2020 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 12 - Professions And Occupations
Article 245. Mental Health
Section 12-245-603. Practice of licensed professional counseling defined.

(1) For purposes of this part 6, "practice of licensed professional counseling" means the application of mental health, psychological, or human development principles through cognitive, affective, behavioral, or systematic intervention strategies that address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology. A licensed professional counselor may render the application of these principles to individuals, couples, families, or groups.

(2) The practice of professional counseling may include:

1. Evaluation;

2. Assessment;

3. Testing;

4. Diagnosis;

5. Treatment or intervention;

6. Planning;

7. Consultation;

8. Case management;

9. Education;

10. Supervision;

11. Psychotherapy;

12. Research;

13. Referral; and(n) Crisis intervention.

Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1284, § 1, effective October 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-43-602.5 as it existed prior to 2019. 12-245-604. Licensure - examination - licensed professional counselors. (1) The board shall issue a license as a licensed professional counselor to each applicant who files an application in a form and manner required by the board, submits the fee required by the board pursuant to section 12-245-205, and furnishes evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant:

1. Is at least twenty-one years of age;

2. Is not in violation of any provision of this article 245 or any rule adopted under thisarticle 245;

3. Has completed a master's or doctoral degree in professional counseling from an accredited school or college or an equivalent program as determined by the board. The degree or program must include a practicum or internship in the principles and the practice of professional counseling.

4. (I) Has at least two years of post-master's practice or one year of postdoctoral practice in licensed professional counseling under clinical supervision; and

(II) Has at least two thousand hours of practice in counseling, including at least one thousand five hundred hours of face-to-face direct client contact under clinical supervision that is in-person or is telesupervision; and

(e) Demonstrates professional competence by passing an examination in professional counseling demonstrating special knowledge and skill in licensed professional counseling as prescribed by the board and a jurisprudence examination administered by the division.

2. The examination by the board described in subsection (1)(e) of this section shall begiven not less than twice per year at such time and place and under such supervision as the board may determine.

3. The board or its designated representatives shall administer and determine the pass orfail status of the examination and take any actions necessary to ensure impartiality. The board shall determine the passing score for the examination based upon a level of minimum competency to engage in the practice of licensed professional counseling.

4. (a) The board shall register as a licensed professional counselor candidate a person who:

1. Files an application for registration, accompanied by the fee as required by section12-245-205;

2. Submits evidence satisfactory to the board that the person meets the requirements ofsubsections (1)(a), (1)(b), and (1)(c) of this section; and

3. Has not been previously registered as a licensed professional counselor candidateby the board.

2. A licensed professional counselor candidate who registers with the board pursuant tothis subsection (4) is under the jurisdiction of the board and may, but is not required to, register with the database of unlicensed psychotherapists pursuant to section 12-245-703.

3. If a candidate does not meet the requirements of subsections (1)(d) and (1)(e) of thissection within four years after initial registration, the candidate's registration expires and is not renewable, unless the board, in its discretion, grants the candidate an extension. A person whose licensed professional counselor candidate registration expires is not precluded from applying to this board or to any other board for licensure or registration in a mental health profession for which the person is qualified.

(5) (a) If an applicant has completed an equivalent program as determined by the board pursuant to subsection (1)(c) of this section, the board shall not place additional requirements, barriers, or burdens related to licensure or supervision on the applicant.

(b) The board shall not give preference concerning licensure, supervision, or other requirements of this part 6 to an applicant who has completed a master's or doctoral degree in professional counseling from an accredited school or college pursuant to subsection (1)(c) of this section based upon the accrediting organization.

Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1284, §

1, effective October 1. L. 2020: (1)(d) and (4)(b) amended and (5) added, (HB 20-1206), ch. 304, pp. 1536, 1549, 1537, §§ 30, 60, 31, effective July 14.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-43-603 as it existed prior to 2019.