and who holds a current license under this act.

“Licensed professional counselor.” An individual who engages in or advertises to engage in the practice of professional counseling and who holds a current license under this act.

“Licensed social worker.” An individual who engages in or advertises to engage in the practice of social work and who holds a current license under this act.

“Marriage and family therapist assessment.” The professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques to evaluate and identify psychosocial and behavioral problems in the context of significant interpersonal relationships between individuals, couples, families and groups for the purpose of treatment. The term includes, but is not limited to, a mental health examination and psychological history.

“Practice of associate marriage and family therapy.” The professional application of psychotherapeutic and family system theories and techniques to the evaluation, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective or behavioral, while under the supervision of a licensed supervisor acceptable to the board in accordance with the board's regulations. The term includes the evaluation and assessment of mental and emotional disorders in the context of significant interpersonal relationships and the delivery of psychotherapeutic services to individuals, couples, families and groups for the purpose of treating the disorders.

“Practice of associate professional counseling.” Includes, to the extent compatible with a practitioner's education and professional competence while under the supervision of a licensed supervisor acceptable to the board in accordance with the board's regulations, all of the following:

“Practice of bachelor social work.” The professional application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values and ethics to restore or enhance social or psychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities. This practice is basic generalist nonclinical practice that includes interviewing, planning, intervention, case management, mediation, supportive counseling, information and referral, problem solving, client education, advocacy, community organization and the development, implementation and administration of policies, programs and activities.

“Practice of clinical social work.” Holding oneself out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the term “licensed clinical social worker” or using any words or symbols indicating or tending to indicate that one is a licensed clinical social worker and under such description offering to render or rendering a service in which a special knowledge of social resources, human personality and capabilities and therapeutic techniques is directed at helping people to achieve adequate and productive personal, interpersonal and social adjustments in their individual lives, in their families and in their community. The term includes person and environment perspectives, systems theory and cognitive/behavioral theory, to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychosocial disability and impairment, including mental and emotional disorders, developmental disabilities and substance abuse. The term includes the application of social work methods and theory. The term includes the practice of social work plus additional concentrated training and study as defined by the board by regulation.

“Practice of marriage and family therapy.” The professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques to the evaluation, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective or behavioral. The term includes the evaluation and assessment of mental and emotional disorders in the context of significant interpersonal relationships and the delivery of psychotherapeutic services to individuals, couples, families and groups for the purpose of treating such disorders.

“Practice of professional counseling.” Includes, to the extent compatible with a practitioner's education and professional competence, all of the following:

“Practice of social work.” Offering to render or rendering a service in which a special knowledge of social resources, human personality and capabilities and therapeutic techniques is directed at helping people to achieve adequate and productive personal, interpersonal and social adjustments in their individual lives, in their families and in their community or holding oneself out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the term “social worker” or using any words or symbols indicating or tending to indicate that one is a social worker, except as otherwise provided by this act.

“Professional counselor assessment.” The professional application of psychotherapeutic and counseling theories and techniques to evaluate, identify and establish counseling plans for the treatment of individuals, couples, families and groups with emotional, mental, addiction and physical disorders. The term includes, but is not limited to, a mental health examination and psychological history.

“Social worker.” A person who holds a current license under this act or has received a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from an accredited school or program of social work or social welfare.