Section 45:8B-2 - DefinitionsAs 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.).Amended by L. 2017, c. 350, s. 1, eff. 7/15/2018.L.1968, c.401, s.2; amended 1995, c.366, s.2.