§ 5-63.2-13. Licensure application. (a) Each person desiring to obtain a license as a practicing marriage and family therapist or clinical mental health counselor shall make application to the board upon the form and in the manner that the board prescribes and shall furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that he or she:

(1) Is of good moral character;

(2) Has not engaged or is not engaged in any practice or conduct that would be a ground for refusing to issue a license under § 5-63.2-21;

(3) Is qualified for licensure pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, or is currently certified by the Rhode Island department of health as a mental health counselor or a marriage and family therapist. The transition from certification to licensure does not require an additional fee payment.

(b) Any person who applies to the board shall be issued a license by the board if he or she meets the qualifications stated in subsections (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this section and provides satisfactory evidence to the board that he or she:

(1) Meets educational experience qualifications as follows:

(i) Educational requirements: a master's degree or certificate in advanced graduate studies or a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling from a recognized educational institution, or a graduate degree in an allied field from a recognized educational institution and graduate-level course work that is equivalent to a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling, as determined by the board.

(ii) Experience requirements: successful completion of two (2) calendar years of work experience in marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling under qualified supervision following receipt of a qualifying degree.

(2) Passes an examination administered by the board.

History of Section. (P.L. 1996, ch. 85, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 410, § 6; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 40.)