### Question
How is the "mental health service professional" defined?


### Answer
The term **mental health service professional** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 295p* as follows -

> an individual with a graduate or postgraduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education in psychiatry, psychology, school psychology, behavioral pediatrics, psychiatric nursing, social work, school social work, substance abuse disorder prevention and treatment, marriage and family counseling, school counseling, or professional counseling

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 295p*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6A-PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE > SUBCHAPTER V-HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION > Part G-General Provisions**

