Destination URL at end of the press release modified. Correct Web site is http://www.counselingseattle.com/counseling/private-practice.htm.

Media Advisory

SEATTLE/EWORLDWIRE/Dec. 12, 2008 --- In the style of the famous letter, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," webmaster Floyd Else laughingly explains how a bad definition of private practice counseling in the 2008 Registered Counselor law (2SHB 2674) has put new restrictions on the use of the term.

Else explains that the recent legislation was intended to eventually eliminate the registered counselor (RC) credential established several new credentials in its place. Of these, the lower levels - in terms of qualifications - include the new categories "certified advisors" and "certified counselors," both permitted to do private practice counseling within carefully defined and prescribed limits.

Formerly, "private practice counseling" has been a general term used to refer to counselors whose business was providing mental health services to clients for a fee. Under the new legal definition effective July 1, 2009, "Private practice counseling means the practice of counseling by a certified counselor or certified adviser as specified in RCW 18.19.200."

Else reassures licensed counselors, "You will still be able to have a counseling business you will still be able to help troubled clients and you will still be able to charge for your services. You just won't be able to say, 'I do private practice counseling.' In fact, you may not be able to say that you are a counselor and you have your own private practice - but consult an attorney. Otherwise you may accidentally break the law when trying to describe the kind of work you do."

Since licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed clinical social workers are over-qualified to be either Certified Advisors or Certified Counselors, they will only be able to continue doing private practice counseling, if they can convince the Washington State Legislature to redefine the term in the next session.

See 'http://www.counselingseattle.com/counseling/private-practice.htm'.

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CONTACT:
Floyd Else
CounselingSeattle.com
PO Box 6714
Bellevue, WA 98008-0714
PHONE. 425-641-9648
EMAIL: floydelse@hotmail.com
http://www.CounselingSeattle.com

SOURCE: Floyd Else