NY S04846

Defines "self-help practitioners" as unlicensed individuals or companies offering paid financial, spiritual, or educational guidance for personal improvement, excluding individuals licensed under education law title 8.

Requires self-help practitioners to provide clients with a written contract displaying risk disclosures in 16-point font or larger in plain language at the time of initial service.

Mandates self-help practitioners provide clients with copies of their credentials, training, and certifications, and develop a comprehensive risk management plan with access to licensed professionals (medical professionals, social workers, psychologists) available at each session where physical or emotional risk exists.

Establishes civil penalties of up to $250 for first violations and up to $500 for subsequent violations of disclosure requirements.

Requires self-help practitioners to register with the New York Department of State on a 12-month basis, with the secretary of state posting completed registration forms online within 30 days of each reporting period, with penalties up to $750 for failure to register.