Basics of California Law for LMFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs, 12th ed - paperback
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Written by a therapist for other therapists (and therapists in training), Basics of California Law takes the many nuances of California law and regulation and puts them in digestible, easy-to-apply language. It covers all three of California's major masters-level mental health professions: Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling, and Clinical Social Work.
The 12th edition is updated to 2026 laws and regulations, with information on planned changes to the licensing process. Scroll down for more information on changes in this edition.
316 pages | Paperback | ISBN 979-8987461716
About the 12th edition
Updated to 2026 California state law, with added discussion of AI and board plans to change the licensing process.
Introduction
1. Scope of practice
2. Licensing
3. Supervision
4. Confidentiality
5. Documentation
6. Families and children
7. Abuse reporting
8. Technology
9. Business and marketing
10. Employment
11. Unprofessional conduct
12. Advocacy
Appendix
The 11th edition is updated to 2026 laws and regulations, with updated content and citations throughout. Among the more substantive changes:
- Updated rules for artificial intelligence
- Updated rules for documentation
- Updated rules for required disclosures
- Added information on planned changes to the licensure process
- New discussion on the controversy around clinical exams in mental health care
If you are using Basics of California Law as a required text in your class, or would like to review it for adoption consideration, you may be eligible to receive an instructor review copy at no charge. Please visit this page for additional information.
about the author
Benjamin E. Caldwell, PsyD
Dr. Caldwell is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Adjunct Faculty for California State University Northridge. He served for 10 years as Legislative and Advocacy Committee Chair for AAMFT-CA, and chaired the AAMFT workgroup that developed Best Practices in the Online Practice of Couple and Family Therapy. He has been deeply involved in policy changes impacting California mental health professionals, including the state's first-in-the-nation ban on reparative therapy for minors. He speaks around the country on issues related to ethics, technology, supervision, and professional development.
