The New York State Board of Psychology plays a central role in maintaining the integrity and standards of psychological practice throughout the state. Its primary purpose is to ensure the public receives professional, ethical, and competent psychological services by strictly regulating who can become licensed and how practice standards are upheld. This Board operates under New York’s Office of the Professions, which governs various disciplines through licensure processes, ongoing oversight, and enforcement of state laws.
To be legally recognized as a psychologist in New York, candidates must navigate a demanding process designed to verify their education, training, and ethical suitability. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution, ensuring their educational background matches both state and national standards. The Board requires completion of a specified amount of supervised experience—generally 1,750 hours post-doctorally—with supervision provided by a licensed psychologist. This step is crucial for developing clinical insight, professional maturity, and familiarity with regulations.
Applicants then must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), a national standardized test designed to assess core professional competencies and ethical understanding. Candidates also need to demonstrate good moral character and meet any continuing education standards specified by the Board. These requirements act as safeguards to ensure every psychologist licensed in New York is equipped to deliver services responsibly.
Once granted licensure, psychologists remain subject to ongoing Board oversight. The Board has the authority to investigate complaints about professional conduct, violations of ethical guidelines, or lapses in standard of care. Investigations may result in disciplinary actions, including censure, suspension, probation, or, in severe cases, the revocation of licensure.
Oversight ensures consumers in New York have a clear avenue for raising concerns about their psychological care, which reinforces ethical standards and public trust in the profession. Practitioners are expected to maintain clear boundaries, protect client confidentiality, and avoid conflicts of interest in all aspects of practice. The Board also works to educate both professionals and the public about topics like consent, mandated reporting, and best practices for treatment.
The New York State Board of Psychology recognizes that ongoing education is vital to maintaining high standards across the industry. Licensed psychologists are required to complete mandated continuing education hours each three-year registration period, focusing on ethical practices, emerging research, and specialty areas. Topics might include trauma-informed care, updates in cognitive therapy, legal changes, or innovations in technology-enabled therapy.
This requirement ensures psychologists can deliver the latest, research-guided interventions and adapt to diverse client needs. It also supports professional growth in areas such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), clinical supervision, and telepsychology, which are increasingly relevant in today’s behavioral health landscape.
New York’s regulatory environment supports specialization within psychology while ensuring those who specialize—such as clinical psychologists, school psychologists, neuropsychologists, or EMDR specialists—meet the Board’s core standards. In particular, practices offering EMDR psychotherapy must comply with state licensure and supervision requirements, uphold strict confidentiality, and periodically update competencies through continuing education.
The Board actively encourages multidisciplinary collaboration, integrating psychologists into treatment teams with psychiatrists, social workers, and other health professionals. This fosters holistic care for clients, especially those dealing with complex trauma, mood disorders, or behavioral health challenges. Such diverse teamwork is essential for comprehensive, individualized treatment plans.
Ethical considerations are foundational for practitioners overseen by the New York State Board of Psychology. Licensed psychologists must adhere to codes of conduct pertaining to informed consent, privacy, documentation, and non-discrimination. Violations of these protocols can result in disciplinary action, loss of licensure, and even legal consequences.
The Board’s strong stance on ethics ensures client welfare is paramount, and that psychologists are continually equipped to navigate complex situations—including dual relationships, mandatory reporting of abuse, or crisis intervention. Ongoing education in ethics further strengthens the profession’s ability to serve New York’s diverse population compassionately and wisely.
Psychologists already licensed in another state may qualify for licensure in New York under certain conditions. The Board requires these applicants to meet equivalency criteria and satisfy any unique state requirements, such as additional coursework or examinations. This process allows for professional mobility while preserving the integrity of psychological care standards in New York.
Reciprocal agreements and expedited pathways help attract highly qualified professionals from across the country to New York, expanding the range of services and expertise available. This is especially significant for specialized practices and innovative therapies, such as EMDR psychotherapy, that depend on qualified staff with up-to-date credentials.
Ultimately, the New York State Board of Psychology serves as a guardian of client safety and quality care. Its licensure and oversight mechanisms ensure that only those with proven expertise and ethical grounding may practice as psychologists, benefitting thousands of New Yorkers who depend on reliable mental health care. From individual therapy to advanced modalities like EMDR, the Board’s standards provide the foundation for effective treatment, informed consent, and respectful, professional services across all settings.
In New York, NY, clients seeking evidence-based trauma and anxiety treatment can trust that practitioners—such as those at SOHO Integrative EMDR—are rigorously licensed under the New York State Board of Psychology’s oversight. SOHO Integrative EMDR provides specialized EMDR psychotherapy, aligning with the Board’s standards for ethical, confidential, and effective care.
For individuals looking to address trauma, stress, or emotional disturbances, working with licensed professionals ensures every therapeutic experience is safe, informed, and tailored to individual needs.