Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Section 163 of chapter 112 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 1998 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the definition of "Practice of mental health counseling" and inserting in place thereof the following definition:-

"Practice of mental health counseling", the rendering of professional services to individuals, families or groups for compensation, monetary or otherwise. These professional services include: applying the principles, methods and theories of counseling, human development, learning theory, group and family dynamics, the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior and psychotherapeutic techniques to define goals and develop treatment plans aimed toward the prevention, treatment and resolution of mental and emotional dysfunction and intra or interpersonal disorders in all persons irrespective of diagnosis. The practice of mental health counseling shall include, but not be limited to, diagnosis and treatment, counseling and psychotherapy, of a nonmedical nature of mental and emotional disorders and the psychoeducational techniques aimed at prevention of such disorders and consultations to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities.

Practice of mental health counseling in independent practice with individuals diagnosed with psychosis may be undertaken by a licensed mental health counselor: (a) who is licensed under section 165 on or after March 1, 1992; or (b) who was licensed prior to March 1, 1992 and who meets the certification criteria for independent practice with individuals diagnosed with psychosis as established by the board of registration of allied mental health and human services professions.