It’s No Longer a Dream. The Counseling Compact Is Going Live!
Dear Members,
It’s happening! The Counseling Compact is officially launching on September 30, with Arizona and Minnesota being the first of 38 states and the District of Columbia prepared to start granting privileges. Several additional states are expected to be online in the coming weeks and months.
The Counseling Compact is revolutionizing our work. Today, we celebrate the work of thousands of professional counselors across the country who have helped make this dream a reality.
With the Counseling Compact going live, we know you may have a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of the most important things you need to know to prepare to apply for your privilege(s):
What Does the Counseling Compact Do?
The Counseling Compact allows you to:
- Practice across state lines in Compact states.
- Practice telehealth within and across Compact states.
- Practice on a home state license during deployment for military spouses.
- Exchange a privilege and home state license if you move.
When Will Other States Start to Grant Privileges?
The work of making a Compact operational is a considerable effort. Developing a database that captures the information of the more than 200,000 licensed professional counselors across the country and ensuring it’s useful for all participating states takes time. More importantly, the Compact requires all participating counselors to have a complete FBI background check, which is a departure from some state’s requirements. States are hard at work compiling this information to be uploaded to the database so they can grant privileges. Contact your state board for more information on when they plan to be ready.
What Do I Need to Apply for a Privilege?
To apply for a privilege, you will need an active license from your home state, which must be a participating state, a clean record — no sanctions in the last two years — and a completed FBI background check
How Do I Apply for a Privilege?
Applying for a privilege is simple! Visit the Counseling Compact Commission website and click on the link to apply for a privilege. You will select the states where you’d like to practice, and your information will be preloaded into the system. A fee of $30 per privilege will be collected by the Commission. In addition, each state will also charge a fee for your privilege. The costs will vary by state and will be indicated in the application process. Once your application is complete, the Commission sends your application to the state(s) where you’ve requested a privilege for final approval and granting of the privilege.
What If My State Has Not Passed the Compact Yet?
Twelve (12) states have not yet passed the Compact. However, some of them have active legislation, and others are in the beginning stages of introducing and enacting legislation. Contact your ACA branch or ACA's Government Affairs and Public Policy team to find out how you can get involved and get the Counseling Compact passed in your state.
Additional Information
Have more questions? Browse the FAQs on the Compact Commission website for more information on what you can expect in the coming weeks and months.
As we celebrate this milestone, we thank you for being an ACA member!
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