South Dakota § 27A-1-3 - Qualified mental health professionals.

Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 27A-1-3 — Qualified mental health professionals., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 27A-1-3. Qualified mental health professionals.

As used in this title, the term, qualified mental health professional, means a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 36-4 or a member of one of the professions listed as follows who is in good standing with any relevant licensing or certification boards:

(1)    A psychologist who is licensed to practice psychology in South Dakota;

(2)    An advanced practice nurse with at least a master's degree from an accredited education program and either two years or one thousand hours of clinical experience that includes mental health evaluation and treatment;

(3)    A certified social worker with a master's degree from an accredited training program and two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting;

(4)    A person who has a master's degree in psychology from an accredited program and two years of supervised clinical mental health experience and who meets the provision of subdivision 36-27A-2(2);

(5)    A counselor who is certified under chapter 36-32 as a licensed professional counselor--mental health;

(6)    A counselor who is certified under chapter 36-32 as a licensed professional counselor and has two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting and who is employed by the State of South Dakota or a mental health center;

(7)    A therapist who is licensed under chapter 36-33 as a marriage and family therapist with two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting;

(8)    A physician assistant who is licensed under chapter 36-4A and either two years or one thousand hours of clinical experience that includes mental health evaluation and treatment; or

(9)    A professional as listed in subdivisions (1) to (8), inclusive, who is employed by the federal government and currently licensed in that profession in another state, in good standing with the licensing board, and acting within the scope of the professional's license.

Except as provided in subdivision (9) and § 36-4-20, each qualified mental health professional shall meet all licensing and certification requirements promulgated by the State of South Dakota for persons engaged in private practice of the same profession in South Dakota. However, the private practice licensure requirements for persons referred to in subdivisions (3) and (6) do not apply to those employed by the State of South Dakota, mental health centers, or organizations that have a formal clinical supervision arrangement by an employed person who is licensed at the private practice level.

Source: SL 1975, ch 181, §§ 1 (9), 30; SDCL Supp, §§ 27-1-1.1 (9), 27-1-3.1; SL 1978, ch 193, § 1; SL 1987, ch 198, § 1; SL 1991, ch 220, § 3; SL 1994, ch 222, §§ 1, 2; SL 1995, ch 226, § 5; SL 2003, ch 151, § 1; SL 2003, ch 152, § 1; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1), § 163, eff. Apr. 12, 2011; SL 2012, ch 149, § 3; SL 2013, ch 122, § 3.

Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 27A-1-3

What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 27A-1-3 cover?

Section 27A-1-3 ("Qualified mental health professionals.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. 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 South Dakota § 27A-1-3?

A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 27A-1-3" (South Dakota). 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 South Dakota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.

How does South Dakota § 27A-1-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota 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 South Dakota.