37-39-101. Purpose. The practices of social work, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, addiction counseling, and behavioral health peer support in the state of Montana are professional behavioral health practices affecting the public health, safety, and welfare and are subject to regulation and control in the public interest. It is a matter of public interest and concern that the collective practices of these professions warrant and receive the confidence of the public and that only qualified persons be permitted to practice in the behavioral health field from within or outside of Montana and engage with behavioral health clients located within the state. This chapter must be liberally construed to carry out these objectives and purposes.