Louisiana Laws and Rules Governing Psychological Practice
What the domain tests
This domain tests whether you can apply the Louisiana Psychology Practice Act, La. R.S. 37:2351 et seq., and the Board's rules to the boundary between lawful and unlawful practice. Expect scope-of-practice, title protection, exemptions, supervision, and telepsychology facts.
Core rules
- A person may not practice psychology or use the title 'psychologist' without a Louisiana license, unless a statutory exemption applies.
- The Act defines practice broadly: diagnosis, assessment, treatment, counseling, consultation, research, and supervision of psychological services.
- Exemptions are narrow. Educators, school personnel, clergy, and governmental employees may have limited exemptions, but they do not create a general license to advertise or bill as a psychologist.
- Supervision must be by a licensed psychologist and documented; the supervisor remains responsible for the supervisee's work.
- Confidentiality, informed consent, and record-keeping duties attach at the start of the professional relationship.
Worked example
A licensed counselor advertises 'psychological testing for ADHD' and signs reports 'Psy.D.' She has a doctorate but no Louisiana psychology license. The title and testing claim suggest psychology practice. Her counseling license does not authorize independent psychological assessment, and the doctoral degree alone does not license her. She must stop the advertising and testing unless she obtains a psychology license or works under a valid exemption.
Traps
Do not assume a doctorate, national certification, or another state's license authorizes Louisiana practice. Do not stretch school or clergy exemptions into private practice. Do not ignore telepsychology when the patient is in Louisiana.