What is PSYPACT and How Can it Support my Family?
Behind the Behavior Psychology is now able to serve families outside of the Carolinas..
Dr. Carly Bobal is a licensed psychologist in the states of North and South Carolina. She is also a nationally certified school psychologist and the owner of Behind the Behavior Psychology, PLLC in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Bobal is now able to offer telehealth services to families outside of North and South Carolina through PSYPACT.
Learn more about how BTB Psychology can help through PSYPACT…
Why can a licensed psychologist only practice in certain states?
In the United States, a psychologist who obtains their doctoral degree is generally recognized and accepted to be eligible for license to independently practice as a clinical psychologist and to provide services to you or your family. Psychologist licensure is different from many other professionals in the health field as there is currently no nationwide licensure that gives licensed psychologists free range to support you or your family across all state lines (unless they obtain individual licenses for each of those states). For example, if your child works with a psychologist in the state of North Carolina and moves away to college in California, the psychologist would have to be licensed or take necessary steps to obtain permission by the state’s psychology board to practice temporarily in that state. Why does a psychologist have to become licensed by state(s)? State licensure ensures that a psychologist is competent to provide care to you and your family within that state, keeping up to date with important and relevant research and training, as well as practicing within ethical and legal guidelines. Each state and country may have different guidelines on how psychologists can practice, as well as what specialties they may use to describe their work. For additional information on the different labels used to describe psychologists, therapists, counselors, etc., check out our blog, What is a Child Psychologist?
What is PSYPACT?
The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, also known as “PSYPACT,” is an interstate agreement designed to allow licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology or conduct temporary in-person psychology services across state boundaries legally and ethically without the psychologist needing to be licensed in every state to practice.
What does this mean for your family?
Through PSYPACT, individuals and families will have greater access to psychological and mental health care. PSYPACT allows licensed psychologists to provide services to communities with little to no mental health access/support, underserved communities, geographically isolated communities, or regions that do not have specialized care. It may also mean greater flexibility and access for your family, particularly if there are times you, your child, or your family have circumstances that separate you from the state with which your psychologist is licensed (e.g., college, co-parenting in different states, summer vacations, etc.).
Individual state boards require licenses so psychologists practice ethically, legally, and with up-to-date training/knowledge to support your family. How will PSYPACT protect you and your family now if each state does not require licensure to practice?
PSYPACT was created to provide an accessible, regulated, and manageable structure for psychologists to support a wider range of individuals in need and not to reduce accountability by each state. Licensed psychologists must qualify for PSYPACT and there is a structured application process. PSYPACT still requires that a psychologist is licensed in what they call a “home state,” meaning that the psychologist practicing through PSYPACT has already been approved and is regularly monitored to practice ethically, legally, and appropriately by their home state. This is important for your family, as the home state continues to regulate and also allows state boards in other states to know who is practicing in their state and in what capacity. Operational PSYPACT psychologists must still abide the ethics, laws, and regulations in their home state and in the states with which the client is located.
What does this mean for your family?
Though PSYPACT may not impact your family directly if you are working with a psychologist in their home state, it is important to know that your psychologist may have greater flexibility and the ability to support you, your family, and others you may know. It is important to know that fully operational PSYPACT psychologists must still practice within a strict ethical and legal manner, by utilizing up-to-date research and training, and within the regulations put in place to protect you and your family by each state.
Does PSYPACT allow a psychologist to practice in every state in the US?
The rules of PSYPACT are only applicable to PSYPACT participating states. This means that state legislation has been enacted or passed to allow for interjurisdictional practice. As of June 2022, there are 33 enacted PSYPACT states (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin). Several other states, including South Carolina, Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island, and New York have introduced PSYPACT legislation, which means they are not currently PSYPACT states, but may participate in the future.
What services can Dr. Bobal at Behind the Behavior Psychology, PLLC offer across state lines through PSYPACT?
Dr. Bobal is currently approved to practice telepsychology in PSYPACT participating states. Services that are appropriate for telehealth may depend on your family’s goals and needs, however can include Behavioral Parent Training, IEP/504 Plan Consultative Services, Individual or Family Therapy, as well as Developmental Screeners. While Dr. Bobal may conduct an initial testing intake or feedback appointment via telepsychology, all in-person testing services must still be conducted in the states of North and South Carolina at this time.
Looking for more information about Behind the Behavior Psychology Services or PSYPACT? Contact Dr. Bobal today!