Glossary

Counseling Compact

The Counseling Compact is an interstate agreement that lets a licensed professional counselor (LPC) practice across state lines by obtaining a privilege to practice in other participating states.

How it works

A counselor licensed in a member state can apply for a privilege to practice in another member state that is actively issuing privileges. The privilege — not the home-state license alone — is what authorizes cross-state care.

Enacted is not issuing

Many states have enacted the compact into law but are not yet issuing privileges. Only states that are actively issuing count for legal practice today; a state that has merely enacted it cannot yet authorize a counselor to see you.

Primary source: counselingcompact.gov. Informational, not legal, medical, or clinical advice — for guidance about your situation, consult a licensed professional. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 — free, 24/7. Text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. In an emergency, call 911.

Related: PSYPACT · Compact tracker

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Last reviewed 2026-06-25.

Counseling Compact — what it means | Kairn glossary · Kairn