36-26-45. Clinical social work defined.Clinical social work is practiced by a social worker who has received a master's or doctoral degree and is licensed under §36-26-14 or 36-26-17. Clinical social work includes individual, family, and small group psychotherapy. Clinical social work practice is the professional application of social work theory and methods to the treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or impairment, including emotional and mental disorders. It is based on knowledge of one or more theories of human development. Clinical social work services consist of assessment; diagnosis; treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling; client-centered advocacy; consultation; and evaluation. The process of clinical social work is undertaken within the objectives of social work and the principles and values contained in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics as of January 1, 1995. Source: SL 1995, ch 224, §1.
South Dakota Legal Code