2005 West Virginia Code - §30-31-1. — Legislative purpose.

§30-31-1. Legislative purpose.

The Legislature hereby finds that in the public interest, persons should not engage in the practice of counseling or therapy in this state without the requisite experience and training; and that there is presently no adequate means to protect the interests of the citizens of this state from the unauthorized, unqualified and unprofessional practice of counseling. It is therefore declared to be the public policy of this state that the practice of counseling affects the general welfare and public interest of the state and its citizens; that persons without the necessary qualifications, training, education, experience and persons not of good character should not engage in the practice of counseling; that the unauthorized, unqualified and unprofessional practice of counseling may be best prevented, and the interest of the public best served, by regulating and controlling such practice as provided in this article; and that this article should be liberally construed to effect such objects and purposes.