Senate Bill 789 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to mental health, specifically focusing on the licensure and supervision of marriage and family therapists. The bill introduces new provisions that allow student interns and trainees in marriage and family therapy to perform supervised activities as part of their educational programs, and it establishes specific titles they may use, such as "marital therapy intern" and "pre-licensed marriage and family therapist." Additionally, the definition of "approved supervisor" is updated to include licensed mental health professionals who are either American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy-approved supervisors or those in training under supervision.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for obtaining an associate license for both licensed professional counselors and marital and family therapist applicants. It specifies the requirements for application, including the need for a completed application, evidence of supervision agreements, and payment of fees. The associate license is valid for up to four years and can be extended at the board's discretion. Importantly, the bill clarifies that holders of an associate license must not misrepresent their status as fully licensed therapists, instead using the designation "associate licensed marriage and family therapist" or the abbreviation "AMFT."

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 63-22-113(a), 63-22-113, 63-22-115(a)(2), 63-22-115, 63-22-121