By Nicole Wozniak, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist & PSYPACT Certified Provider

As you browse for mental health services, you may notice the acronym PSYPACT listed on practice websites. What does this mean?

Have you ever wished that you and your family members who live in different states could join therapy sessions together- without the stress of finding a new therapist or traveling long distances?

Or maybe you’re heading off to college in another state and worry you’ll have to start over with a new provider. Thanks to PSYPACT, that’s no longer a problem for many families.

What Is PSYPACT?

PSYPACT stands for the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. It’s an agreement between most U.S. states that allows licensed psychologists who are PSYPACT certified to:

• Provide telehealth (telepsychology) services across state lines through the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT), without needing a separate license in every state.

• Offer temporary in-person services in participating states under the Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) credential.

In simple terms:

If your psychologist is PSYPACT certified, you can continue working with them even if you move to another participating state, or if family members are spread out across the country.

The Benefits of PSYPACT:

1. Keeps Families Together

• College students leaving home can stay connected with their therapist and even join family sessions virtually.

• Family members living in different states (siblings, parents, aunts, grandparents) can all participate in therapy together with the same clinician.

• Couples in long-distance relationships or families with members who travel frequently for work don’t have to pause treatment just because someone’s on the road.

Under PSYPACT, individuals do not have to seek new services out of state if they are already established with a PSYPACT certified clinician. This continuity can make a huge difference in supporting relationships, improving communication, and keeping therapeutic progress on track.

2. Greater Access to Care

• Increases availability for those in rural or remote areas where mental health providers may be limited.

• Allows for access to specialists. If you need someone with a particular expertise (i.e., trauma, OCD, etc.) and you cannot find someone in state, PSYPACT expands options, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

• Streamlines administrative delays and barriers that are often encountered when clinicians must seek multiple licenses.

• Provides uniform standards and protection for clients. All participating states agree on the professional and ethical standards required to become and remain eligible to practice under PSYPACT.

Where Is PSYPACT Available?

Most states currently participate in PSYPACT.

As of now, the following do not yet participate:

• California, Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Oregon, Louisiana, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

• New York and Massachusetts have introduced legislation but are not active yet.

If you live in a participating state and want to know whether you can work with a PSYPACT psychologist, check the current map here.

McCaskill Family Services Can Help

At McCaskill Family Services, we have multiple PSYPACT certified psychologists who can work with clients across participating states. This allows families who live in different places, or who move frequently, to continue therapy together with trusted providers who already know their history and goals.

To learn more or find a clinician with availability, visit http://www.mccaskillfamilyservices.com or call (734) 416-9098.