In pursuit of that goal, it sponsors poster sessions and research presentations at the annual convention, oversees the publication of the annual research issue of the NYS Psychologist, co-sponsors student conferences, honors the accomplishments of distinguished psychologists, and conducts a variety of seminars, programs, and workshops alone and with other divisions and institutions.

This division was created in response to the dramatic rise in substance abuse problems in recent years and the corresponding need for psychologists to help combat this enormous problem. The Division on Addictions is dedicated to promoting the greater involvement and proficiency of psychologists in treatment, research, and social policy of alcoholism, drug abuse, and other addictions. It also addresses the problem of psychologists who are impaired by addiction.

The division has as its goals to educate professional and the public about normal development in later life and aging, to increase professional and public awareness about clinical psychological services, to train practitioners in clinical psychological services for older adults and the aging, to participate in the development of service and advocacy systems for older persons and their families, to provide professional forums for professionals, students and the public to share information, and to support research in areas of adult development and aging.

The purpose of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Division is to focus on issues which affect the independent and professional status of Cognitive Behavioral psychologists, to provide professional education and training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychology, to increase the appreciation and influence of psychology within the legal system, and to increase the knowledge of other psychologists and other professions regarding Cognitive Behavioral Psychology.

Members of the Clinical Division work in settings ranging from state psychiatric facilities to private, independent, or clinical practice. The division has several committees actively involved in various professional issues: insurance reimbursement for private practice, managed care, status and rights of psychologists in institutions, professional training and standards, and continuing education.

The Division of Culture, Race and Ethnicity (DCRE) has multiple purposes. DCRE aims to provide on-going training on diversity-related issues for those who seek consultation in this area. DCRE’s main initiative has been access and utilization, which includes outreach to communities with the purpose of promoting health and well-being, as well as increasing awareness of what psychologists do. DCRE also strives to enhance the representation of diverse psychologists who practice throughout New York. DCRE promotes awareness and knowledge through activities such as contributions to the NYSPA Notebook, conference presentations, and lobbying. In addition, DCRE creates a network where psychologists can actively engage in ongoing difficult dialogues about critical issues that emerge from an ever-changing population.

The purpose of the Division is multifaceted. It was created to further the objectives of NYSPA as set forth in its bylaws. It seeks to further the practice of forensic psychology in all its forms and specialties. It also seeks to promote standards of service, training, competency, and ethical conduct among its members. It works to safeguard the interests of the public and the profession. It is concerned with the issues that affect the independent and professional status of forensic psychologists, regardless of specialty. It also provides opportunities for professional training and growth in the field of forensic psychology. The Division seeks to educate and empower forensic psychologists and to educate and increase the appreciation, usefulness and influence of psychology within the legal system.

The Division of Group Psychology and Psychotherapy promotes scientific, clinical and practice goals for group psychology and group psychotherapy. The division works toward enhancing the efficacy and creativity in group psychotherapy to meet the needs for quality treatment of mental and emotional disorders in a humanistic way.

The Independent Practice Division (IPD) strives to keep our membership at the cutting edge of independent practice. We inform the New York State practitioner about emerging clinical issues, tools and opportunities. We address the ethical and legal problems intrinsic to new areas of expertise, and increase the business acumen required for a growing practice. IPD is your resource for adapting to the challenges of a rapidly changing professional world.

The Neuropsychology Division is a group of psychologists with expertise and/or interest in the brain-behavior relationship. The division serves as an educational vehicle to increase the knowledge of our members, provide for the exchange of information among our peers, and disseminate valuable information to the larger group of NYSPA psychologists. In addition, the division will serve as a source of advocacy for our patients, as well as for the practice of Neuropsychology as a profession.

Our mission is to provide a forum for NYSPA psychologists who are consulting to or who are interested in consulting to organizations. Organizations are broadly defined and inclusive of psychology specialties (Industrial/Organizational, Consulting, and Counseling) that focus on services for people in businesses, societies, and associations (including professional associations, hospitals, and schools).

The Psychoanalysis Division was formed to develop a supportive, collegial statewide community within NYSPA for the understanding and advancement of psychoanalytic theories, treatment approaches, research, legislative issues, and political and other professional concerns. The Division fosters inter-institute collaboration and educational programs that explore therapeutic, scholarly, educational, research, public service and diversity issues from psychoanalytic perspectives.

The senior organization of school psychologists in the state, the Division of School Psychology has led organized application of state education policy regarding out-of-school psychology services and lobbies to maintain school psychology's place in special education evaluation and placement. Doctoral and/or diplomate training is encouraged. Our mission includes advocacy for the profession and our clients, the advancement of psychology in the schools, and being exemplars of high level modern professional practice.

The Division of Women’s Issues (DOWI) is part of the New York State Psychological Association, which represents the professional and political concerns of psychologists in New York State. DOWI was founded in 1983 in order to provide a forum for the professional, political, and personal interests of women psychologists and others concerned with women’s issues. We are an open group representing all of the fields of psychology. We make special efforts to include psychologists and psychology graduate students of different ethnicities, life styles, and professional fields, in order to create a stimulating diverse group spirit. As women have made gains in the workplace and in achieving equal rights in our society, we broaden our focus on women’s concerns from access and equity to such issues as social justice, work-family balance, and leadership. Together, we can advance women’s issues in New York!