Interstate Telepsychology Practice Expands
The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) continues to expand, allowing licensed psychologists to conduct telepsychology across state lines with a single credential. This trend toward more streamlined regulatory frameworks for remote mental health services could signal future models for other professions, including coaching, that serve clients in multiple states.
- As of February 2026, 42 jurisdictions, including 40 states, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the District of Columbia, have enacted PSYPACT legislation. - To practice telepsychology in participating states, a licensed psychologist must obtain an E.Passport from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission. - The compact also allows for temporary in-person practice for up to 30 days per calendar year in each participating state with a Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP). - The push for PSYPACT was driven by a need to provide continuity of care for patients who relocate or travel, and to serve populations in geographically isolated or underserved areas. - The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for such a system and accelerated its adoption as patients relocated and the demand for mental health services grew. - As of October 2023, the PSYPACT Commission had issued over 11,100 authorizations for telepsychology and 600 for temporary in-person practice. - Other healthcare professions have similar agreements, including the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact for physicians and the Nurse Licensure Compact. A Counseling Compact is also operational, with the commission expected to begin granting practice privileges in the fall of 2025. - While no formal interstate compact currently exists for coaching, the trend in related fields indicates a move toward more flexible cross-state practice regulations, a development relevant to coaches with national clienteles.
