PSYPACT Explained: States Included and How It Expands Access to Online Therapy
PSYPACT Explained: Where I Can Practice and Why It May Expand Your Access to Therapy
One of the most common questions I get as a telehealth psychologist is some version of: “Are you only able to see clients in Pennsylvania?” or “What happens if I move or travel?”
The short answer is that I practice under the PSYPACT agreement, which allows me to provide telepsychology services across many U.S. states in addition to Pennsylvania. For clients, this often means more flexibility, fewer disruptions in care, and access to specialized treatment that may not be available locally.
Below is a clear breakdown of what PSYPACT is, where it applies, and why it matters for your care.
What PSYPACT Is
PSYPACT is an interstate agreement between participating states that allows licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services across state lines.
Practically speaking, it means that if you live in a PSYPACT-participating state, you can receive therapy from me even if I am physically located in Pennsylvania—as long as you are also physically located in a participating state at the time of session.
It expands access to care while still maintaining full licensure standards, ethical guidelines, and regulatory oversight.
PSYPACT States (Where I Can Provide Telehealth Services)
PSYPACT is continuously expanding, and the most up-to-date list is always available through the official map. As of now, participating states include much of the country, along with Washington, D.C.
Rather than treat this as a static list, I encourage clients to think of PSYPACT in regions:
Northeast / Mid-Atlantic
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Washington, D.C.
Southeast
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and West Virginia
Midwest
Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Arkansas
West / Mountain
Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho
Because PSYPACT participation is actively growing, I always verify eligibility based on your specific location before beginning services.
You can view the most current official map here:
PSYPACT State Map
Why PSYPACT Matters for Your Therapy Experience
From a clinical standpoint, PSYPACT isn’t just a licensing technicality—it directly affects access and continuity of care.
1. You’re Not Limited to “Who’s Nearby”
Many people assume they have to choose a therapist based on geography alone. PSYPACT allows me to work with clients who may not have local access to a psychologist with my specialties, including OCD, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and related concerns.
That means treatment can be based on fit and expertise, not just proximity.
2. Consistency When Life Changes
Life is rarely stationary. Clients may:
travel for work or family
split time between states
relocate temporarily or permanently
send a child to college in another state
PSYPACT often allows therapy to continue seamlessly across those transitions, rather than restarting care or pausing treatment.
3. Better Access for Families and Children
For parents, consistency matters. Children and teens often do best when therapy is uninterrupted, especially during periods of change (school transitions, family stress, or developmental shifts). PSYPACT helps reduce unnecessary breaks in care.
4. Greater Access to Specialized Care
In many areas, it can be difficult to find a psychologist who specializes in evidence-based treatments such as CBT, ERP for OCD, or structured anxiety interventions.
PSYPACT helps bridge that gap by making it possible to work with a provider who may not be in your immediate region but is licensed to practice with you legally and ethically.
Important Limitations to Know
There are a few important boundaries to PSYPACT:
You must be physically located in a PSYPACT state at the time of session
It does not apply to every U.S. state (so eligibility always needs to be confirmed)
It does not replace emergency or in-person services
Not all licensed psychologists participate, even if their state is part of PSYPACT
Final Thoughts
For many of my clients, PSYPACT simply removes unnecessary barriers. It allows therapy to be guided by clinical fit, not geography—and supports continuity of care in a world where people move, travel, and change environments frequently.
If you’re unsure whether your state is included, I’m always happy to clarify during an initial consultation so you know exactly what is possible for your care.