In the face of a growing global mental health crisis, the demand for skilled and compassionate professionals in the mental, behavioral, and cognitive healthcare fields has never been greater. The rising prevalence of mental health conditions, coupled with changing societal attitudes and an aging population, have created an urgent need for a diverse and dedicated workforce ready to tackle these complex challenges.
The mental health field offers a wide array of fulfilling career paths for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. From providing direct clinical care to conducting groundbreaking research, advocating for policy change, and fostering community resilience, there is a role for everyone with a desire to contribute to this critical area of healthcare. Whether you dream of helping individuals navigate their emotions and overcome challenges, unraveling the mysteries of the human mind, or championing for greater access to care, a career in mental health promises profound personal and professional rewards.
The Growing Need: Mental health conditions affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. The increasing prevalence of these conditions has led to a surge in demand for qualified mental health professionals who can provide effective assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and support.
Diverse Career Paths: The mental health field offers a diverse range of career options, catering to various interests and skill sets. Whether your passion lies in direct clinical practice, research, advocacy, education, or community outreach, there is a fulfilling path for you to explore.
Making a Difference: A career in mental health is not just a job; it's an opportunity to make a tangible and lasting difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. By promoting mental wellbeing, preventing mental illness, and supporting recovery, mental health professionals play a vital role in improving the overall health and quality of life for countless people.
The mental health field is vast and varied, offering a range of career paths for those passionate about promoting and improving mental well-being. Whether you're drawn to direct clinical care or prefer to work in research, advocacy, or education, there's a role that aligns with your skills and interests.
Mental health professionals work in a wide range of settings, including:
- Hospitals and clinics: Providing inpatient and outpatient care
- Private practices: Offering individual, group, or family therapy
- Schools and universities: Supporting student mental health
- Community mental health centers: Serving diverse, often high-risk populations
- Government agencies: Developing and implementing policies
- Nonprofit organizations: Advocating for change and providing services
- Research institutions: Advancing knowledge and treatment
Salary Ranges
Professionals entering the diverse spectrum of mental health careers will encounter a range of starting salaries and opportunities for growth. Factors influencing salary levels include education and experience, with higher degrees and greater experience often translating to increased earnings. Specialized skills or areas of expertise can also command higher salaries due to demand or the unique skill set required. The work setting itself plays a role in offering a varying level of compensation from private practice to community-based settings. Additionally, specific employers within the field may have different pay scales. For up-to-date information on your career interest, view several job posts that offer salary estimates in your geographical search area.
Licensing and Certification
In New York State, the Office of the Professions (NYSED) oversees the licensing of various clinical mental health professions. Many non-clinical roles do not require licensing to be performed. The licensing process ensures that mental health professionals in New York meet specific educational and experiential standards, protecting the public by ensuring competent and ethical practice. The specific requirements and processes differ depending on the profession. (https://www.op.nysed.gov)
The General Licensing Process
While the specific requirements vary, the general process for obtaining a mental health license in New York typically involves the following steps:
- Complete the Required Education: Obtain the necessary degree from an accredited program.
- Gain Supervised Experience: Accumulate the required number of hours of supervised clinical experience under the guidance of a licensed professional.
- Pass the Required Exam(s): Successfully complete the relevant licensing exams.
- Submit an Application: Apply for licensure through the NYSED, including all required documentation and fees.
- Maintain Licensure: Once licensed, mental health professionals must fulfill continuing education requirements to renew their licenses periodically.
Some of the most common mental health licenses issued by NYSED include:
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): Requires a master’s degree in social work (MSW), and passing the appropriate Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Requires a master's degree in social work (MSW), 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience, and passing the appropriate Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam.
- Licensed Psychologist (PhD or PsyD): Requires a doctorate degree in clinical psychology and 3,500 hours of post-doctoral supervised clinical experience, and pass the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) to qualify for a NYS psychology license.
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC): Requires a master's degree in mental health counseling, 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience, and passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): Requires a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience, and passing the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam.
- Licensed Psychoanalyst (LPA): Requires a doctoral degree in a mental health field, completion of a psychoanalytic training program, and passing the New York State licensure exam.
Clinical and Non-Clinical Careers, Licensing/Certification and Salary Ranges
Mental, behavioral, or cognitive healthcare professions may often be categorized as clinical and non-clinical. Clinical positions are typically what is thought of when describing the role of a mental healthcare provider. These professions are traditionally patient- or client-facing and involve the delivery of care. An individual that expresses a need for formalized mental healthcare services would be seen by a mental health clinician. Non-clinical careers are still therapeutic and promote mental health, but are primarily focused on providing support to their clients through prevention, education, and awareness. Both of these career paths are rewarding and offer the professional a clear path to creating a palpable difference in people’s lives. Together, these careers create a spectrum of integrated care for mental, behavioral, or cognitive healthcare in our communities. The following provides a description of each career, degree required, and a general average range of the current salaries within the Nassau and Suffolk County, NY region:
Clinical Careers
Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions. They can prescribe medication and provide therapy.
- Degree Required: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Licensure & credentials: U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA), or American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
- Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $224,000 - $324,000
Psychologists: Experts in human behavior who assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders through various therapeutic approaches.
- Degree Required: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.).
- Licensure & credentials: Licensed by NY State Office of the Professions.
- Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $81,000 - $141,000
Therapists/Counselors: Provide individual, group, or family therapy to help people cope with challenges and improve their mental health.
- Degree Required: Masters or Doctoral Degree in Counseling from a registered or accredited program
- Licensure & credentials:
- Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $60,000 - $110,000
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors: Provide individual, group or family services and substance use disorder counseling.
- Degree Required: High School Diploma
- Licensure & credentials: CASAC, Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor; Certified Recovery Peer (CRP); see “Certified Peer Specialist” for other Peer certification opportunities
- Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $41,000 - $73,000
Social Workers: Help individuals and families navigate social and emotional difficulties and connect them with resources.
- Degree Required: Master of social work (MSW), Doctorate of social work (DSW) or PhD in Social Work.
- Licensure & credentials: LMSW, LCSW, or other advanced licensure such as Diplomate and Board Certified Diplomate
- Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $60,000 - $99,000
Psychiatric Nurses: Provide specialized care to individuals with mental health conditions, often in hospital settings.
- Degree Required: Accredited program
- Licensure & credentials: Registered Nurse (RN) Certification
- Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $81,000 - $121,000
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners:
- Degree Required: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program, or less commonly, a Masters (MSN) or Doctorate degree (DNP) in Nursing.
- Licensure & credentials: Registered Nurse (RN) Certification plus certified and registered as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $95,000 - $180,000
Non-Clinical Careers
Researchers: Conduct studies to expand our understanding of mental health and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- Degree Required: Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Degree, or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Licensure & credentials: Academic degree
- Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $57,000 - $99,000
Advocates: Utilize their expertise with vulnerable populations such as children, victims and patients, to empower individuals and communities, reduce stigma, ensure access to care, and protect human rights such as legal or patient rights. While knowledge of the systems and policies in place is helpful, anyone can be an advocate regardless of their formal educational background.
- Degree Required: Degree requirements vary by organization and role. High School Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or Graduate Degree
- Licensure & credentials: Certified Mental Health Advocate (CMHA)
- Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $41,000 - $93,000
Community Support Workers: Assist individuals with mental health challenges in their daily lives, promoting independence and social inclusion.
- Degree Required: High School Diploma
- Licensure & credentials: Direct Support Professional (DSP) Certificate
- Long Island (NY) Average Pay Range: $15 - $19 per hour
Mental Health Educators/Population Health Specialists: Develop and deliver educational programs to promote mental well-being and prevent mental health problems. They may also work on community-wide initiatives to improve population health.
- Degree: Degree requirements vary by organization and role. Often this role requires a Graduate Degree (Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Public Health or related field), or Doctorate (Social Work, Public Health)
- Licensure & credentials: Academic degree
- Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $41,000 - $86,000
Certified Peer Specialists: Individuals with lived experience who use their insights to support others in recovery and connect them with resources.
- Degree: High School Diploma
- Licensure & credentials: Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA); NYS Certified Peer (NYSCP); Youth Peer; Family Peer
- Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $41,000 - $55,000
Administrative Roles: Executive directors, directors, supervisors and other administrative roles that oversee mental health programs, developing services, teams, securing funding, and ensuring access to care within the community and collaborating with community agencies.
- Degree: Degree requirements vary by organization and role. Often this role requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree (Public Health (MPH), Public Administration (MPA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), Human Services and Master of Science, as well as policy related degrees)
- Licensure & credentials: Academic degree
- Long Island (NY) Average Salary Range: $70,000 - $106,000
While these career paths may seem distinct, mental health is a collaborative field. Professionals often work across disciplines, sharing knowledge and resources to provide comprehensive care and support. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, advocate, or educator, you'll have opportunities to collaborate with others and contribute to the collective effort to improve mental health and contribute to overall well-being.
Embarking on a mental health career begins with choosing an education path that prepares you for opportunities of interest. Based on the wide variety of professions in mental, behavioral, or cognitive healthcare, there is no one correct educational pathway. While some traditional education routes exist for clinical careers, other roles offer flexibility in your professional development. The level of education required varies based on the specific career, ranging from a high school diploma for certain roles to doctoral degrees for others. In general, someone who is interested in pursuing a career in mental, behavioral, or cognitive healthcare may pursue the following degrees and/or certifications.
Clinical Career Pathways
Psychiatrists: The most extensive education path involves becoming a medical doctor, requiring a bachelor's degree, medical school (M.D. or D.O.), and a residency in psychiatry.
Long Island Options:
Psychologists: Aspiring psychologists typically need a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, along with supervised clinical experience and licensure.
Long Island Options:
Therapists/Counselors: These professionals generally require a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field, along with supervised clinical hours and licensure.
Long Island Options:
Social Workers: A master's degree in social work (MSW) is the standard for most social work positions, although some roles may require a bachelor's degree. Licensure is also required.
Long Island Options:
Psychiatric Nurses: Psychiatric nurses need a nursing degree (ADN or BSN) and licensure as a registered nurse (RN), with additional specialized training or certification in psychiatric nursing.
Long Island Options:
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners: A master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is typically required, along with RN licensure and specialized psychiatric training.
Long Island Options:
Non-Clinical Career Pathways
Researchers: While a bachelor's degree can suffice for some research assistant positions, most research roles require a graduate degree (master's or doctorate) in a relevant field such as psychology, public health, or social work.
Long Island Options:
Advocates: Educational requirements for advocacy work can range from a high school diploma to a graduate degree, depending on the specific focus and responsibilities of the position.
Long Island Organizations:
Community Support Workers: A high school diploma and relevant training are typically needed for these roles.
Long Island Resources:
Mental Health Educators: These professionals generally need at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as counseling, social work, psychology, or public health.
Long Island Options:
Certified Peer Specialists: A high school diploma and specialized training and certification are required.
Long Island Certification:
Choosing the Right Path
Selecting the right education pathway depends on your career goals, interests, and desired level of involvement in clinical practice. For those interested in direct clinical work, graduate or doctoral degrees are often necessary, while non-clinical roles may offer more flexibility in educational requirements.
Continuing Education
Many institutions, including Stony Brook University, Hofstra University, and Adelphi University, offer continuing education courses and certificates in mental health for professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills.
Regardless of the path chosen, it's essential to ensure that educational programs are accredited and meet the licensing requirements for your desired profession. Researching specific programs, seeking guidance from academic advisors, and networking with professionals in the field can help you make informed decisions about your education and career trajectory.
Internships
Securing an internship is an important way to immerse yourself in the mental health field and acquire practical experience in diverse settings. For some professions this is required during licensure. Seek out internships at hospitals, clinics, community mental health centers, or non-profit organizations to gain exposure to various client populations, treatment modalities, and professional roles.
Long Island Internship Opportunities
There are many opportunities within the Long Island Network for internships. You can also inquire within your degree program for support in connecting with local internship providers.
Hospitals
Catholic Health
- Good Samaritan University Hospital
- Mercy Hospital
- St. Catherine of Siena Hospital
- St. Charles Hospital
- St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center
- St. Joseph Hospital
Mount Sinai South Nassau
Nassau University Medical Center
Northwell Health
- Glen Cove Hospital
- Huntington Hospital
- Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital
- Mather Hospital
- North Shore University Hospital
- Peconic Bay Medical Center
- Plainview Hospital
- South Shore University Hospital
- Syosset Hospital
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Health
- NYU Langone Hospital — Suffolk
- NYU Langone Hospital — Long Island
Stony Brook Medicine
- Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital
- Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
- Stony Brook University Hospital
Clinics: Long Island Consultation Center, The Family Center, South Oaks Hospital
Community Mental Health Centers: Family and Children's Association, FEGS Health and Human Services, Long Island Crisis Center
Non-profit Organizations: The Mental Health Association of Nassau County, Suffolk County Mental Health Association, Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, and more
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering your time with mental health organizations can be a rewarding way to explore different career areas, gain experience and build a network of future opportunities. Consider volunteering at crisis hotlines, community outreach programs, or other local non-profit organizations to understand different populations' needs and challenges.
Long Island Volunteer Opportunities
Many Long Island organizations offer volunteer opportunities. Reach out to organizations that support your area of interest and career goals.
Crisis Hotlines: Long Island Crisis Center, Response of Suffolk County, The Trevor Project (national, but with virtual opportunities)
Local non-profit organizations: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) - Long Island Chapters, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Long Island Chapters, The Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation, Family Service League, Youth Enrichment Services, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Long Island Chapter, Island Harvest, Long Island Cares, Inc., Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk County, SEPA Mujer, and more
Shadowing Professionals
Reach out to mental health professionals in your area and inquire about shadowing opportunities. Shadowing allows you to observe firsthand what a typical day is like for various mental health careers and gain valuable insights into the skills and knowledge required.
Networking: Attend events hosted by professional organizations like the Long Island Psychological Association or the Nassau County Psychological Association.
Volunteering: Use volunteering time to get to know the staff working at the volunteer organization. If and when appropriate, ask them about their role and any advice they might have for a rising professional.
Direct Outreach: Contact therapists, counselors, and social workers in private practice or at community organizations.
Faculty Connections: If you're a student, reach out to professors and career services at your university for guidance and potential connections.
Research Assistantships
If you have a particular interest in research, consider seeking out research assistantships at universities or research institutions. These opportunities allow you to contribute to ongoing research projects, learn about research methodologies, and explore specific areas of interest within the mental health field.
Gaining experience is key to building a strong foundation for a successful career in mental health. Be proactive in seeking out opportunities that align with your interests and career goals.
Long Island Research Organizations
Universities: Stony Brook University, Hofstra University, Adelphi University, Long Island University, SUNY Old Westbury, St. Joseph’s University, Farmingdale State College
Research Institutions:
Networking and Inquiring about Opportunities in Mental Health
Effective networking and the ability to inquire about opportunities are essential skills for anyone looking to build a career in mental health. Here are some tips to help you navigate these processes successfully:
Networking
Attend Industry Events: Conferences, workshops, and networking events provide valuable opportunities to connect with professionals in the field.
Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of relevant mental health organizations to expand your network and access resources.
Utilize Online Platforms: Connect with professionals through LinkedIn and other online platforms.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to local professionals for informational interviews to learn more about their career paths and gain insights into the field.
Skills for Effective Networking
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Leveraging Connections: Start by reaching out to people you know such as professors, administrators, past supervisors, friends and family connections and sharing your interest.
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Clear Communication: Articulate your interests, skills, and career goals clearly and concisely.
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Genuine Interest: Show a genuine interest in others and their work.
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Network Expansion: Ask connections for referrals to people in their network to organically grow your own.
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Follow-Up: Send a thank-you note or email after meeting someone new.
Inquiring About Opportunities
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Direct Approach: When networking, don't be afraid to express your interest in potential opportunities.
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Targeted Inquiry: If you know of a specific organization or position you're interested in, reach out directly to inquire about openings or volunteer opportunities.
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Online Job Boards: Regularly check online job boards and company websites for open positions.
Skills for Inquiring About Opportunities
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Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor in all communications.
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Confidence: Project confidence in your abilities and express your enthusiasm for the field.
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Flexibility: Be open to various opportunities, including internships, volunteer positions, and part-time roles, as they can lead to further opportunities down the line.
Overview of Key Skills
Careers in mental, behavioral, and cognitive healthcare tend to require a unique set of key skills from practitioners. These skills span multiple areas, including communication, interpersonal relations, problem-solving, and ethics.
Communication Skill Development
Clear and open lines of communication between patient and practitioner are key to delivering effective care and treatment. Active listening ensures patients feel heard when they express their feelings and needs. Mental, behavioral, and cognitive health practitioners must always demonstrate empathy in patient communications and interactions.
Interpersonal Skill Development
Interpersonal skills equip practitioners to build rapport with their patients and develop cultural competence, as well as an environment in which their patients feel comfortable and safe to express themselves. This applies to colleagues as well. Good interpersonal relations among practitioners contribute to a more smooth and effective continuum of care.
Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving skills like critical thinking, assessment, and decision-making are vital for mental, behavioral, and cognitive healthcare practitioners.
Ethical Considerations
Ethics are paramount for any health practitioner, and should guide providers in all areas of evaluation, treatment, and communication.
Key Skill Development Programs
The following programs support the professional development of people in the mental, behavioral, and cognitive healthcare field.
Mental Health First Aid
An 8-hour course that teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps you identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses.
safeTALK
A half-day alertness training that prepares anyone 15 or older, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
A two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. People can request trainings through the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Long Island’s web site: http://www.preventsuicideli.org/
Hearing Voices
During this simulated experience of hearing voices, participants undertake a series of tasks including social interaction in the community, a psychiatric interview, cognitive testing, and an activities group in a mock day treatment program.
Key Skill Development Resources on Long Island
Several Long Island organizations support the professional development of people in the mental, behavioral, and cognitive healthcare field, including but not limited to those outlined above. Visit the Long Island Health Collaborative's Membership Directory to browse organizations with skill development offerings on Long Island.
Financial Aid
If you are considering obtaining an advanced degree for a career in mental, behavioral or cognitive healthcare, financial aid may be available. Explore your eligibility for various grant and loan types below. Remember, you should always explore school aid and grant programs specific to your university or school.
Scholarships: In addition to financial aid support, you may qualify for scholarships to assist in paying for higher education in mental, behavioral or cognitive healthcare. This list is not intended to be inclusive of all scholarship opportunities. Always be sure to research scholarship opportunities and associated requirements within your specific school and degree program.
Long Island and New York-based aid:
Other Scholarships for Mental, Behavioral & Cognitive Healthcare Roles
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations have members who share a specific job field or industry. These can assist in networking, career development, and employment opportunities. Many organizations also set professional and industry standards. Professional organizations related to mental, behavioral & cognitive healthcare are explored below. This list is not intended to be entirely comprehensive, but rather a glimpse at the rich diversity of support offered for each career path. In addition to the many organizations listed here, many groups offer membership to professionals of various specific racial, ethnic, and other underrepresented backgrounds.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatric Nurses
Psychologists
Mental Health Counselors/ Therapists
Social Workers
Researchers
Association of Clinical Research Professionals
Mentoring Programs
Mentoring programs involve connecting a less experienced professional, or mentee, with a more experienced mentor who can impart insight and knowledge about their career. These programs may help one to identify career goals, pursue opportunities for career development, and more. Examples of these programs include:
Local universities: Many local colleges offer mentorship programs for students enrolled in a degree program.
Professional organization mentorship programs:
Programs for underrepresented groups:
The Coalition of Black Social Workers Mentorship ProgramThe Association of Black Psychologists Jegnaship
National Latinx Psychological Association
Job Boards
Job boards are crucial for job connection and recruitment.
Explore governmental employment opportunities in New York:
For career-specific and field-specific listings:
For non-profit and social-impact businesses or initiatives:
Government Agencies
Government agencies related to mental, behavioral & cognitive healthcare include:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - “ The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.”
The National Institute of Mental Health - “The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders."
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports - “The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) oversees one of the nation’s largest Substance Use Disorder systems of care with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment and recovery programs serving over 730,000 individuals per year.”
New York State Office of Mental Health - “The Office of Mental Health (OMH) operates psychiatric centers across the State. OMH also regulates, certifies and oversees more than 4,500 programs, operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies.”
New York State Education Department Office of the Professions - “The State Education Department administers professional regulation through its Office of the Professions, assisted by the State Boards for the Professions.”
Other Resources