Skip to main content
US Criminal Defense.org
Menu

Iowa legal term

Counselor or therapist in Iowa Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Iowa legislative session

In Iowa criminal law, “Counselor or therapist” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Iowa criminal code.

What does “Counselor or therapist” mean in Iowa criminal law?

“Counselor or therapist” means a physician, psychologist, nurse, professional counselor, social worker, marriage or family therapist, alcohol or drug counselor, member of the clergy, or any other person, whether or not licensed or registered by the state, who provides or purports to provide mental health services. c. “Emotionally dependent” means that the nature of the patient’s or client’s or former patient’s or client’s emotional condition or the nature of the treatment provided by the counselor or therapist is such that the counselor or therapist knows or has reason to know that the patient (Iowa Code § 709.15)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.