N.Y. Education Law § 7601-a: Definition of the practice of psychology

§ 7601-a. Definition of the practice of psychology. 1. The practice of

psychology is the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation,

and modification of behavior for the purpose of preventing or

eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive or undesired behavior; enhancing

interpersonal relationships, personal, group or organizational

effectiveness and work and/or life adjustment; and improving behavioral

health and/or mental health. The practice includes, but is not limited

to psychological (including neuropsychological) testing and counseling;

psychoanalysis; psychotherapy; the diagnosis and treatment of mental,

nervous, emotional, cognitive or behavioral disorders, disabilities,

ailments or illnesses, alcoholism, substance abuse, disorders of habit

or conduct, the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident,

injury or disability, psychological aspects of learning (including

learning disorders); and the use of accepted classification systems.

2. The term "diagnosis and treatment" means the appropriate

psychological diagnosis and the ordering or providing of treatment

according to need. Treatment includes, but is not limited to counseling,

psychotherapy, marital or family therapy, psychoanalysis, and other

psychological interventions, including verbal, behavioral, or other

appropriate means as defined in regulations promulgated by the

commissioner.