§30-31-3. Definitions.

As used in this article, the following words and terms have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “Applicant” means a person making an application for a license or renewal under the provisions of this article.

(b) “Board” means the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling.

(c) “Clinical counseling procedures” means an approach to counseling that emphasizes the counselor's role in systematically assisting clients through all of the following including, but are not limited to, observing, assessing and analyzing background and current information; utilizing assessment techniques useful in appraising aptitudes, abilities, achievements, interests or attitudes; diagnosing; and developing a treatment plan. The goal of these procedures is the prevention or elimination of symptomatic, maladaptive or undesired behavior, cognitions or emotions in order to integrate a wellness, preventative, pathology and multicultural model of human behavior to assist an individual, couple, family, group of individuals, organization, institution or community to achieve mental, emotional, physical, social, moral, educational, spiritual, vocational or career development and adjustment through the life span of the individual, couple, family, group of individuals, organization, institution or community.

(d) “Licensed professional counselor” means a person licensed under the provisions of this article to practice professional counseling.

(e) “Licensee” means a person holding a license issued under the provisions of this article.

(f) “Licensed marriage and family therapist” means a person licensed under the provisions of this article to practice marriage and family therapy.

(g) “Marriage and family therapy” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective or behavioral, specifically within the context of marriage and family systems, that involve the professional application of theories and techniques to individuals, couples and families, singly or in groups.

(h) “Permit” means a temporary permit to practice professional counseling or marriage and family therapy issued by the board under the provisions of this article.

(i) “Permittee” means a person holding a temporary permit under the provisions of this article.

(j) “Professional counseling” means the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional or addiction disorders through the application of clinical counseling procedures. Professional counseling includes the use of psychotherapy, assessment instruments, counseling, consultation, treatment planning and supervision in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, families and groups.