PSYPACT States: A State-by-State Guide
Updated July 24, 2024 · 4 Min Read
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic, teletherapy services have increased, making mental health services more accessible.
The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) also encouraged teletherapy with governance and a certification process called Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). The PSYPACT allows psychologists to practice telepsychology in participating states without seeking additional licensure. The subsequent advancement of telepsychology has many benefits for psychologists and clients.
Learn more about PSYPACT, its requirements, and its benefits for psychologists, states, and patients.
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What is the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT)?
The PSYPACT, is “an interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries.”
Only licensed psychologists can seek certifications through PSYPACT. Psychologists licensed in states that have enacted PSYPACT legislation can apply for Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT™) and an E. Passport certificate through the ASPPB. The APIT™ and E. Passport certificates allow teletherapy practice across state lines and with clients in other PSYPACT states.
For example, a psychologist licensed in Illinois and holds an active APIT and E. Passport can provide teletherapy for a client who resides in Tennessee without having to be licensed in Tennessee.
Psychologists can also apply for an interjurisdictional practice certificate (IPC) to provide temporary, in-person, face-to-face clinical services in PSYPACT participating states. An IPC allows psychologists to practice psychology for up to 30 days per year in PSYPACT states without obtaining additional licenses.
The PSYPACT allows greater access to mental health services for clients and opportunities to expand service provision for psychologists. Before PSYPACT, psychologists could only provide clinical services in person and to clients in the state where the psychologist is licensed.
PSYPACT Status by State
The table below lists the states in which PSYPACT legislation has been passed, introduced, or not yet active as of May 2024.
States listed as “non-PSYPACT” have neither joined the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) nor is there currently pending legislation to do so as of the date above.
States listed as a “PSYPACT State” have active legislation allowing participating psychologists to practice teletherapy or use an IPC in and across other participating PSYPACT states.
States that have introduced legislation are not yet participating members within PSYPACT, and thus, an IPC or E. Passport does not allow for practice if the psychologist or client is located within those states.
View All States
| State | PSYPACT Status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | PSYPACT State |
| Alaska | Non-PSYPACT State - No Active PSYPACT Legislation |
| Arizona | PSYPACT State |
| Arkansas | PSYPACT State |
| California | PSYPACT Legislation Introduced |
| Colorado | PSYPACT State |
| Connecticut | PSYPACT State |
| Delaware | PSYPACT State |
| District of Columbia | PSYPACT State |
| Florida | PSYPACT State |
| Georgia | PSYPACT State |
| Guam | Non-PSYPACT State - No Active PSYPACT Legislation |
| Hawaii | Non-PSYPACT State - No Active PSYPACT Legislation |
| Idaho | PSYPACT State |
| Illinois | PSYPACT State |
| Indiana | PSYPACT State |
| Iowa | Non-PSYPACT State - No Active PSYPACT Legislation |
| Kansas | PSYPACT State |
| Kentucky | PSYPACT State |
| Louisiana | Non-PSYPACT State - No Active PSYPACT Legislation |
| Maine | PSYPACT State |
| Maryland | PSYPACT State |
| Massachusetts | PSYPACT Legislation Introduced |
| Michigan | PSYPACT State |
| Minnesota | PSYPACT State |
| Mississippi | PSYPACT State |
| Missouri | PSYPACT State |
| Montana | Non-PSYPACT State - No Active PSYPACT Legislation |
| Nebraska | PSYPACT State |
| Nevada | PSYPACT State |
| New Hampshire | PSYPACT State |
| New Jersey | PSYPACT State |
| New Mexico | Non-PSYPACT State - No Active PSYPACT Legislation |
| New York | PSYPACT Legislation Introduced |
| North Carolina | PSYPACT State |
| North Dakota | PSYPACT State |
| Ohio | PSYPACT State |
| Oklahoma | PSYPACT State |
| Oregon | Non-PSYPACT State - No Active PSYPACT Legislation |
| Pennsylvania | PSYPACT State |
| Puerto Rico | Non-PSYPACT State - No Active PSYPACT Legislation |
| Rhode Island | PSYPACT State |
| South Carolina | PSYPACT State |
| South Dakota | PSYPACT State |
| Tennessee | PSYPACT State |
| Texas | PSYPACT State |
| Utah | PSYPACT State |
| Vermont | PSYPACT State |
| Virginia | PSYPACT State |
| Washington | PSYPACT State |
| West Virginia | PSYPACT State |
| Wisconsin | PSYPACT State |
| Wyoming | PSYPACT State |
Benefits of the PSYPACT
PSYPACT has benefited psychologists, clients, and states for several reasons.
For Psychologists
Once psychologists have obtained an E.Passport and APIT, they can practice telepsychology in any PSYPACT state without additional licenses.
The PSYPACT allows for psychologists to expand their service reach by seeing clients in other states and building their practices by adding virtual and teletherapy services.
This was especially helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person services could not be provided in many areas or instances. Other benefits of a teletherapy practice include:
- Convenience
- Less overhead costs associated with operating a psychology practice
- The ability to travel or relocate to another PSYPACT state and continue providing services.
For Clients and States
PSYPACT has allowed for increased convenience and access to psychology services for clients or patients. For example, a client searching for a specialized provider or type of treatment now has more options if they are in a PSYPACT state.
For states that have joined PSYPACT, there is also increased access to services or remote or rural areas, underserved areas, or places where mental health services or providers might be lacking. This has the potential to minimize disparities in mental health care and improve mental health outcomes overall.
Requirements for Interjurisdictional Practice Certificates (IPC)
The Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (IPC) allows psychologists to provide temporary, in-person face-to-face clinical services in PSYPACT participating states. An IPC allows psychologists to practice psychology for up to 30 days per year in PSYPACT states without obtaining additional licenses in states where they are not already licensed.
To apply for an obtain an IPC, a psychologist must follow these steps:
- Create an account in ASPPB’s credentials management system, PsyPro.
- Select "Practice Temporarily under PSYPACT” and complete the application for IPC in PsyPro via ASPPB website, including paying the associated fees.
- Apply for and complete the application for the Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) after being approved for the IPC.
- Obtain both the TAP and the IPC to practice under the authority of PSYPACT.
There is a different process to practice telepsychology under PSYPACT. You must apply for and obtain an E. Passport and Authorization to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT).
To obtain the APIT, a psychologist must follow these steps:
- Create an account in ASPPB’s credentials management system, PsyPro.
- Select "Practice Telepsychology under PSYPACT” and complete the application for the E. Passport in PsyPro via ASPPB website, including paying the associated fees.
- Apply for and complete the application for the Authorization to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) after being approved for the E. Passport
- Complete both the E. Passport and the APIT to practice telepsychology under the authority of PSYPACT.
Frequently Asked Questions about PSYPACT States
How long is PSYPACT good for?
All E. Passport and IPC authorizations are good for one year from the date of authorization and recur annually. Renewals can be completed on the PSYPRO website. To renew an E. Passport, you must show three hours of continuing education directly related to telepsychology and the use of technology in psychology. Continuing education topics may include confidentiality of data and information, disposal of data, information, and technology, or interjurisdictional practice.
What do you need for PSYPACT certification?
To obtain PSYPACT certification, you must be a licensed psychologist, meaning you must hold a doctorate degree and state-issued psychologist license. Licensed counselors and social workers are not eligible for PSYPACT certifications.
What is a PSYPACT E. Passport?
A PSYPACT E. Passport is the first step in authorization to provide telepsychology for clients in other PSYPACT states. Once a psychologist has been approved and issued an E. Passport, they can apply for the Authorization to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT). Both steps are required to practice telepsychology under the authority of PSYPACT. The E. Passport is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
What is APIT in PSYPACT?
APIT stands for Authorization to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology, the final step in the approval process to practice telepsychology as a PSYPACT provider.