#1) State Licensure Criteria
Licensed marriage and family therapists are regulated in all 50 states. While there is a national licensing exam, there are certain states that administer their own licensing exam. Most states also have a state exam outlining the laws and rules for practicing therapists specific to that state. In your post, list the exams that a marriage and family therapist must take to become licensed. Also, discuss any other state requirements needed to become licensed. Offer the link for your state’s licensing board, . Discuss in your post when you will take the national licensing exam and, if required, the state’s exam.
The Association for the Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards is a good resource to begin your search for information on your
state’s licensure laws. Remember to cite your resources using current APA
#2) Professional Conduct Dilemma
Consider the following case study:
Abby is a marriage and family therapist in a small town who has been practicing for seven years. One night, her husband, who is a police officer, came home from work and told Abby that their mutual friend Samantha, also a psychotherapist, has been arrested after an accident for driving under the influence. Apparently, Samantha was coming home from a party and lost control of her car, driving into an unoccupied restaurant downtown. Samantha suffered only minor injuries, but a breathalyzer test indicated that her blood alcohol content was well over the legal limit. In addition, there was enough damage done to the restaurant that it will have to be closed for several days. Abby is very concerned about her friend and colleague. She immediately begins to think about her responsibility to the profession as well as her desire to help Samantha.
For this discussion’s initial post, respond to the following:
What obligations must you honor when you hear about a colleague practicing in an unethical manner?
Explain your obligations to the profession of marriage and family therapy, as a colleague of Samantha and to whom would you report Samantha’s behavior?
Cite specific ethical codes and your state statutes, as well as any other relevant resources. Research peer-reviewed articles to support your answers and cite your references. Be sure to mention the state you are referencing.
Use the AAMFT Code of Ethics in shaping your initial post.
