The short answer
They're interstate agreements that let licensed clinicians practice in other member states without a full new license. PSYPACT already lets psychologists practice telepsychology across most states. The Counseling Compact began issuing privileges in 2025 and is expanding state by state. The Social Work Compact isn't issuing multistate licenses yet.
What are licensure compacts?
Interstate agreements that let a clinician licensed in one member state practice in other member states, without getting a full license in each. They don't replace state licensure. Your home state license is the foundation, and each state still regulates practice within its borders.
Marriage and family therapists don't have an operational compact yet.
How does the Counseling Compact work?
It gives professional counselors a privilege to practice in other member states. Per the Counseling Compact's FAQ:
- You apply using your home state license, which must be in a member state.
- The license must be unencumbered and independent. Provisional and supervised licenses aren't eligible.
- You pay a per-privilege administrative fee plus any fee the remote state sets. Some states require a jurisprudence exam.
- You must have a license or privilege in the state where the client is located.
Where it stands: The compact went live for privileges on September 30, 2025, starting with Arizona and Minnesota. Through 2026, more states began issuing privileges, including Ohio, Louisiana, Georgia, Indiana, Arkansas, Wyoming, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. About 40 jurisdictions have enacted the compact, but each must finish setup before privileges work there. Check the compact's map before relying on a state.
How does PSYPACT work?
PSYPACT lets licensed psychologists practice telepsychology, and limited temporary in-person practice, in participating states. Psychologists apply for authority through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), including an E.Passport credential for telepsychology. It's operational in most states. A handful, including California and New York, aren't participating. Check the PSYPACT site for the current list.
How does the Social Work Licensure Compact work?
It will offer a multistate license to social workers whose home state is a member. More than 30 states have enacted it, but it isn't issuing multistate licenses yet. The commission's 2026 updates describe the licensing system as still being built, with no firm launch date. See the Social Work Compact.
Should you use a compact or get another license?
| Compact privilege | Full license by endorsement | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Usually faster | Slower |
| Cost | Compact and state fees | Application and renewal fees |
| Depends on home state | Yes, must be a member | No |
| Portability | Tied to your home state license | Independent license |
How ValorWell handles this
ValorWell matches therapists with clients located in states where they can legally practice, whether by license or compact privilege. ValorWell needs therapists in every state and may support additional state licenses case by case, depending on need.
Important limits
- Status changes fast. Verify with each compact's official site before practicing in a new state.
- Payers may need updates. Credentialing may need to reflect each state you practice in.
- Each state's laws still apply, including scope, reporting duties, and records rules.