Colorado § 12-245-218 - Title use restrictions.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-245-218 — Title use restrictions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-245-218. Title use restrictions.
(1) A psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, psychotherapist, or addiction counselor may only use the title for which the person is licensed, certified, or registered under this article 245. Except as provided in section 12-245-306 (3), no other person shall:
(a) Hold himself or herself out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the terms "licensed clinical social worker", "clinical social worker", "LCSW", "licensed social worker", "LSW", "clinical social worker candidate", "provisional social worker", "SWP", "marriage and family therapist", "LMFT", "MFT", "marriage and family therapist candidate", "MFT candidate", "MFTC", "professional counselor", "licensed professional counselor", "LPC", "licensed professional counselor candidate", "LPCC", "provisional licensed professional counselor", "psychologist", "provisional psychologist", "psychologist candidate", "psychology", "psychological", "unlicensed psychotherapist", "addiction counselor", "licensed addiction counselor", "LAC", "certified addiction specialist", "CAS", "certified addiction technician", "CAT", or "addiction counselor candidate"; or
(b) State or imply that the person is licensed, certified, or registered to practice social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, psychology, psychotherapy, or addiction counseling.
(2) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a person from stating or using the educational degrees that the person has obtained.
Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1236, § 1, effective October 1. L. 2020: Entire section amended, (HB 20-1206), ch. 304, p. 1528, § 12, effective July 14. L. 2021: (1)(a) amended, (HB 21-1305), ch. 399, p. 2647, § 1, effective July 1.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-43-216 as it existed prior to 2019.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 12-245-218
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-245-218 cover?
Section 12-245-218 ("Title use restrictions.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 12-245-218?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-245-218" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 12-245-218 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.