New York Licensure Bill Passed by Assembly

E-News from Washington June 26, 2002 Vol. 02-16
New York Licensure Bill Passed by Assembly

Last evening, on June 25th, the New York State Assembly passed, by unanimous vote, legislation to license mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, creative arts therapists, and psychoanalysts. The bill is now awaiting the signature of Gov. George Pataki (R), who is expected to sign the legislation within several weeks. The enactment of the bill will end more than two decades of struggle for licensure in New York.

Requirements to become a licensed mental health counselor include a master's or doctoral degree in counseling and a minimum of 3000 hours of post master's supervised experience - a standard advocated by AMHCA. The legislation establishes a State Board for Mental Health Practitioners, and allows mental health counselors to use psychotherapy to treat mental and emotional disorders. The new law will take effect on January 1, 2005.

AMHCA commends its New York chapter President, Judy Ritterman, for her tireless efforts on behalf of mental health counselors in the state and herdiligence in working to see the passage of this important legislation.

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E-News from Washington June 26, 2002 Vol. 02-16 New York Licensure Bill Passed by Assembly

E-News from Washington June 26, 2002 Vol. 02-16
New York Licensure Bill Passed by Assembly