About Schaupp & McDermott, LLP

Welcome to Schaupp & McDermott, LLP, a dedicated law firm specializing in the legal needs of mental health practitioners, practices, agencies, and institutes. Our unique team comprises founding partners Mary Lynn McDermott, JD, LCSW, and Lissa Schaupp, JD, LCSW, and renowned veteran in the field Bruce Hillowe, JD, Ph.D., serving as Of Counsel. Every member of our team is not only a seasoned attorney, but also an experienced clinician and psychoanalyst.

Our Commitment to Mental Health Professionals

At Schaupp McDermott, we understand the unique challenges mental health clinicians face. Our services include legal advice regarding licensing issues, compliance with state and federal regulations, business formation and employment matters. We provide comprehensive legal support explicitly tailored to New York State mental health service providers.

Our Services

Risk Management: We provide proactive strategies to mitigate emergent or escalating patient risk.
Professional Ethics Consultation: Our attorneys advise on ethical dilemmas and practice standards, related to record keeping, confidentiality, informed consent, suicidal and homicidal ideation, treatment termination and/or abandonment, and other clinical standards.
Disciplinary Proceedings, License Defense, and Subpoena Representation: We represent our clients in disciplinary proceedings and when responding to third-party demands for records and deposition testimony.
Employment Law: We provide guidance on employment matters, including employee classification, independent contractor and employer agreements, creating and revising workplace policies, and providing legal guidance related to New York labor laws and regulations.
Licensing and Compliance Guidance: Our firm ensures that New York State practitioners and agencies meet regulatory requirements, related to scope of practice and standards of care.
Business Operations and Organizational Structuring: We assist with the setup and management of business operations. We help practices structure their business legally and efficiently to promote growth and sustainability, including PLLC, PC, and LLC formation.

Our Empathetic Approach

Our firm prides itself on our empathetic approach, recognizing the sensitive nature of our clients’ work. We understand that mental health professionals require legal support that respects the therapeutic environment and the needs of their clients. We aim to empower mental health professionals to focus on what they do best—caring for their patients—while we handle the legal complexities.

Your Legal Partner in Mental Health

Whether you are an individual practitioner, group practice, large agency, or psychoanalytic institute, Schaupp McDermott supports and advocates for your rights and interests, ensuring you remain compliant and protected in a rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape.

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