BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) -- A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday by two Baton Rouge therapists accuses the state of Louisiana of violating their right to free speech. The lawsuit challenges a state law that bans people from using the words "psychology," "psychological" or "psychologist" to describe their counseling practice unless the owners are licensed psychologists. Anyone who violates the law could face a misdemeanor charge. According to the lawsuit, plaintiffs Julie Alleman and Juliet Catrett want to change the name of their company back to Psychological Wellness Institute since they believe it accurately describes the services provided at the practice. The name of the business is currently P. Wellness Institute to comply with the law. The duo claim the prohibition violates their First and 14th Amendment Rights. Alleman is a licensed professional counselor, a licensed marriage and family therapist and a licensed addiction counselor. Catrett is a licensed clinical social worker. Both said they have never represented themselves as licensed psychologists. “Our business is built on helping people relieve their suffering by promoting psychological wellness,” said Alleman. “This law criminalizes us for using the word 'psychological' in the name of our business to accurately describe the services we are providing and prohibits us from using common words people expect to hear from their counselors by making us liable for civil and criminal charges.” New poll: See what East Baton Rouge mayoral candidates residents are supporting Attorneys said a representative from the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists stated that a preliminary investigation found multiple law violations after a complaint was filed in January 2024. Alleman and Catrett are seeking injunctive relief to prevent the state from taking any action if they use any variation of the word "psychology" in the title of and for their practice. They are being represented pro bono by the Center for Individual Rights and the Pelican Institute for Public Policy. Latest News Report: New Orleans Saints, Alvin Kamara agree to contract extension Missouri woman finds trunk full of stolen campaign signs with help of Apple AirTag Senate battle goes from bad to worse for Democrats Going to see Taylor Swift in New Orleans? Louisiana AG shares tips on how to avoid scams Judge tosses RNC challenge to Michigan voter roll maintenance