PSYPACT: Therapy Across States

It happens very often: a patient moves to another state after starting a therapy process that has finally been helpful. Under the old rules, this usually meant termination and a struggle to find a reliable psychologist in the new state. Now, PSYPACT exists to prevent that and the disruption to care that used to come with a move. It is important to understand how it works.

What PSYPACT Is

PSYPACT, the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, is an interstate agreement that lets a licensed psychologist provide telepsychology to a patient located in another member state, without obtaining a separate full license in that state. It has been operational since 2020. Texas joined in 2019 through House Bill 1501, and the compact now includes roughly forty-two states along with Washington, D.C.

To practice under it, a psychologist needs a doctoral degree in psychology, a full and unrestricted license in their home state, and a credential called an E.Passport, issued through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. From there, the psychologist obtains an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology, which is the specific authorization that covers ongoing video sessions across state lines.

What PSYPACT Actually Allows

If a psychologist is licensed and PSYPACT-authorized in Texas, and a patient relocates to another PSYPACT member state, treatment can continue by telehealth. The psychologist keeps working with the same person they already know. For depth-oriented work in particular, where the relationship itself carries much of the clinical weight, this matters more than it might for a symptom-focused, short-term treatment.

What It Does Not Do

PSYPACT is not a national license, and it does not cover every state. California, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, Louisiana, Hawaii, and a handful of others are not members, and a patient relocating to one of those states cannot be seen under the compact.

The home state keeps authority over the psychologist's license. But the receiving state's scope of practice applies to the session itself, and a receiving state can limit or restrict that practice under its own laws if there is ever a concern. PSYPACT expands where care can continue, but it does not erase the fact that two different jurisdictions are involved.

Why This Matters Clinically, Not Just Administratively

Continuity of care is often discussed as a matter of convenience. In practice, it is a clinical variable in its own right. A treatment relationship that has taken a while to build carries information and trust. Ending that relationship because of a move is a loss that falls on the patient.

At Real Talk

Several of our doctoral-level psychologists hold PSYPACT authorization, which allows continuity of care for patients who relocate to another member state during treatment. If you are considering a move and are currently in ongoing therapy, or if you travel frequently to another PSYPACT state, it is worth asking your clinician whether this applies to your situation.

Doctoral-level clinicians, covered by major insurance plans, available within a week. In person in Houston and via telehealth across Texas, in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Farsi.

About Psypact