Sex Offender Treatment Board Clinical-Level Therapist Grandfathering

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Sex Offender Treatment Board

Clinical-Level Therapist Grandfathering


What is the purpose of the grandfathering provision?

Question What is the purpose of the grandfathering provision to obtain certification as a clinical sex offender therapist? Answer The grandfathering provision allows applicants without active mental health licensure to obtain certification as a clinical sex offender therapist if they submit documentation of required education, experience and training.


Is a master's degree required as part of grandfathering?

Question Is a master's degree required to gain certification as a clinical sex offender therapist through grandfathering? Answer Yes. Applicants must have the college or university submit official transcripts showing attainment of at least a master's degree or higher level degree in behavioral sciences.


When is the deadline for certification through grandfathering?

Question When is the deadline to obtain certification as a clinical sex offender therapist through grandfathering? Answer The deadline to submit application materials for certification as a clinical sex offender therapist through the grandfathering provision is March 14, 2009.


What is the professional clinical experience requirement?

Question What is the professional clinical experience requirement for certification as a clinical sex offender therapist through the grandfathering provision? Answer Applicants for certification as a clinical sex offender therapist through grandfathering must provide a record of at least 6,000 hours of professional clinical experience. Of that 6,000 hours, at least 3,000 hours must be related to direct treatment services. Direct treatment services is defined as as "face-to-face individual, group or family therapy...." under Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 331-800-0010(11). See questions and answers below for more information on the professional clinical experience requirement. Professional clinical experience includes professional evaluation and treatment and professional activities.


What is the professional evaluation and treatment requirement?

Question What is the professional evaluation and treatment requirement to gain certification as a clinical sex offender therapist through grandfathering? Answer Applicants must provide a record of 1,500 hours of evaluations and treatment experience. For more information, see Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 331-810-0035(7). Scroll down to find the correct section. Or, review grandfathering application materials on the Forms page.


What is the professional activities requirement?

Question What is the professional activities requirement for clinical certification through grandfathering? Answer Applicants must provide a record of 1,500 hours of professionally related activities, including: At least 1,200 hours of documented activities, including but not limited to: (A) Client charting or case management (B) Research (C) Peer review, consultations, or meetings with attorneys, parole officers or other officials (D) Court time or testimony (E) Profession related committee work or attendance at sex offender treatment related meetings At least 300 hours of professional activities engaged in as a sex offender therapist, while under the direct supervision of a qualified mental health professional.* *The direct supervision requirement may be waived if the applicant documents why direct supervision was not possible or cannot be documented.


What are the professional formal training requirements?

Question What are the professional formal training requirements for clinical-level certification through grandfathering? Answer Applicants must provide a record of at least 120 hours of* formal training directly related to the treatment and evaluation of sex offenders or victims of abuse.* The total of 120 hours is divided into 90 hours* in essential subjects and 30 hours in training and knowledge.* For more information, see Oregon Administrative Rules 331-810-0035(9). Scroll down to find the correct section. Or, review grandfathering application materials on the Forms page.


When must qualifying experience and training be obtained?

Question When must professional clinical experience and formal training be obtained for clinical-level certification through grandfathering? Answer Applicants may qualify through one of two pathways: Pathway one: Applicants must meet all qualification criteria within a period of six years immediately preceding the date of application. or Pathway two: Applicants must meet qualification criteria within a period of 10 years immediately preceding the date of application. The 120 hours of required formal training must be completed at a minimum of 30 hours per year during the previous four years preceding the date of application.


What are the total number of hours required?

Question What are the total number of hours required for clinical-level certification through the grandfathering provision? Answer Applicants must have completed and submit documented evidence of a total of 6,000 hours of professional clinical experience* and 120 hours of formal training.* Of the total of 6,000 hours of professional clinical experience: At least 3,000 hours must be related to direct treatment services At least 1,500 hours must be professional evaluation and treatment experience At least 1,500 hours must be professionally related activities (at least 300 hours engaged in as a sex offender therapist)


Will "grandfathering provision" be on my certificate?

Question Will my certificate indicate that I obtained certification through the grandfathering provision? Answer No. Applicants who obtain certification through the grandfathering provision receive the same type of certificate as all clinical-level therapists.

Page updated: September 02, 2008

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