The Chiles v. Salazar case and how it could affect you as a psychologist practicing in North Carolina:

🧠 What the Supreme Court Case Could Mean for Psychologists in NC

The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case called Chiles v. Salazar (scheduled for 2025), and while it may not seem directly connected to your day-to-day practice, the ruling could have major implications for how your work is regulated in North Carolina and across the country.

🏛️ What’s the Case About?

The core issue is:

Is mental health counseling considered “speech” or “conduct”?

• If it’s legally considered speech, then what you say in sessions could be protected by the First Amendment (like political or religious speech).
• If it’s conduct, then states (like North Carolina) have more freedom to regulate it through licensure laws, ethics codes, and board rules.

⚖️ Why This Matters to You

Right now:

• The North Carolina Psychology Board sets rules about what you can and can’t do or say professionally — including how you deliver therapy, what you document, and how you diagnose or treat.
• If the Supreme Court rules that therapy is protected speech, some of those regulations might be challenged in court or limited in scope.
• For example, bans on certain therapeutic approaches (e.g., conversion therapy), mandatory disclosures, or specific training requirements could be argued as violations of free speech, not just professional conduct issues.

🔄 Split in the Courts

• Courts in some states (like Florida and Pennsylvania) say therapy is speech and therefore harder to regulate.
• Courts in other states (like California and Colorado) say it’s conduct and can be regulated more strictly.

The Supreme Court is stepping in to resolve the disagreement, and their decision could apply nationwide, including here in North Carolina.

🧩 What You Should Watch For

• Licensing laws and ethics rules could be affected — especially those that involve the content of what psychologists say in therapy.
• There could be new challenges to state board decisions based on First Amendment claims.
• As a psychologist, you may see shifts in how the NC Psychology Board enforces or modifies rules, depending on how this case is decided.

🛡️ Bottom Line

This case could redefine the legal boundaries of your speech in therapy. If the court rules that mental health treatment is speech, more protections (but also more legal complexity) may apply to your sessions. If it’s conduct, state regulatory control stays strong.

Either way, it’s smart to stay informed — especially if you provide therapy in sensitive areas, serve as a supervisor, or participate in advocacy around mental health laws.