The New York State Chapter runs under the auspices and authority of the American Dance Therapy Association. The Chapter adheres to its own by-laws while maintaining the standards and ethics set by the national Association.

Dance therapy, or dance/movement therapy, as defined by the American Dance Therapy Association, is "the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process which furthers the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual." For a more comprehensive definition of who we are and what we do, please visit the American Dance Therapy Association's "Who we are"

The Chapter is dedicated to maintaining high standards of professional competence among dance/movement therapists and increasing public awareness around dance/movement therapy. The Chapter endeavors to provide avenues of communication and research among dance/movement therapists and those persons working in related fields. In addition, it provides a liaison to the New York State Creative Arts Therapies Coalition to support the promotion of the profession at the legislative level.

The Chapter engages in a variety of fundraising activities to support its work, publishes a newsletter three times per year and engages in public relations efforts to increase the public's awareness and acceptance of dance/movement therapy.

Each year, the New York State Chapter holds several business meetings, presents four educational workshops and one full-day clinical conference for its members and interested allied professionals. Chapter members participate annually in national ADTA conferences both as presenters and as chapter representatives for important regional and national ADTA meetings.

The Chapter provides consumers of mental health with a comprehensive list of qualified dance/movement therapists for consultation and students and recent graduates with a list of supervisors.