Basics of California Law for LMFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs

by Benjamin E. Caldwell

*This is an outdated edition. Please consider the newer Fourth edition, which is updated to 2017 law.* Written by a therapist for other therapists (and therapists in training), Basics of California Law takes the many nuances of California law and regulation and puts them in digestible, easy-to-apply language. It covers all three of California's major masters-level mental health Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling, and Clinical Social Work. Topics covered include Scope of Practice, Licensing Requirements, Unprofessional Conduct, Informed Consent, Confidentiality and Privilege, Working with Minors (including detailed information on child abuse reporting), Working with Elders and Dependent Adults, Advertising, Technology, and Advocacy. The third edition is updated to 2015 law and professional ethical codes, and includes recent changes in law and regulations regarding records retention, child abuse reporting, advertising, disciplinary actions, and more. The text includes more than 400 footnotes identifying specific articles, links, and sections of California law and regulation that serve as reference material for this text. Basics of California Law for LMFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs has been praised as "the comprehensive resource I've wanted for my graduate school courses" by Kathy Wexler, LMFT, LPCC. Diane Gehart, author of Mastering Competencies in Family Therapy, calls it "an indispensable resource for students, educators, and practicing clinicians." It is perfect for students learning about the state laws governing their profession, interns preparing for their licensing exams, and clinicians keeping current on state law. Author Benjamin E. Caldwell, PsyD is an Associate Professor in the COAMFTE-accredited Couple and Family Therapy graduate programs at Alliant International University in Los Angeles.

Genres: Psychology

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Nicholas Poveda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super helpful book that easily breaks down law and ethics in the psychotherapy field. Will definitely refer back to this text when I study for my MFT law exam next year.

[Esther]

Will rate once I determine how helpful it is in passing my ethics exam :))

see ya in two years ha

[Jacob Sadowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful tale of a new clinician navigating the murky pitfalls of the profession. dual relationships, truthful advertising, legal privilege, this book has it all.

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered the 5th addition as soon as it was available (March 2018) and find it an invaluable resource for CA mental health therapists. This is not a book that will get dusty sitting on the shelf, and is written in conversational style, not legalese. The 5th addition addresses CA employment law as well.

[Lexi Steinberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book brought me no joy and added significant anxiety about my future as a therapist. that being said it presented the info in a fairly engaging way considering it is about law. learned some good stuff and took some good naps bc of this thing.

[Madeline Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technically started the 9th edition but was not available on Goodreads