PSYPACT States

PSYPACT states are those U.S. states, districts, and territories that have joined an interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology across state boundaries.

As of 1 January 2023, there are 34 PSYPACT participating states, including Idaho where I reside.

If a veteran lives in a PSYPACT state, then I can conduct a TeleCompensation and Pension (Tele-C&P)¹ disability evaluation with the veteran.²

Keep in mind that in this context, "state" means U.S. states and territories and the District of Columbia.

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Map of PSYPACT States

As more states join the PSYPACT interstate compact, the map will change. For the most up to date map, go to → PSYPACT states map on the PSYPACT website.

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List of PSYPACT States

PSYPACT states as of 1 January 2023:

1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. Arkansas
4. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
5. Connecticut
6. Colorado
7. Delaware
8. District of Columbia
9. Georgia
10. Idaho
11. Illinois
12. Indiana
13. Kansas
14. Kentucky
15. Maine
16. Maryland
17. Minnesota
18. Missouri
19. Nebraska
20. Nevada
21. New Hampshire
22. New Jersey
23. North Carolina
24. Ohio
25. Oklahoma
26. Pennsylvania
27. Rhode Island
28. Tennessee
29. Texas
30. Utah
31. Virginia
32. Washington
33. West Virginia
34. Wisconsin
    

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Not in a PSYPACT State?

If a veteran does not live in a PSYPACT state then I recommend finding an expert licensed to practice psychology in the veteran's state of residence.

Similarly, if a veteran does not feel comfortable using video conferencing platforms like Zoom, then finding a local expert who can evaluate the veteran in person would be the best option.

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Department of Defense Statement

From the U.S. Department of Defense, Interstate Compacts to Support License Portability (PDF):

States are considering licensure compacts for several occupations. Compact drafters are now recognizing military-specific needs as part of the compact provisions.

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Key Message: Occupational licensure compacts provide consistent rules that allow licensed members to work in other states through “privilege to practice policies” or to more easily transfer their license to a new state. The military provisions added to these compacts assist service members and their spouses to participate in these occupational compacts.

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The Interjurisdictional Compact for Psychology (PSYPACT) supports telepractice and temporary practice (30 days). This provides an opportunity to improve access to mental health services by military families and also allows military spouses who are psychologists to sustain a counseling practice through telecommunications in compact states.

Military spouses can use the help! The Department of Defense notes that:

Reducing the burden associated with the occupational relicensing of military spouses is a priority for the department. The annual percent of the military spouse population that moves across state lines is 14.5% — compared to 1.1% for civilian spouses. As much as 34% of military spouses in the labor force are required to be fully licensed; and of those spouses, 19% experience challenges maintaining their licenses.³

Thus, if you are a private practice psychologist married to a service member and you live in a PSYPACT state, you can expand the reach of your practice if you apply for and receive an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) and E.Passport.

In addition, if you obtain those credentials, it will likely ease the process of obtaining licensure in another PSYPACT state if you move. (That is my opinion—there is no guarantee that it will be easier, although many states have passed legislation specifically designed to help military spouses obtain professional licenses.)

ASPPB (Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards) provides this brief overview of these credentials:

To practice telepsychology under the authority of PSYPACT, you will need to apply for and obtain an E.Passport from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and apply for and obtain an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission. Once the E.Passport and APIT have been obtained, psychologists can practice telepsychology in any PSYPACT participating state without having to obtain additional licenses.

Visit the PSYPACT website at www.psypact.org to start your application to practice telepsychology under PSYPACT.

For the nitty-gritty details, see Practicing Telepsychology Under PSYPACT.

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Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also supports interstate compacts such as PSYPACT:

Providers can deliver telehealth services across state lines, depending on rules set by state and federal policies. Interstate compacts simplify cross-state telehealth for specialists in participating states.

Interstate compacts (agreements between two or more states) make it easier for health care providers to practice in multiple states — expediting the licensing process ....

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Footnotes

1. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also calls exams conducted via video, "telemental health examinations", in addition to "Tele-C&P exams". 

2. My credentials in this regard: E.Passport (11 Dec 2020), Mobility No. 5812. [You must have been granted the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology in order to receive an E.Passport and mobility number.] You can confirm my credentials at PSYPACT Verifications (search for "Worthen").

3. U.S. Department of Defense, DOD Receives Approval for Grants to Develop Interstate Compacts for Licensure Portability (DoD Press Release, 15 Mar 2021).

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