Counselors sue to use the word 'psychological' in their business name
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 [October 23, 2024]
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Two owners of a counseling service in
Louisiana have filed a federal lawsuit accusing the state of
unconstitutionally stopping them from using the word “psychological” in
their business name.
One of the plaintiffs is a licensed counselor and the other is a
licensed clinical social worker. Both have training in psychology, and
until early this year they operated a business called the Psychological
Wellness Institute.
Julie Alleman and Juliet Catrett own the business now called the P.
Wellness Institute in Baton Rouge. According to their lawsuit, the
Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists told them using
“psychological” in the name violated state law.
The plaintiffs say the state law is overly broad and puts them at risk
of misdemeanor prosecution for using the word psychological in the
business name or providing services that “constitute the practice of
psychiatry” under the law.
Alleman is a licensed professional counselor, a licensed marriage and
family therapist and a licensed addiction counselor, while Catrett is a
licensed clinical social worker, according to the lawsuit.
Both have studied psychology and use its principles in their work, the
suit says. But because of the law, the two say they no longer use the
word “psychological” in describing their work to clients or potential
clients.
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 “Alleman and Catrett would like to
explain to their clients, when appropriate, that, although they are
not licensed psychologists, they have studied psychological
principles, methods, and procedures, and apply them in their
treatment to help clients modify their behavior and improve their
lives,” the lawsuit says.
The suit seeks a court order declaring that
Alleman's and Catrett's constitutional free speech rights are being
violated and that the law is overly broad. It also seeks an order
blocking enforcement of the law against them by the board or the
Baton Rouge district attorney.
Emails seeking comment were sent to the state board's executive
director and attorney Tuesday morning.
Two advocacy groups, the Center for Individual Rights and the
Pelican Institute are providing court representation for Alleman and
Catrett.
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