PsyPact
States We Serve:
As members of PSYPACT, Drs. Casey and Christopher are able to provide telehealth services to individuals living in the states listed below. As always, the decision to begin telehealth treatment depends upon a number of variables including the provider’s scope of practice and the patient’s current level of distress.
What is PSYPACT:
The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, or PSYPACT, is an interstate compact designed to increase access to mental health care services across state boundaries. Psychologists with an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) are able to provide unlimited telehealth visits to patients in participating states. Psychologists may also apply for a Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) which allows them to provide a limited number of in-person visits in the patient’s home state (30 days per calendar year per PSYPACT state). Psychologists practicing under PSYPACT may have an APIT and/or an TAP.
Participating States:
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Delaware
District of Columbia
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Best Practices:
Psychologists practicing under PSYPACT remain responsible for best practices. For example, whether providing care through telehealth or in person, a psychologist remains responsible for practicing only within her areas of competence. As always, it’s important to consider whether telehealth is an appropriate form of treatment for each patient. Psychologists should also be aware of resources within the patient’s home state. A psychologist practicing under PSYPACT is subject to the receiving state’s scope of practice and those practicing under the TAP will be subject to the Distant State’s authority and law.
PSYPACT and Substance Use Disorders:
Drug overdose deaths continue to rise and it’s estimated that 115 Americans die daily from an opioid overdose. PSYPACT increases a patient’s access to psychologists who have specific training in the assessment and treatment of substance use disorders.
Effectiveness and Benefits of TeleHealth:
Psychological interventions provided via telehealth have been researched and consistently found to be effective. Telehealth also increases accessibility. For example, PSYPACT may benefit those in rural areas, those in need of specialty care, those with limited time for traveling to appointments, and those who prefer an increased level of anonymity due to the stigma associated with reaching out for mental health care.
Continuity of Care:
PSYPACT allows a patient to continue working with their psychologist even if they move to another (PSYPACT) state. This is particularly helpful for college students who may toggle between two states throughout the year. It’s understandable that patients often prefer to continue working with their established provider, and research shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most powerful agents of change.