Can I See a Therapist From Another State?

Finding a therapist you connect with can make a meaningful difference in your mental health journey. But what happens when the therapist you want to work with is licensed in a different state? Can you still see them through online therapy?

Whether you can see a therapist licensed in another state depends on several factors, including where you and your therapist are physically located, the type of professional license your therapist holds, and the licensing regulations that apply to your situation.

Fortunately, interstate agreements such as the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) have made it easier for certain mental health professionals to provide online services across state lines.

For example, an Illinois-licensed psychologist who meets PSYPACT requirements may be able to provide telepsychology services to clients located in other participating states without obtaining a separate psychology license in each state.

However, PSYPACT does not apply to every therapist or every state.

Understanding how interstate teletherapy works can help you determine whether you can continue working with a preferred therapist, even if you live somewhere else.

Can I See a Therapist From Another State?

Yes, it may be possible to see a therapist licensed in another state through online therapy. However, therapists generally must be authorized to provide services in the state where their clients are physically located during sessions.

In the United States, mental health professionals are regulated by state licensing boards. These boards establish requirements for education, professional qualifications, ethical conduct, and the practice of therapy.

When therapy takes place online, the same licensing considerations generally apply. A video call does not automatically allow a therapist to practice in every state.

For example, if you live in Illinois but want to work with a psychologist licensed in another state, that psychologist must have the appropriate authorization to provide services to someone physically located in Illinois.

The same applies if you live outside Illinois and want to work with an Illinois-based psychologist.

There are several ways a therapist may be authorized to provide interstate services, including:

• Holding a professional license in the state where the client is located.
• Qualifying for an interstate compact or professional practice agreement.
• Meeting the requirements of an applicable state-specific telehealth exception or temporary practice provision.

The specific rules depend on the therapist’s professional credentials and the states involved.

What Is PSYPACT?

PSYPACT stands for the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. It is an interstate agreement that makes it easier for qualified, licensed psychologists to provide psychological services to clients across participating state lines.

Before PSYPACT, psychologists generally needed to obtain a separate license in each state where they wanted to practice. This could make it difficult for clients to continue working with their preferred psychologist when moving, traveling, or relocating to another state.

PSYPACT helps address this challenge by allowing eligible psychologists to provide telepsychology services in participating states through a shared authorization framework.

For clients, this can mean greater flexibility when choosing a psychologist and fewer disruptions to ongoing care when life circumstances require a move or extended stay in another state.

However, PSYPACT only applies to participating states and eligible licensed psychologists. It does not automatically authorize every mental health professional to provide services across state lines.

How Does PSYPACT Work, and Who Can Provide Services Through It?

PSYPACT is specifically designed for licensed psychologists who meet the compact’s eligibility and authorization requirements. Other mental health professionals, such as licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), professional counselors (LPCs), and marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), are not covered by PSYPACT and must follow the licensing requirements applicable to their respective professions.

If you want to work with a psychologist licensed in another state, it’s important to confirm that they are authorized to provide services where you are physically located.

How Can You Tell If a Psychologist Is Authorized Through PSYPACT?

Here are a few ways to check:

• Ask the psychologist directly. Find out whether they hold an active PSYPACT authorization and can provide telepsychology services in your state.
• Verify their credentials. Confirm that they are a licensed psychologist and have the appropriate authorization to practice through PSYPACT.
• Check state participation. Visit the official PSYPACT website to see whether your state participates in the compact.

Keep in mind that the psychologist must be physically located in their declared home state while providing services, and you must be physically located in a participating PSYPACT state during your session.

If your preferred psychologist does not have PSYPACT authorization, they may still be able to provide services through another applicable licensing arrangement. It’s best to confirm this directly with the provider before scheduling an appointment.

Is Illinois a PSYPACT State?

Yes. Illinois participates in PSYPACT.

Illinois enacted the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact through House Bill 1853, and the compact became effective in the state on July 1, 2020.

This means eligible Illinois-licensed psychologists can apply for the credentials needed to provide telepsychology services to clients in other participating states.

However, simply holding an Illinois psychology license does not automatically authorize a psychologist to practice in every other state.

The psychologist must meet the applicable PSYPACT eligibility requirements and obtain the necessary authorization before providing interstate telepsychology services under the compact.

For clients interested in working with an Illinois-based psychologist, this may create additional opportunities to access online psychological care even when living elsewhere.

You can verify current state participation through the official PSYPACT website: https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmapS

What If My State Does Not Participate in PSYPACT?

If you live in a state that does not participate in PSYPACT, an Illinois psychologist generally cannot rely on the compact to provide telepsychology services to you.

However, that does not necessarily mean online therapy is impossible.

Depending on the circumstances, the psychologist may need to obtain a separate license in your state or qualify under another applicable legal authorization or exception.

The important thing to remember is that PSYPACT only provides interstate practice privileges within participating jurisdictions.

State participation can also change as additional states enact and implement the compact.

Before scheduling an appointment, check the current PSYPACT state map and confirm that your location is covered.

You can find the official information here: https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmapS

Does My Physical Location Matter During Online Therapy?

Yes. Your physical location during an online therapy session is extremely important.

For interstate telepsychology, the relevant location is generally where the client is physically present when receiving services, rather than simply their permanent home address or mailing address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a therapist online if they are licensed in another state?

Potentially, yes. A therapist licensed in another state may provide online services if they hold the appropriate authorization to practice in the state where you are physically located. This may involve a separate state license, PSYPACT authorization, or another applicable legal exception.

Does my therapist need a separate license in my state?

Not necessarily. Under PSYPACT, an eligible psychologist with an active APIT can provide authorized telepsychology services in participating states without obtaining a separate psychology license in each receiving state.

However, this does not apply to every mental health profession or to states outside the compact.

Can I continue seeing my Illinois psychologist if I move out of state?

You may be able to continue treatment if your new state participates in PSYPACT and your psychologist has the necessary authorization.

Your provider should verify your new location and confirm that continued treatment is permitted.

Can an Illinois therapist see me if I am temporarily traveling in another state?

It depends on the state where you are traveling and the provider’s authorization.

If you are temporarily located in another PSYPACT state, an appropriately authorized psychologist may be able to continue your sessions.

If you are in a nonparticipating state, PSYPACT does not provide the necessary authorization.

Does PSYPACT cover licensed counselors and social workers?

No. PSYPACT specifically applies to licensed psychologists. Licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists must follow the interstate practice requirements applicable to their respective professions.

How can I check whether my state participates in PSYPACT?

Visit the official PSYPACT website and review its current participating-state map. You can also ask your psychologist to confirm whether they are authorized to provide services in your location.

Official resource: https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmapS

Does insurance cover online therapy with an out-of-state therapist?

Insurance coverage depends on your specific policy, the provider’s credentials, network participation, and applicable billing requirements. Even if a therapist is legally authorized to provide interstate services, insurance reimbursement is not guaranteed.

Contact your insurance company and prospective therapist to confirm coverage before beginning treatment.

Originally published: November 3, 2026 | Last updated: November 3, 2026

PSYPACT regulations, participating states, and authorization requirements may change over time. Readers are encouraged to visit the official PSYPACT website for the latest news, announcements, and updates before making decisions about interstate teletherapy.