337.015. Practice of psychology regulated--practice of psychology, defined.
Practice of psychology regulated--practice of psychology, defined.
337.015. 1. No person shall represent himself as apsychologist in the state of Missouri unless he is validlylicensed and registered under the provisions of this chapter. Noperson shall engage in the practice of psychology in the state ofMissouri unless he is validly licensed and registered under theprovisions of this chapter unless otherwise exempt under theprovisions of sections 337.010 to 337.090.
2. A person represents himself as a "psychologist" withinthe meaning of this chapter when he holds himself out to thepublic by any title or description of services incorporating thewords "psychology", "psychological", or "psychologist", or anyterm of like import, "psychometry", "psychometrics","psychometrist", "psychotherapy", "psychotherapists","psychoanalysis", "psychoanalyst", or variants thereof or whenthe person purports to be trained, experienced or an expert inthe field of psychology, and offers to render or renders servicesas defined below to individuals, groups, organizations, or thepublic for a fee, monetary or otherwise; provided, however, thatprofessional counselors licensed to practice under this chapter,or a physician licensed to practice pursuant to chapter 334,RSMo, who specializes in psychiatry, may use any of such termsexcept "psychology", "psychological", or "psychologist" so longas such is consistent with their respective licensing laws.
3. The "practice of psychology" within the meaning of thischapter is defined as the observation, description, evaluation,interpretation, treatment, and modification of human behavior bythe application of psychological principles, methods, andprocedures, for the purpose of preventing, treating, oreliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior andof enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and lifeadjustment, personal effectiveness, behavioral health, and mentalhealth. The practice of psychology includes, but is not limitedto, psychometric or psychological testing and the evaluation orassessment of personal characteristics, such as intelligence,personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, andneuropsychological functioning; counseling, psychoanalysis,psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavior analysis andtherapy; diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorderor disability in both inpatient and outpatient settings,alcoholism and substance abuse, disorders of habit or conduct, aswell as the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident,injury, or disability; psychoeducational evaluation, therapy,remediation, and consultation; and teaching and training ofpsychological competence. Psychological services may be renderedto individuals, families, groups, and the public. The practiceof psychology shall be construed within the meaning of thisdefinition without regard to whether payment is received forservices rendered.
4. The application of these principles and methods includes,but is not restricted to: diagnosis, prevention, treatment, andamelioration of adjustment problems and emotional and mentaldisturbances of individuals and groups; hypnosis; counseling;educational and vocational counseling; personnel selection andmanagement; the evaluation and planning for effective work andlearning situations; advertising and market research; and theresolution of interpersonal and social conflicts.
(L. 1977 H.B. 255 § 2, A.L. 1981 S.B. 16, A.L. 1989 H.B. 738 & 720)