Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 27-4-2 - Definitions2.1. Approved graduate coursework. -- Coursework from an accredited institution offering a master's or doctoral degree in counseling shall be accepted. Accreditation through the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the National Council on Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE), the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), or a comparable accrediting body shall be accepted. Acceptable graduate degrees include a specialization in community agency counseling, mental health counseling, and addictions or substance abuse counseling. Similar degrees that include the word "counseling" and include the core of coursework representative of professional counseling programs at the time of its completion may be accepted but will be subject to review. 2.1.a. Coursework from an accredited institution offering a master's or doctoral degree in a field closely related to counseling shall be accepted. The accepted accrediting bodies are cited in subsection 2.1 of this rule. The graduate degree shall include graduate core coursework, either as part of the degree or after the award of the degree, in each of the following areas or their equivalent, as determined by the Board: (1). Counseling theories: includes a study of basic theories and principles of counseling and philosophic basis of the helping relationship;(2). Counseling techniques: includes individual counseling practices, methods, facilitative skills, and the application of these skills;(3). Human growth and development: includes the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels, following psychological, sociological and physiological approaches. Also includes human behavior (normal and abnormal), personality theory, learning theory, dynamics of stress, and medical/functional implications of disability;(4). Social and cultural foundations: includes studies of social change, ethnic groups, subcultures, mores, urban and rural societies, population patterns, use of leisure time, work, and differing life patterns;(5). Individual appraisal: includes individual differences, methods of data gathering and interpretation, individual and group testing, and case study;(6). Professional responsibilities: includes goals and objectives of professional counseling organizations, codes of ethics, legal considerations, standards of preparation, certification and licensing, advocacy, confidentiality, and the role identity of counselors;(7). Supervised practicum: includes the provision of counseling to bona fide clients and groups seeking services from counselors under the direction of a graduate faculty member who is a licensed professional counselor or related mental health professional, and must include critiquing of counseling either observed or recorded on audio or video tape; and,(8). Supervised internship: includes actual on-the-job experience in professional counseling under the tutelage of an on-site supervisor who is a licensed professional counselor or related mental health professional.2.1.b. In addition to subdivision 2.1.a. of this rule, an applicant working towards a master's or doctoral degree in a field closely related to counseling must present at least one graduate course in five of the following eight areas:(1). Additions counseling;(2). Crisis intervention;(3). Group dynamics, processes, counseling and consulting: includes theories, practices, methods, dynamics, facilitative skills, and supervised practice;(4). Life-style and career development: includes vocational-choice theory, relationship between career choice and life-style, occupational and educational information, career decision-making processes, career development exploration and placement techniques;(5). Marriage, couples, and/or family counseling/therapy;(6). Research and evaluation: includes statistics, research design, research proposals and evaluation;(7). Principles of etiology, diagnosis, treatment planning, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders and dysfunctional behavior; or,(8). Community resources and rehabilitation services; includes development and implementation of community resource references and materials for client referral.2.2. Approved professional supervisor. B A professional supervisor is any Licensed Professional Counselor, or other qualified supervisor, as determined by the Board, who has been licensed for two (2) years and who has five years counseling experience and documents to the Board that he or she has completed training in counseling supervision that included content and experiences relevant to the supervision of counselors. The supervisor shall provide the Board a statement detailing the person's supervision, philosophy, orientation, and experience. Supervisor shall demonstrate skills necessary to address the core areas of practice such as counseling theories, counseling techniques, human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, individual appraisal, professional and ethical responsibilities.2.3. Certified addictions counselor. -- A person who has met the work experience requirements, has attained a passing score, and has been certified as an addictions counselor by the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (ICRC/AODA) or its successor organization.2.4. Restricted practice license. -- A license issued to a person who has met all of the requirements for licensure set forth in W. Va. Code '30-31-7, other than the requirement of holding a master's or doctorate degree, and who has met all of the requirements of this rule. A person practicing under a restricted practice license may practice only under supervision in a supervised setting, as set forth in this rule.2.5. Substance abuse counseling procedures or addictions counseling procedures. -- Procedures which include, but are not restricted to, informing, motivating, guiding and assisting those persons affected either directly or indirectly by problems related to the misuse of alcohol and/or other drugs, or by problems related to addictions.2.6. Supervised professional experience. B Providing counseling services, in an appropriate setting, under the direction of an approved supervisor. The supervised experience will include, but is not limited to, demonstration of counseling skills, management skills, high professional and ethical standards, and personal characteristics appropriate to the counseling relationship.2.7. Supervised setting. -- An institution, clinic or other health care facility employing a counselor holding a restricted practice license, where one or more licensed professional counselors are generally available on the premises.2.8. Supervision. -- Individual control or direction over the services of a counselor holding a restricted practice license, by an approved professional supervisor. Continual and uninterrupted physical presence of the approved professional supervisor is not required so long as he or she is available for telephone consultation, and meets the requirement for one (1) hour of direct individual supervision for every twenty (20) hours of services provided by the counselor holding a restricted practice license.