Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Texas
Marriage Counseling without a license
I am currently obtaining my bachelors degree in Psychology and plan to obtain a Masters degree in Counsening, along with an LPC license. However, my church is ready for me to counsel members of the church who have marital problems. What legal precautions do the church and myself need to take before I begin counseling, and what are the guidelines we need to follow as far as the church paying me by salary or a love offering?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Marriage Counseling without a license
You may not hold yourself out as a psychological counsler, nor contract with or provide individuals with counseling services, until you are licensed. Period.
Churches occupy no special place in the law and are not immune from statutory requirements, nor those working for them. Ministers often counsel, but are also at great risk for doing so without a license if someone turns them in.
Why risk putting your entire career in jeopardy. Should you be filed upon for practicing without a license you may forfeit your right to a license in the future.
Find another job in the meantime, and advise the church to employ a degreed and licensed counselor.
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