§ 34-26-1 — Practice as “Psychologist” and “Psychological Technician” Defined

(a) For the purposes of this chapter, the two levels of psychological practice are as follows:
(1) Psychologist.
(2) Psychological technician.
(b)(1) A person practices as a psychologist within the meaning of this chapter when he or she holds himself or herself out to be a psychologist or renders to individuals or to the public for remuneration any service involving the application of recognized principles, methods, and procedures of the science and profession of psychology, such as interviewing or administering and interpreting tests of mental abilities, aptitudes, interests, and personality characteristics for such purposes as psychological evaluation or for such purposes as overall personality appraisal or classification, or treatment. The practice of psychologists specifically includes the use of projective assessment techniques, the diagnosis of mental disorders, and psychotherapy.
(2) Nothing in this definition shall be construed as permitting the use of those forms of psychotherapy which involve the administration or prescription of drugs or electro-shock or in any way infringing upon the practice of medicine as defined in the laws of this state. A psychologist shall not attempt to diagnose, prescribe for, treat, or advise a client with reference to problems or complaints falling outside the boundaries of psychological practice.
(3) Nothing in this definition shall be construed as preventing qualified school counselors, vocational guidance counselors, vocational rehabilitation counselors, speech and hearing therapists, speech pathologists and audiologists, reading therapists, or teachers of exceptional children from rendering to the public for remuneration services for which they are qualified by training and experience involving the techniques of interviewing, administering, and interpreting tests of mental abilities, achievement, interests, and aptitudes for such purposes as evaluation or for educational or vocational guidance, selection, or placement. Nothing in this definition shall be construed as preventing technical and support staff from providing functions associated with psychological assessments under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
(c)(1) A person practices as a “psychological technician” within the meaning of this chapter when he or she holds himself or herself out to be a psychological technician. A psychological technician may not use the title psychologist or hold himself or herself out to the public or knowingly allow himself or herself to be held out to the public as a psychologist. A licensed psychological technician shall not practice or present himself or herself outside the area of competence as approved by the board based upon the examination and review of the qualifications, training, and experience of the individual. A psychological technician with adequate training may directly provide any of the following services without supervision:
a. Administering and interpreting tests: A psychological technician may administer and interpret tests of intelligence, achievement, aptitudes, and interests, and testing for educational or vocational selection, guidance, or placement.
b. Interviewing and screening: A psychological technician may conduct initial screening interviews which may lead to referrals for more extensive evaluation or treatment. A psychological technician may also administer adjective checklists, behavior rating scales, and other rating devices which may be completed by a variety of professional and non-professional observers.
c. Psychoeducational interventions: Psychological technicians may provide didactic psychoeducational services to individuals or groups. The purpose of such groups is to disseminate information and educate clients.
(2) A psychological technician who meets the education and training requirements of this chapter shall not provide any of the following services except under the qualified supervision of a licensed psychologist:
a. Personality appraisal. Personality appraisal as performed by the psychological technician is defined as any objective assessment or evaluative technique that leads to conclusions, inferences, and hypotheses regarding personality functioning. Included are all statements relative to personality attributes, features, traits, structure, dynamics, and pathology or assets. These activities shall allow for the process of deciding the nature of the psychological disorder or condition.
b. Clinical intervention. Includes the use of the principles, methods, and procedures of the science and profession of psychology for the treatment of individuals, groups, and families, and behavior management and behavior modification procedures with clinical populations.
c. Consultation services. Services provided to other agencies by psychological technicians acting in the role of consultants are subject to the same rules for supervision as services provided directly by the psychological technician in his or her place of employment.
d. Assistance with forensic assessments and neuropsychological evaluations. A psychological technician may assist a trained neuropsychologist in the administration of neuropsychological procedures or a qualified psychologist in forensic assessment. Independent forensic assessments and neuropsychological evaluations are outside of the scope of practice for psychological technicians.

Legislative History

(Acts 1963, No. 535, p. 1147, §2; Acts 1997, No. 97-387, p. 619, §3; Act 98-146, p. 230, §3.)