Can people be counselors without a license?
No they cannot. A mandatory practice law has been in effect since July 1, 2007. No one is allowed by law to do professional counseling for a fee without a mental health license or if they fall into these categories as outlined in this Statute http://legis.state.sd.us/statutes/DisplayStatute.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=36-32-12. Someone who has been practicing professional counseling as defined in Statute 36-32-1(5) for at least 10 years may be eligible for the LPC by Exemption as outlined in Statute http://legis.state.sd.us/statutes/DisplayStatute.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=36-32-13.2.
