Penal Code section 6048.5

As used in this article, “qualified mental health care professional” means a physician, physician assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner, psychologist licensed by the Board of Psychology, registered psychologist, postdoctoral psychological assistant, postdoctoral psychology trainee employed in an exempt setting pursuant to Section 2910 of the Business and Professions Code or employed pursuant to a State Department of Health Care Services waiver pursuant to Section 5751.2 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, marriage and family therapist, associate marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, associate clinical social worker, licensed professional clinical counselor, associate professional clinical counselor, or other person who, by virtue of their credentials, is permitted by law to evaluate and care for patients, and who, by virtue of their credentialing, or in addition to their credentialing, has received instruction, training, or expertise in identifying and interacting with persons in need of mental health services.

Source: Section 6048.5, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=6048.­5.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2024; accessed Jul. 14, 2025).

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Jul. 14, 2025

§ 6048.5's source at ca​.gov