PSYPACT
PSYPACT allows licensed doctoral-level psychologists to provide telehealth and limited in-person services across state lines—without obtaining multiple licenses.
It is one of the most established and operational mental health licensure compacts in the country.
The Problem It Solves
Under traditional licensing rules, psychologists must hold a separate license in every state where their client is physically located.
That means:
A college student who moves states may lose access to their therapist
Military families must restart care after relocation
Specialists in one state cannot serve patients in another—even via telehealth
The result: disrupted care and reduced access to specialized providers.
What PSYPACT Is
PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact) is an interstate agreement that standardizes cross-state practice rules for psychologists.
It addresses two specific scenarios:
Telepsychology (virtual services across state lines)
Temporary in-person practice (up to 30 days per year in another state)
Unlike traditional reciprocity agreements, PSYPACT creates a formal authorization system administered by the PSYPACT Commission.
It is not automatic reciprocity. It is structured, regulated mobility.
Where It Stands
As of February 2026:
43 states and jurisdictions have enacted PSYPACT
It covers the vast majority of U.S. regions
It is fully operational
Participating states include Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, Washington, and many others, plus the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Notably absent: California, New York, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and several others.
How PSYPACT Works
PSYPACT creates two authorization pathways:
1. Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT)
This allows psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located in any PSYPACT state.
Requirements:
Active, unencumbered doctoral-level psychology license
Graduation from an APA- or CPA-accredited program
No disciplinary actions
E.Passport credential issued by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)
Background check
Costs:
$400 for the E.Passport
$40 for APIT
$100 annual renewal
3 hours of annual continuing education in telepsychology
2. Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP)
This allows psychologists to provide in-person services in another PSYPACT state for up to 30 days per calendar year per state.
This is typically used for:
Evaluations
Brief treatment episodes
Consultation
Short-term relocations
Guardrails Remain
PSYPACT does not eliminate state authority.
Psychologists must:
Follow the laws of the state where the client is located
Maintain an active home-state license
Be physically located in their home state when delivering telepsychology
If a home-state license lapses or is disciplined, PSYPACT authorization ends.
This is modernization—not deregulation.
Why This Matters for States
For policymakers, PSYPACT offers:
1. Continuity of Care
Students, military families, and relocating professionals can maintain therapeutic relationships.
2. Access to Specialty Care
Clients in rural or underserved states can access specialists in eating disorders, trauma, OCD, neuropsychology, and more.
3. Workforce Expansion Without New Training Pipelines
States gain access to qualified providers already licensed elsewhere.
4. Telehealth Infrastructure Alignment
It supports regulated interstate telehealth in a post-pandemic care environment.
Important Limitations
Doctoral-level only. PSYPACT does not apply to social workers, counselors, or marriage and family therapists.
Still state-law dependent. Providers must understand and comply with each client-state’s regulations.
Home-state presence required. Psychologists cannot practice from a vacation state unless licensed or authorized there.
Bottom Line
PSYPACT demonstrates that:
Interstate cooperation is feasible
Public safety can be preserved
Access can be expanded without lowering standards
It is a practical policy tool that improves continuity of care, strengthens telehealth infrastructure, and modernizes mental health workforce mobility.
For states focused on addressing workforce shortages and youth mental health access, PSYPACT is not theoretical—it is operational.