social work in this State who has at least a masters degree in social work from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in social work for at least 2 years, and who, after January 1, 1985, must be licensed as a clinical social worker in this State; a licensed clinical professional counselor licensed for the independent practice of counseling who has at least a masters degree in counseling from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in counseling for at least 2 years and, after January 1, 2002, must be licensed as a clinical professional counselor in this State; or a licensed nurse who is certified by the American Nurses' Association as a clinical specialist in adult psychiatric and mental health nursing or as a clinical specialist in child and adolescent psychiatric and mental health nursing, any person covered by the policy is entitled to reimbursement for these services if the services are performed by a physician; a psychologist licensed to practice in this State; a certified social worker licensed for independent practice in this State who has at least a masters degree in social work from an accredited educational institution, who has been employed in social work for at least 2 years, and who, after January 1, 1985, must be licensed as a clinical social worker in this State; a licensed clinical professional counselor licensed for the independent practice of counseling who has at least a masters degree in counseling from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in counseling for at least 2 years and, after January 1, 2002, must be licensed as a clinical professional counselor in this State; or a licensed nurse certified by the American Nurses' Association as a clinical specialist in adult or child and adolescent psychiatric and mental health nursing. Payment or reimbursement for services rendered by clinical social workers licensed in this State, licensed clinical professional counselors licensed in this State or licensed nurses certified by the American Nurses' Association as clinical specialists in adult or child and adolescent psychiatric and mental health nursing may not be conditioned upon prior diagnosis or referral by a physician or other health care professional, except in cases where diagnosis of the condition for which the services are rendered is beyond the scope of their licensure.

3. Mental health services provided by counseling professionals. Except as provided in subsection 1 with regard to reimbursement of clinical professional counselors licensed in this State, an insurer that issues group health care contracts providing coverage for mental health services shall make available coverage for those services when performed by a counseling professional who is licensed by the State pursuant to Title 32, chapter 119 to assess and treat interpersonal and