2024 Counseling Compact: What Therapists Should Know
Though states have been passing legislation to join the Counseling Compact since 2021, the compact is set to go into effect January 1st, 2024. However, just because the state in which a clinician is licensed has joined the compact, LPCs have much to consider before practicing across state lines. Here are 5 things to know about the Counseling Compact.
Counselors Cannot Partake in the Compact Yet
Though the Counseling Compact goes into effect January 1st, the application to apply for counseling privileges in compacted states will not be available until mid-2024. Clinicians will not be able to serve clients in participating compact states until the application for the specific state is completed and approved.
The Compact is for LPCs Only
According to the American Counseling Association, compacts are “created for specific professions” and only Licensed Professional Counselors may take part in the Counseling Compact. Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists are not included in the compact.
Counselors May Need to Pass an Examination
According to the Counseling Compact website, clinicians may be required to take an examination on the legal and ethical regulations of the states in which they wish to render services before they are granted the privilege to practice.
Participation Won’t Be Free
Also according to the Counseling Compact website, each state will set their own fee for privileges to practice. The cost may vary by state.
More Than Half of US States Will Take Part
Last, as reported by the American Counseling Association, earlier this month Wisconsin was the 35th state to join the compact. Oklahoma joined in early 2023 as the 25th state. Once the compact goes into effect, a clinician licensed and eligible in a participating state will be able to apply for privileges to practice in any of the other participating states.
Read more about the Counseling Compact on www.counselingcompact.org/faq
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