Virtual Therapy Across State Lines: What to Know When Using PSYPACT with Your NYC Therapist

The Rise of Virtual Therapy and Multi-State Access

In recent years, virtual therapy has transformed how clients access mental health care. For many individuals balancing busy schedules, living in multiple locations, or seeking specialized care, the flexibility of online sessions can make all the difference. Yet one common question arises: Can I see my NYC therapist if I’m temporarily in another state?

Thanks to PSYPACT—the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact—the answer is often yes. PSYPACT allows licensed psychologists in participating states to provide telehealth services across state lines without obtaining additional licenses in each state. For practices like Upper East Side Psychology, which offers therapy in New York, Virginia, and other PSYPACT states, this framework makes high-quality care more accessible than ever.

What Is PSYPACT?

PSYPACT (short for the Interjurisdictional Compact for the Practice of Telepsychology) is an agreement among U.S. states that simplifies how psychologists can provide virtual services across state borders. Established in 2020, PSYPACT allows a psychologist who holds authorization to practice telepsychology (an E.Passport from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, or ASPPB) to offer therapy to clients located in any other PSYPACT-participating state during the session.

As of 2025, over 40 states are PSYPACT members, with new states joining each year. This means that a psychologist licensed in New York who is PSYPACT-authorized can legally provide therapy to a client who resides—or is temporarily located—in a participating state such as Virginia, New Jersey, Florida, or Illinois (ASPPB, 2025).

How Virtual Therapy Across States Works

If you’re a client in New York or Virginia—or frequently travel between states—you can meet virtually with your psychologist through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform such as Zoom for Healthcare or SimplePractice. The key rule: during each session, you must be physically located in a state where your therapist is licensed or PSYPACT-authorized.

For example, a client who typically resides in New York but spends part of the year in Virginia can continue sessions seamlessly with their therapist through PSYPACT coverage. This eliminates the need to pause treatment or start with a new provider simply due to travel, relocation, or seasonal residence changes.

Benefits of PSYPACT for Clients

1. Consistency of Care

Therapeutic relationships are built on trust and continuity. With PSYPACT, you can maintain ongoing sessions with your established therapist even when moving or traveling across participating states. This consistency is especially valuable for individuals managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or other conditions that benefit from stability and familiarity in treatment.

2. Expanded Access to Specialists

Not all states have equal access to psychologists specializing in evidence-based treatments such as CBT, DBT, ERP, or ACT. PSYPACT opens the door to expert care from clinicians in major cities—like New York—who may have advanced training in specific modalities or clinical populations (e.g., eating disorders, OCD, performance psychology).

3. Convenience and Flexibility

Virtual sessions remove barriers like commute time, traffic, or geographic limitations. Whether you’re between homes, on a business trip, or living part-time elsewhere, you can log in from the privacy of your space and continue working toward your goals.

4. Legal and Ethical Protection

Unlike informal “online coaching,” PSYPACT ensures that your therapist is legally authorized and ethically bound to uphold professional standards, confidentiality, and client safety across jurisdictions. This protects clients and practitioners alike, promoting confidence in the telehealth process.

How PSYPACT Differs from Standard Telehealth

Not all online therapy is created equal. PSYPACT distinguishes itself from general telehealth platforms (like BetterHelp or Talkspace) by maintaining licensure integrity and state accountability. Psychologists must:

1. Hold a doctoral degree in psychology and a current license in their home state

   
   

2. Complete the PSYPACT credentialing process (E.Passport and Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology, or APIT)

   
   

3. Adhere to each state’s specific laws and ethical standards during sessions

   
   

This ensures that you receive therapy from a fully licensed, credentialed psychologist—no matter which state you’re in during the session.

Virtual Therapy with Upper East Side Psychology

At Upper East Side Psychology, we are proud to offer virtual therapy across PSYPACT states, including New York and Virginia, with the same high level of care as our in-person sessions. Our clinicians specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Performance Psychology—all of which translate effectively into virtual formats.

We use secure telehealth platforms that meet HIPAA and HITECH standards, ensuring privacy and compliance. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, eating concerns, trauma, perfectionism, or life transitions, virtual therapy offers an accessible and flexible way to receive care from the comfort of your home—or across state lines.

When to Consider Virtual PSYPACT Therapy

Virtual therapy may be an excellent fit if you:

1. Split time between multiple states (e.g., NYC and Virginia)

   
   

2. Travel frequently for work or study

   
   

3. Have relocated but wish to continue with your current therapist

   
   

4. Prefer therapy in a familiar home environment

   
   

5. Live in a rural area with limited access to specialists

   
   

Our practice has seen growing demand from clients who want to maintain continuity of care across state borders while preserving the personal connection and quality they expect from a boutique NYC practice.

What Clients Should Know Before Starting

Before beginning virtual sessions across states, clients should:

1. Confirm Location: Your therapist must verify your location at the start of each session for PSYPACT compliance.

   
   

2. Check State Status: Ensure your current location is within a PSYPACT-participating state (the list updates regularly).

   
   

3. Ensure Privacy: Find a quiet, confidential space where you feel comfortable speaking openly.

   
   

4. Use Secure Technology: Avoid public Wi-Fi and use a stable internet connection for the best experience.

   
   

These simple steps ensure your therapy remains compliant, ethical, and effective.

The Future of Multi-State Therapy

The growth of PSYPACT represents an exciting evolution in psychological care—one that supports mobility, flexibility, and accessibility while maintaining professional standards. For clients who live dynamic, multi-state lives, this model bridges the gap between high-quality local expertise and nationwide access.

At Upper East Side Psychology, we believe that location should never limit your ability to receive exceptional care. Whether you’re in New York, Virginia, or another PSYPACT state, our team is here to help you continue your journey toward balance, growth, and well-being—wherever life takes you.

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