Last week, I joined Super Bowl champion and mental health advocate A.J. Brown to champion legislation I authored to allow our state to enter a psychology interstate compact (S.7136). This bill would permit New York patients to have virtual sessions with their therapist while they are out of state for work, vacation, or college – all prohibited under current law.
New Yorkers shouldn’t lose access to the mental healthcare and support they rely on simply because they cross state lines. This antiquated prohibition prevents our neighbors from getting the mental health treatment that they may desperately need.
43 states around the country participate in this compact, known as PSYPACT, and I’m fighting to make New York the 44th. Telehealth has become an integral component of medical care, addressing gaps in healthcare across the state. This legislation will ensure individuals in need of support can continue to receive it, even if they are temporarily located out of state.
If we’re serious about expanding access, modernizing our mental health system, and saving lives, it’s time to act.
