Scope of Practice

Understand the critical guidelines that define safe and ethical practice in Integrative Therapy Practice.

Defining a clear scope of work.

A Non-Diagnosis Model Of Care

Integrative Therapy is a non-clinical, educational, and experiential approach to emotional health and well-being. Practitioners support clients through mindfulness, movement, and body-based practices that enhance awareness and also self-regulation, while maintaining a clear distinction from clinical psychotherapy and medicine.

Foundational Definition

Integrative Therapy

CITs work from a whole-person perspective, using body-based, mindfulness-based, and relational awareness tools to support self-regulation, insight, and personal growth.

	Permitted Activities	Restricted Activities	Collaboration Requirements
General Scope	May provide integrative, somatic, or body-based support focused on education, awareness, and self-regulation	May not diagnose, treat, or claim to cure any mental health or medical condition.	Must refer clients to licensed professionals when symptoms suggest clinical mental health disorder.
Client Assessment	May use non-diagnostic assessments (e.g., somatic mapping, wellness intake forms, self-awareness exercises).	May not perform psychological revaluations, DSM-based assessments, or medical diagnostics.	When presenting symptoms exceed non-clinical scope, CITs must refer to clients to a licensed clinician.
Modalities and Techniques	May use mindfulness, breathwork, guided meditation, somatics, parts work (in an educational context), movement, touch-based modalities (with consent, and where state permitted), and nervous system regulation techniques.	May not perform psychotherapy, EMDR, psychiatric interventions, or prescribe medication.	CITs should coordinate with mental health providers if clients are receiving concurrent psychotherapy or psychiatric care.
Client Relationship	May maintain an educational and therapeutic relationship that promotes personal growth and self-regulation.	May not engage in dependency-based relationships or represent themselves as a psychotherapist, counselor, or psychologist unless separately licensed.	Must clarify professional role and limitations at intake and in written materials.
Use of Touch	Permitted only when the modality justifies touch (e.g., somatic release, massage, or energy work), when explicit informed consent is obtained, and when permitted by state regulation.	Any sexual, suggestive, or non-consensual touch is strictly prohibited.	Consent must be documented, and clients should be informed of alternative non-touch options.
Trauma and Emotional Processing	May support emotional awareness, grounding, and body-based trauma education in a non-clinical capacity.	May not conduct trauma exposure therapy, regression therapy, or interventions intended to treat PTSD or severe clinical trauma.	Must refer to a trauma-informed licensed professional when clients present active trauma symptoms beyond educational capacity.
Spiritual or Energetic Work	May include energy-based modalities (e.g., Reiki, chakra work, sound therapy) within informed consent.	May not impose spiritual belief systems or claim supernatural healing.	Must clearly state that spiritual approaches are optional and non-medical.
Documentation and Records	Must maintain basic client records, intake forms, informed consent, and supervision logs.	May not produce clinical or insurance documentation (e.g., treatment plans, diagnostic codes).	Maintain confidentiality except as required by law or safety concerns.
Fees and Representation	May charge fair professional fees for service rendered. Must disclose all fees and policies clearly before services begin.	May not engage in fraudulent billing or misrepresent services as clinical psychotherapy for insurance reimbursement.	Provide clients receipts for services labeled as “Integrative Therapy” or “Wellness Coaching”.
Public Representation	May use the title Certified Integrative Therapist (CIT) and display the ITA credential logo.	May not use protected titles such as “psychotherapist”, “counselor”, “psychologist”, or “doctor” without appropriate licensure.	Must include scope disclaimer on websites and promotional materials.
Supervision and Continuing Education	Must complete at least 100 hours of initial supervised practiced and 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years. New practitioners are encouraged, but not required, to remain under supervision during their first 200 client hours.	Failure to maintain CE requirements results in inactive status.	Supervisors must hold either a master’s degree, professional license, or ITA lead trainer credential.