Remnant Counselor Collective

Counseling Compact 2025: Complete Guide to Interstate LPC Practice | Fees, Requirements & States

  2. Share
Remnant Counselor Collective
0 0

The Counseling Compact: A Comprehensive Guide for Licensed Professional Counselors

Introduction

The landscape of professional counseling practice is experiencing a transformative shift with the implementation of the Counseling Compact, an interstate agreement that promises to revolutionize how licensed professional counselors (LPCs) practice across state lines. As of late 2025, this groundbreaking initiative represents one of the most significant developments in counselor mobility and interstate practice in recent history.

Understanding the Counseling Compact

The Counseling Compact is a legislative agreement among participating states that enables licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines through both in-person services and telehealth modalities. Operating on a mutual recognition model, each participating state agrees to recognize the license of eligible counselors from every other member state, granting them a "privilege to practice" that functions essentially as a license in those states.

Key Launch Information: The Counseling Compact officially launched on September 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET in Arizona and Minnesota, marking the first operational phase of this interstate agreement. Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia have now passed the Compact legislation, with more states anticipated to join in the coming months.

Current Participating States

The following states have enacted Counseling Compact legislation:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Important Note: Nevada will join effective January 1, 2026.

While legislation has passed in these jurisdictions, the Counseling Compact Commission will add states to the Compact as they meet all requirements, including technical infrastructure and data sharing capabilities.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the Counseling Compact, licensed professional counselors must meet specific criteria:

Primary Requirements

  • Home State License: Hold an unencumbered license from their home state (primary state of residence)
  • Independent Practice Authority: Be licensed to independently assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions
  • Educational Standards: Possess credentials from a state meeting the compact's educational requirements
  • Background Check: Successfully pass an FBI background check
  • Professional Standing: Maintain a license in good standing with no disciplinary actions

Educational and State Requirements

States are eligible to join the Compact if their requirements for licensure include requiring a 60-hour degree in counseling or 60 hours in designated graduate coursework, requiring post-degree supervised experience, and passing a nationally recognized examination. Further, the state's regulation must include diagnostic authority.

Important Exclusions

Recent graduates who are completing hours under supervision will not be eligible for privileges regardless if your license title is LPC. Additionally, MFTs, Art/Music/Dance therapists and other mental health professionals with other licenses are not eligible to participate. Psychologists and Social workers have their own compacts.

Application Process and Timeline

Current Status

Applications opened on September 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET for Arizona and Minnesota. All applications are processed through the CompactConnect website.

Application Platform

The official application system is accessible through CompactConnect.org (https://compactconnect.org/), which serves as the central portal for all compact-related applications and processes.

Processing Timeline

Through the data system, a privilege to practice can be obtained in a matter of minutes, representing a dramatic improvement over traditional interstate licensing processes that can take weeks or months.

State-by-State Expansion

Across the country, 37 additional states and territories are actively completing the steps needed to begin issuing and receiving privileges under the Counseling Compact. The timeline for each state's full participation will vary based on their technical readiness and regulatory implementation.

Cost Structure and Fees

Understanding the financial implications of Compact participation is crucial for counselors planning their interstate practice strategy.

Current Fee Structure

The Counseling Compact Commission has established a clear fee structure for practitioners:

Administrative Fee: $30 per privilege (paid to the Compact Commission) State Fees: Range from $0 to $264 per state (set individually by each participating state)

Fee Model Overview

Applicants will pay an administrative fee and the state fee for each privilege to practice they request. This means you must pay a fee for each compact state you wish to have the privilege to practice in.

The administrative fee will be added to each request. If you make one request, you will pay one administrative fee. If you make ten requests, you will pay the administrative fee ten times. This allows the commission to keep the administrative fee lower so more counselors have equitable access to apply for a privilege to practice in another state.

Payment Methods

All payments will be made online through the compact website. Most major credit and debit cards will be accepted. Cash or checks will not be accepted.

Cost Advantages

When applying for a privilege to practice, you do not need to provide transcripts, exam scores, or official verifications, resulting in cost savings for the applicant, unlike traditional state licensing processes.

Practical Examples

Example Scenario - Colorado to Georgia: If you are licensed in Colorado and want to obtain practice privileges in Georgia, you would pay:

  • Compact Commission Administrative Fee: $30
  • Georgia State Fee: Amount determined by Georgia (ranging $0-$264)
  • Total Cost: $30 + Georgia State Fee = Total cost for Georgia privileges

Multiple State Example: If you want privileges in 3 states with varying fees:

  • State A (fee: $100): $30 + $100 = $130
  • State B (fee: $50): $30 + $50 = $80
  • State C (fee: $200): $30 + $200 = $230
  • Total for all 3 states: $440

Cost Comparison: For comparison, practitioners seeking PSYPACT® psychology privileges pay approximately $440 ($120 annual renewal) for telepsychology privileges, making the Counseling Compact fees competitive within the behavioral health compact landscape.

Key Operational Features

Home State Primacy

Everything is tied to the counselor's home state and they must have a valid, unencumbered license from the state where they legally reside. For the purpose of the compact, a professional counselor's home state is the state in which they primarily reside.

Data Sharing and Public Protection

The Compact creates a shared interstate licensure data system, allowing for near-instant verification of licensure status. Additionally, the data system also enhances public protection by ensuring that member states share investigative and disciplinary information with one another.

Practice Modalities

The Compact supports both in-person practice and telehealth services, providing flexibility for counselors to serve clients across state lines through their preferred modalities.

Benefits for Practitioners

The Counseling Compact offers numerous advantages for licensed professional counselors:

Enhanced Mobility

The Compact will help counselors by affording them greater ease of mobility, cutting drastically the time needed for authorization to practice in a new state.

Market Expansion

The Compact will also create new market opportunities for counselors, allowing practitioners to expand their client base and potentially access underserved populations in other states.

Continuity of Care

The Compact will help clients by improving continuity of care when clients or counselors travel or relocate.

Preparing for Participation

Immediate Steps

Licensed professional counselors should take the following preparatory actions:

  1. Verify License Status: Ensure your home state license is current, unencumbered, and in good standing
  2. Monitor State Progress: Licensees with questions about participation are encouraged to contact their state licensing board directly
  3. Stay Informed: Regularly check the official Counseling Compact website for updates on your state's implementation timeline
  4. Budget for Fees: Plan for the $30 administrative fee plus individual state fees for each state where you seek privileges

Documentation Preparation

While specific documentation requirements may vary, counselors should ensure they have:

  • Current professional liability insurance
  • Continuing education compliance records
  • Any required state-specific training or jurisprudence exam completion

Important Limitations and Considerations

Geographic Restrictions

For a practitioner to apply for a compact privilege in another state, that state must first be a member of the compact. Therefore, practitioners cannot use the compact to practice in non-member states.

Current Operational Scope

The Compact can only be used between Arizona and Minnesota as of September 30, 2025, with additional states joining as they complete their technical and regulatory requirements.

Home State Requirements

For you to practice in other states through the compact, your home state must be a compact member. If your home state has not joined the compact, you cannot participate regardless of your qualifications.

Governance and Oversight

The Commission consists of representatives from each of the Compact member states. Each licensing board appoints one current member of their board to serve as a commissioner. The Commission operates through several committees:

  • Executive Committee
  • Finance Committee
  • Rules Committee
  • Compliance Committee
  • Nominations and Elections Committee

Representatives from ACA, AASCB, NBCC and AMHCA serve as ex-officio members of the Executive Committee.

Looking Forward

The Counseling Compact represents a paradigm shift in professional counseling practice, offering unprecedented opportunities for interstate service delivery while maintaining robust public protection standards. As more states complete their implementation requirements, the Compact will progressively expand, creating a more seamless and efficient system for counselors to serve clients across traditional geographic boundaries.

With clear fee structures now established and the first operational phase launched, counselors can begin making informed decisions about their participation in this transformative initiative.

Essential Resources and Links

Primary Information Sources:

Professional Organizations:

Account Creation: No separate account creation is currently required. When applications open for additional states, all processes will be managed through the CompactConnect website at https://compactconnect.org/.

Conclusion

The Counseling Compact represents a historic advancement in professional counseling practice, offering licensed practitioners unprecedented opportunities for interstate service delivery while maintaining the highest standards of public protection. With the establishment of clear fee structures and the beginning of operational phases, counselors can now make informed financial and professional decisions about their participation in this transformative initiative.

As the implementation continues to expand across participating states, counselors are encouraged to stay informed about their state's progress, budget appropriately for participation costs, and prepare for the enhanced practice opportunities this compact provides.

For the most current information and state-specific updates, readers should regularly consult the official Counseling Compact website and maintain communication with their respective state licensing boards.

Community tags

This content has 0 tags that match your profile.

Areas of the World Show all (250)

Aberdeen
Alabama
Alaska
Albuquerque
Allentown
Alpena
Anchorage
Ann Arbor
Arizona
Arkansas

Comments

To leave a comment, login or sign up.

Related Content

0
Counseling Compact Update 2026: New States, Implementation, and What Counselors Should Know
Over the past several years, the Counseling Compact has emerged as one of the most significant developments affecting licensure portability for professional counselors in the United States. Designed to allow licensed professional counselors to practice across participating states without obtaining full licensure in each jurisdiction, the compact represents a major shift in how counseling practice may operate across state lines. Interstate licensure compacts have already been implemented in several other professions, including nursing and psychology, and the Counseling Compact represents the counseling profession’s effort to address long-standing barriers to interstate practice (National Board for Certified Counselors [NBCC], 2024). Although the legislative adoption of the compact has spread rapidly across the country, the transition from legislation to operational implementation has been slower than many counselors anticipated. Passing compact legislation in a state legislature represents only the first step. States must also complete regulatory alignment, background check procedures, and secure data-sharing integration before issuing interstate practice privileges. Over the past several months, however, several meaningful developments have occurred that counselors should understand. These developments indicate that the compact is gradually transitioning from a legislative framework to an operational system that will affect clinical practice in the coming years. Operational Launch of the Counseling Compact One of the most important developments since the end of 2025 is that the Counseling Compact is now operational in several states. As of early 2026, three states have completed the technical and regulatory requirements necessary to begin issuing privileges for interstate counseling practice: Arizona, Minnesota, and Ohio. Ohio officially became operational on January 5, 2026, joining Arizona and Minnesota as the first jurisdictions able to issue interstate practice privileges under the compact framework (Counseling Compact Commission, 2026a). This milestone represents the first time counselors have been able to actively use the compact to obtain authorization to practice across state lines. Counselors who live in one of these operational states and hold an independent, unencumbered counseling license may apply for privileges to practice in the other operational compact states. For example, counselors licensed and residing in Arizona may apply for privileges in Minnesota and Ohio, while counselors residing in Minnesota or Ohio may apply for privileges in the other operational states (Counseling Compact Commission, 2026a). Although the system currently includes only three operational states, the launch demonstrates that the compact infrastructure is now functioning and capable of supporting interstate practice privileges. The Rapid Legislative Expansion of the Compact While operational implementation remains limited, the legislative adoption of the compact has expanded rapidly. As of March 2026, thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia have enacted legislation joining the Counseling Compact, representing a significant majority of U.S. jurisdictions (Counseling Compact Commission, 2026b). The states that have enacted compact legislation include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, along with the District of Columbia (Counseling Compact Commission, 2026b). This widespread legislative adoption reflects a growing recognition among policymakers that mental health professionals require greater mobility in order to meet increasing demand for services. Interstate compacts allow states to maintain regulatory authority over professional licensing while also enabling clinicians to provide services in multiple jurisdictions without navigating the burdensome process of obtaining full licensure in each state. Implementation Is Occurring in Phases Despite the large number of states that have enacted compact legislation, most are still working through the steps required to activate the system. According to the Counseling Compact Commission, thirty-six additional states and the District of Columbia are currently progressing toward operational readiness (Counseling Compact Commission, 2026a). Operational readiness requires the completion of several technical and regulatory processes. These include establishing FBI background check compliance, integrating licensing databases with the compact’s national data system, adopting rules consistent with compact requirements, and connecting to the CompactConnect platform used to process interstate privilege applications. Because these processes involve coordination between state licensing boards, regulatory agencies, and the national compact commission, implementation timelines vary significantly from state to state. As a result, the compact will likely continue expanding gradually as additional states complete the required steps. Michigan’s Current Status Michigan is not currently a member of the Counseling Compact, but legislative activity related to the compact has taken place in the state. Michigan House Bill 4591, introduced during the 2025–2026 legislative session, proposes adopting the Counseling Compact within Michigan law (Michigan Legislature, 2025). The bill was introduced in June 2025 and passed the Michigan House before being transmitted to the Michigan Senate on October 30, 2025 (Michigan Legislature, 2025). As of March 2026, however, Michigan has not yet enacted the compact legislation, meaning counselors licensed in Michigan are not currently eligible to participate in the compact system. The existence of pending legislation suggests that Michigan may still consider joining the compact in the future, but participation would require passage of the legislation and subsequent implementation steps before counselors could apply for interstate privileges. States That Have Not Yet Joined the Compact Although the compact has expanded rapidly, several large states have not yet enacted the legislation. As of early 2026, some of the most notable states outside the compact include California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Oregon (Counseling Compact Commission, 2026b). These states represent large populations of both counselors and clients, meaning their eventual participation could significantly expand the reach and impact of the compact. However, legislative priorities and regulatory considerations vary widely among states, and the timeline for potential adoption in these jurisdictions remains uncertain. Understanding the Privilege-to-Practice Model One important feature of the Counseling Compact is that it does not create a national counseling license. Instead, it uses a privilege-to-practice model that preserves state regulatory authority while allowing counselors to obtain permission to practice in multiple states. Under this model, counselors maintain their primary license in their home state, defined as the state where they reside. If the home state is a member of the compact, the counselor may apply for privileges to practice in other compact states. Each remote state grants a privilege that allows the counselor to practice within that jurisdiction while remaining regulated by both the home state and the remote state licensing authorities (Counseling Compact Commission, 2026c). To qualify for compact participation, counselors must hold an independent counseling license at the highest level available within their state, maintain an unencumbered license, meet educational requirements established by the compact, and complete an FBI background check (Counseling Compact Commission, 2026c). Fees Associated With Compact Privileges The Counseling Compact Commission has established a standardized administrative fee structure for interstate privileges. Counselors applying for a privilege must pay a $30 administrative fee to the compact commission for each privilege issued. In addition, each remote state may charge its own administrative fee for granting the privilege to practice (Counseling Compact Commission, 2026c). As a result, the total cost of obtaining a privilege varies depending on the state issuing the privilege. For example, Ohio’s current fee structure results in a total cost of approximately $55 for an initial privilege, although fees may differ in other jurisdictions (Counseling Compact Commission, 2026c). Privileges generally expire when the counselor’s home state license expires and must be renewed accordingly. Implications for Telehealth Practice One of the primary motivations behind the Counseling Compact is expanding access to mental health services through interstate practice, particularly via telehealth. Under traditional licensing rules, counselors must hold a license in the state where the client is physically located during the counseling session. This requirement can create significant barriers for clients who move between states, travel temporarily, or live near state borders. The compact addresses this issue by allowing counselors to obtain privileges in multiple states without completing the full licensure process in each jurisdiction. Once more states become operational, the compact may significantly expand the availability of interstate telehealth services (NBCC, 2024). However, because only three states are currently operational, the immediate impact on telehealth remains limited. As additional states complete the implementation process, the practical effects of the compact are expected to expand considerably. What Counselors Should Expect Moving Forward The next phase of the Counseling Compact will likely focus on expanding the number of operational states. Because most states have already enacted the legislation, the primary barrier to broader implementation is now technical and administrative rather than legislative. Over the next several years, additional states are expected to complete the requirements necessary to activate their compact systems. As more states become operational, counselors will gain greater flexibility to provide services across state lines, particularly in telehealth settings. For counselors following these developments, the most important takeaway is that the Counseling Compact has moved beyond the legislative stage and is now entering the operational phase. Although implementation remains gradual, the infrastructure necessary for interstate counseling practice is now in place. References Counseling Compact Commission. (2026a). Compact implementation updates. Counseling Compact Commission. Counseling Compact Commission. (2026b). Compact member states. Counseling Compact Commission. Counseling Compact Commission. (2026c). Compact participation requirements and fees. Counseling Compact Commission. Michigan Legislature. (2025). House Bill 4591 (2025–2026): Counseling compact legislation. State of Michigan. National Board for Certified Counselors. (2024). The counseling compact: Interstate licensure portability for professional counselors. NBCC.
0
What Happens When Counseling Crosses State Lines: Ethics, Safety, and What Clients Should Know
As counseling increasingly occurs through telehealth, many people assume that mental health care is no longer tied to geography. In reality, counseling in the United States remains a state-regulated profession, meaning that where a client is physically located during a session still matters legally and ethically (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2025). Even when counseling happens online, practitioners must follow the laws and professional regulations of the state in which the client receives services. To improve access to care, many U.S. states have adopted the Counseling Compact, an interstate agreement that allows licensed professional counselors to practice across participating states through a “privilege to practice” model (Counseling Compact Commission, 2025a). This system helps reduce barriers for clients who move, travel, or live in underserved areas. However, the Compact does not eliminate differences in ethical standards, legal obligations, or scope of practice across states (DeDiego et al., 2023). Why State Laws Still Apply Each state establishes its own laws governing counseling practice, including requirements related to confidentiality, documentation, informed consent, and safety reporting. Under the Counseling Compact, counselors must comply with the laws of the client’s location at the time services are delivered, not just the counselor’s home state (ACA, 2025). This is why ethical counselors often begin sessions by asking where the client is located. This practice ensures that services are provided legally and helps protect both the client and the counselor. If a client travels to a state where the counselor does not have legal authority to practice, services may need to pause temporarily while referrals or alternative arrangements are made (DeDiego et al., 2023). Ethics Are Similar—but Not Identical—Across States Although most counselors are trained using national ethical frameworks, such as those promoted by professional organizations, states differ in how ethics are codified and enforced. Some states adopt national ethics codes directly, while others incorporate ethical requirements into state law or licensing regulations (DeDiego et al., 2023). As a result, ethical counselors practicing across state lines typically follow the most restrictive or protective standardwhen differences arise. This approach prioritizes client welfare and reduces the risk of ethical violations. For clients, this may appear as clearer boundaries regarding communication, gifts, dual relationships, or confidentiality. These boundaries are not a lack of care but a reflection of ethical responsibility. Documentation and Record-Keeping Responsibilities Documentation requirements also vary across jurisdictions. States set different rules regarding how long counseling records must be retained, what information must be included, and how records must be secured. Ethical counselors practicing across state lines commonly retain records according to the longest applicable retention requirement to ensure compliance and protect continuity of care (Healthcare Providers Service Organization [HPSO], n.d.). Clients may notice that ethical counselors are careful about how records are created, stored, and shared. These practices reflect legal obligations and ethical commitments to confidentiality, not unnecessary bureaucracy. Informed Consent in Interstate Counseling Informed consent is a foundational ethical requirement and is often specifically mandated for telehealth services (Center for Connected Health Policy [CCHP], n.d.). Ethical informed consent involves more than signing a form; it includes ongoing communication about the nature of services and the client’s rights. In interstate counseling, informed consent should clearly explain: Where the counselor is licensed That counseling laws vary by state The benefits and limitations of telehealth How emergencies are handled when counselor and client are in different locations The limits of confidentiality, including mandated reporting and safety-related disclosures Providing this information allows clients to make informed decisions and fosters trust within the therapeutic relationship (DeDiego et al., 2023). Safety, Confidentiality, and Mandated Reporting All states require counselors to report certain situations, such as suspected child abuse, and many states impose legal duties related to threats of serious harm to others (National Conference of State Legislatures [NCSL], n.d.). These laws vary in their specific requirements, but their purpose is consistent: protecting life and safety. When counseling occurs across state lines, ethical counselors must follow the safety and reporting laws of the client’s jurisdiction. This is why counselors explain at the outset that confidentiality has limits. These limits are not designed to punish clients, but to ensure protection in situations involving serious risk (Gorshkalova & Munakomi, 2023). Why Ethical Interstate Counseling Matters When practiced responsibly, interstate counseling increases access to care, supports continuity during life transitions, and connects clients with appropriate expertise. When ethical and legal boundaries are ignored, however, clients can be exposed to confusion or harm. Ethical counseling across state lines requires preparation, transparency, and a commitment to professional integrity (DeDiego et al., 2023). Read the Full Professional Article For a detailed, clinician-focused analysis of ethical practice under the Counseling Compact—including documentation standards, informed consent requirements, and duty-to-warn variations—read the full article here: Ethical Practice Under the Counseling Compact: Multi-State Standards & Scope of Practice https://www.remnantcounselorcollective.com/resources/95818/ethical-practice-under-the-counseling-compact-multi-state-standards-scope-of-practice A Note on Following and Going Deeper If you value ethical mental health care, thoughtful analysis, and faith-informed wisdom, consider joining the Remnant Counselor Collective Family. RCC is a community of counselors, educators, and leaders committed to integrity, clinical excellence, and moral clarity in a rapidly changing mental health landscape. Members gain access to in-depth writing, professional dialogue, training opportunities, and supportive community engagement. References American Counseling Association. (2025). Interstate compacts for professional counselor licensure (Counseling Compact). https://www.counseling.org/advocacy/counseling-compact Center for Connected Health Policy. (n.d.). States with telehealth consent requirements.https://www.cchpca.org/topic/consent-requirements-medicaid-medicare/ Counseling Compact Commission. (2025a). Counseling Compact. https://counselingcompact.gov/ DeDiego, A., Maurya, R. K., Rujimora, J., Simineo, L., & Searls, G. (2023). Counseling and the Interstate Compact: Navigating ethical practice across state lines. The Professional Counselor, 13(3), 177–192. https://doi.org/10.15241/ad.13.3.177 Gorshkalova, O., & Munakomi, S. (2023). Duty to warn. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542236/ Healthcare Providers Service Organization. (n.d.). Record retention guidelines.https://www.hpso.com/Resources/Documentation/Record-Retention-Guidelines National Conference of State Legislatures. (n.d.). Mental health professionals’ duty to warn.https://www.ncsl.org/health/mental-health-professionals-duty-to-warn

As mental health professionals, we spend so much time holding space for others that we often forget to share our own journeys. But our stories—our challenges, triumphs, and lessons—are what connect us, inspire growth, and remind us that we are not alone. That’s why we’re challenging you to contribute a personal story to the Remnant Counselor Collective. Whether it’s a professional milestone, a moment of struggle, a lesson learned, or an unexpected breakthrough, your story has the power to encourage, uplift, and resonate with others in ways you might not even realize. Vulnerability fosters connection, and by sharing, you help build a stronger, more authentic community. So, will you take this step to let others into your journey and be part of something greater? The challenge is set—what story will you tell?

Read Stories
Remnant Counselor Collective
Powered by Cause Machine. All rights reserved.