Ethics and Law for Psychologists: New York State Specific Regulations

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How to Take This Course:

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Target Audience: Psychologists
Instructional Level: Introductory

CE Course Description

This advanced continuing education course provides licensed psychologists with a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the ethical, legal, and professional standards required for clinical practice in New York State. Grounded in the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (APA, 2017) and the New York State Education Law (Article 153), this course examines the legal mandates, risk management strategies, and culturally responsive practices essential for maintaining licensure, ensuring client safety, and promoting equity in mental health services. Key topics include licensure and unprofessional conduct, ethical decision-making frameworks, boundaries and dual relationships, documentation and recordkeeping, crisis response and risk management, psychological assessment practices, and cultural humility in diverse populations. Special emphasis is placed on current APA practice guidelines, state-specific regulations, and real-world scenarios involving clinical ethics, telepsychology, client welfare, and cross-cultural care. This course is designed to support psychologists in meeting New York State continuing education requirements, strengthening their ethical reasoning skills, and promoting culturally inclusive and legally compliant psychological practice. Participants will gain practical tools and theoretical frameworks that enhance clinical judgment, reduce liability exposure, and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.

Courseware Supervisor: Ryan C. Warner, Ph.D., CRC

Author: Jay Trambadia, Psy.D.

CE Course Objectives

1. Identify the key legal statutes, regulatory authorities, and licensing requirements that govern the practice of psychology in New York State, including Article 153 of the Education Law and the Rules of the Board of Regents (Part 29).
2. Apply structured ethical decision-making frameworks to complex clinical dilemmas involving confidentiality, risk, and dual relationships.
3. Differentiate between boundary crossings and violations, and demonstrate how to maintain ethical documentation and professional conduct in accordance with APA ethics and New York State law.
4. Implement best practices for psychological assessment, risk management, and telepsychology while considering public safety, legal risk, and client welfare in high-stakes or diverse contexts.
5. Integrate cultural competence, cultural humility, and intersectionality into clinical practice by applying APA’s multicultural and diversity guidelines to promote ethical care for racially, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse populations

1. Section 1: Overview of New York State Laws and Regulations for Psychologists – 30 minutes
2. Section 2: Ethics in Psychology – 30 minutes
3. Section 3: Unprofessional Conduct and Disciplinary Actions – 25 minutes
4. Section 4: Best Practices for Documentation and Recordkeeping in Psychological Practice – 25 minutes
5. Section 5: Psychological Practice in the Context of Health, Safety, and Welfare – 20 minutes
6. Section 6: Psychological Assessment in the Context of Public Welfare, Safety, and Risk Management – 25 minutes
7. Section 7: Diversity, Cultural Competence, and Ethical Practice in Psychological Services – 20 minutes
8. Conclusion and References – 5 minutes

Course Date: 2025-07-14

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