A person practices as a "psychological technician" within the
meaning of this chapter when he or she holds himself or herself out to be a
psychological technician. A psychological technician may not use the title
"psychologist" or hold himself or herself out to the public or knowingly allow
himself or herself to be held out to the public as a psychologist.
(1) A psychological technician with adequate
training may directly provide any of the following services without
supervision:
(a) Administering and
interpreting tests: A psychological technician may administer and interpret
tests of intelligence, achievement, aptitudes, and interests, and testing for
educational or vocational selection, guidance, or placement.
(b) Interviewing and screening: A
psychological technician may conduct initial screening interviews which may
lead to referrals for more extensive evaluation or treatment. A psychological
technician may also administer adjective checklists, behavior rating scales,
and other rating devices which may be completed by a variety of professional
and non-professional observers.
(c)
Psychoeducational interventions: Psychological technicians may provide didactic
psychoeducational services to individuals or groups. The purpose of such groups
is to disseminate information and educate clients.
(2) A psychological technician who meets the
education and training requirements of this chapter shall not provide any of
the following services except under the qualified supervision of a licensed
psychologist:
(a) Personality appraisal.
Personality appraisal as performed by the psychological technician is defined
as any objective assessment or evaluative technique that leads to conclusions,
inferences, and hypotheses regarding personality functioning. Included are all
statements relative to personality attributes, features, traits, structure,
dynamics, and pathology or assets. These activities shall allow for the process
of deciding the nature of the psychological disorder or condition.
(b) Clinical intervention. Includes the use
of the principles, methods, and procedures of the science and profession of
psychology for the treatment of individuals, groups, and families, and behavior
management and behavior modification procedures with clinical
populations.
(c) Consultation
services. Services provided to other agencies by psychological technicians
acting in the role of consultants are subject to the same rules for supervision
as services provided directly by the psychological technician in his or her
place of employment.
(d) Assistance
with forensic assessments and neuropsychological evaluations. A psychological
technician may assist a trained neuropsychologist in the administration of
neuropsychological procedures or a qualified psychologist in forensic
assessment. Independent forensic assessments and neuropsychological evaluations
are outside of the scope of practice for psychological technicians.
Author: Alabama Board of Examiners in
Psychology
Notes
Ala. Admin. Code r.
750-X-2A-.06
New rule: Filed: November
25, 1997. Amended: Filed May 14, 1998; effective June 18,
1998.
Statutory Authority:
Code of Ala.
1975, ยง
34-26-1
et
seq.