Diagnostic Privilege Supervision
New York now requires LMHCs to obtain Diagnostic Privilege to diagnose and treat clients independently. For many clinicians, this means completing up to 500 additional direct client hours under a qualified diagnostic supervisor.
At Bonfire, we offer weekly supervision groups to help LMHCs complete these hours with clarity and intention. You will accrue hours through structured reflection, skill-building, and guidance around diagnostic decision-making and clinical responsibility, helping you move steadily toward eligibility.
With over 4,000 therapy sessions conducted, more than three years supervising limited permit clinicians, and experience supporting over 20 clinicians in obtaining their Diagnostic Privilege, this process is grounded in both practical experience and thoughtful mentorship.
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The primary reason is protection.
Without Diagnostic Privilege, New York law now considers it practicing outside your professional boundaries to provide continuous and sustained treatment for certain serious mental illnesses without medical evaluation and physician consultation.
The law states that:
A mental health counselor who treats serious mental illness without Diagnostic Privilege and without appropriate consultation may be practicing outside their competence.
Engaging in diagnosis and developing assessment-based treatment plans without DP may result in charges of professional misconduct.
Obtaining DP protects your scope of practice and allows you to diagnose and develop assessment-based treatment plans independently under your license.
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I offer:
A Weekly supervision group (capped at 5)
Structured case reflection
Diagnostic conceptualization skill-building
Assessment-based treatment planning guidance
Documentation awareness
Ethical clarity and scope protection
You will accrue supervised direct hours under my license
Once you have completed your required hours, I will complete and submit the required verification forms so you can apply for Diagnostic Privilege with NYSED.
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Yes. This is professional supervision related specifically to the Diagnostic Privilege pathway.
You remain responsible for:
Maintaining your own licensure
Applying for your Diagnostic Limited Permit
Submitting the DP application and associated fees
Practicing within your legal and ethical scope
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Yes, but all material must be fully de-identified to maintain HIPAA compliance.
No names, identifying dates, or demographic combinations that could identify a client.
We focus on diagnostic reasoning, assessment skills, and clinical thinking — not case management.
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Supervision is $100 per weekly group session.
A brief interview is required before beginning to ensure:
You meet eligibility requirements
You understand the liability structure
We are a good professional fit
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Learn More?
For further information and Frequently Asked Questions about the diagnostic privilege, please refer to the NYSED website and to the NYMHCA website.
If you’re interested in the fine print, you can read the regulations governing the new DP program here, under Sections 79-9.4 and 79-9.6. You can also read the law that created the program here, under Section 8401-a.