CA AB1598

Standardizes exemption provisions across the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Act, Clinical Social Worker Practice Act, and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Act to allow qualified members of other professional groups to perform psychosocial work consistent with their own professional standards without implying licensure under these acts

Extends the maximum renewal period for associate registrations (marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker, professional clinical counselor) from 5 renewals over 6 years to 6 renewals over 7 years

Requires all applicants for licensure to pass relevant examinations and complete required experience within 7 years prior to the board receiving their application, with the California law and ethics examination 7-year limit applying to applications received on or after January 1, 2030

Creates a one-time, two-year hardship extension allowing holders of subsequent associate registration numbers to work in one private practice, subject to board approval and demonstration of good cause such as extended medical leave or family caregiving responsibilities

Expands religious exemptions to include imams and other religious officials providing faith-based counseling for recognized religious organizations, provided services are performed under the entity's auspices, no separate fee is charged, and services do not involve diagnosing or treating mental health disorders