N.J.S.A. 45:8B-2 — Definitions.

45:8B-2 Definitions. 2. As used in this act, unless the context clearly requires otherwise and except as in this act expressly otherwise provided: (a) "Licensed marriage and family therapist" means an individual who holds a current, valid license as a licensed marriage and family therapist pursuant to the provisions of this act. (b) The "practice of marriage and family therapy" means the rendering of professional marriage and family therapy services to individuals, couples and families, singly or in groups, whether in the general public or in organizations, either public or private, for a fee, monetary or otherwise. "Marriage and family therapy" is a specialized field of therapy which includes premarital counseling and therapy, pre- and post-divorce counseling and therapy, and family therapy. The practice of marriage and family therapy consists of the application of principles, methods and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy for the purpose of resolving psychological conflict, modifying perception and behavior, altering old attitudes and establishing new ones in the area of marriage and family life. In its concern with the antecedents of marriage, with the vicissitudes of marriage, and with the consequences of the failure of marriage, marriage and family therapy keeps in sight its objective of enabling clients to achieve the optimal adjustment consistent with their welfare as individuals, as members of a family, and as citizens in society. (c) "Board" means the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners acting as such under the provisions of this act. (d) "Recognized educational institution" means any educational institution which grants the bachelor's, master's and doctor's degrees, or any one or more thereof, and which is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education or by any accrediting body acceptable to the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners. (e) "Licensed associate marriage and family therapist" means an individual who holds a current, valid license as a licensed associate marriage and family therapist pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1968, c.401 (C.45:8B-1 et seq.) and P.L.2017, c.350 (C.45:8B-18.1 et al.). L.1968, c.401, s.2; amended 1995, c.366, s.2; 2017, c.350, s.1. 45:8B-2.1. Terms refer to "State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners," marriage and family therapist" 24. Whenever the term "State Board of Marriage Counselor Examiners" or "marriage counselor" occurs or any reference is made thereto in any law, contract or document, the same shall be deemed to refer to the "State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners" and "marriage and family therapist," respectively. L.1995,c.366,s.24. 45:8B-3. Recognition of educational institutions 3. No educational institution shall be denied recognition as a recognized educational institution solely because its program is not accredited by any professional organization of marriage and family therapists, and nothing in this act or in the administration of this act shall require the registration with the board of educational institutions of departments of sociology, psychology, social work, marriage and family life or any other specialty or doctoral programs in any of these professional fields. L.1968,c.401,s.3; amended 1995,c.366,s.3.

This is the verbatim text of N.J.S.A. 45:8B-2, retrieved from the New Jersey Legislature's public statute corpus. Statutes are amended periodically — for the most current version, check the external source link above. Kyzer is not a law firm and this page is not legal advice.