As used in this Article, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

(1) Renumbered.

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(2) “Board” means the North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board.

(2a) “Clinical experience” means face-to-face therapy between a therapist and a client, whether individuals, couples, families, or groups, conducted from a larger systems perspective that relates to client treatment plans, is goal-directed, and assists the client in affecting change in cognition and behavior and effect.

(2b) “Larger systems” means any individual or group that is a part of the client’s environment and that potentially impacts the client’s functioning or well-being and potentially can assist in the development and implementation of a treatment plan.

(3) “Licensed marriage and family therapist” means a person to whom a license has been issued pursuant to this Article, if the license is in force and not suspended or revoked.

(3a) “Licensed marriage and family therapy associate” means an individual to whom a license has been issued pursuant to this Article whose license is in force and not suspended or revoked and whose license permits the individual to engage in the practice of marriage and family therapy under the supervision of an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) approved supervisor in accordance with rules adopted by the Board.

(3b) “Marriage and family therapy” is the clinical practice, within the context of individual, couple, and marriage and family systems, of the diagnosis and treatment of psychosocial aspects of mental and emotional disorders. Marriage and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to families, couples, and individuals for the purpose of treating these diagnosed mental and emotional disorders. Marriage and family therapy includes referrals to and collaboration with health care and other professionals when appropriate.

(4) “Practice of marriage and family therapy” means the rendering of professional marriage and family therapy services to individuals, couples, or families, singly or in groups, whether the services are offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private, for a fee, monetary or otherwise.

(5) “Recognized educational institution” means any university, college, professional school, or other institution of higher learning that:

a. In the United States, is regionally accredited by bodies approved by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation or its successor.

b. In Canada, holds a membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

c. In another country, is accredited by the comparable official organization having this authority and is recognized by the Board.

(6) “Related degree” means:

a. Master’s or doctoral degree in clinical social work;

b. Master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing;

c. Master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or clinical or counseling psychology;

d. Doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree with an appropriate residency training in psychiatry; or

e. Master’s or doctoral degree in any mental health field the course of study of which is equivalent to the master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. (1979, c. 697, s. 1; 1985, c. 223, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 564, s. 2; 2009-393, s. 1.)