Psychology on the Internet

Be aware that every jurisdiction may have differences in their laws and rules regarding the practice of psychology and licensed professionals. The information contained in this section is general. If you have a question regarding a licensed psychologist, please check with the state, province, or territory where the individual is licensed to obtain specifics about your questions.

Individuals who claim to be psychologists and provide online psychological services must be licensed as psychologists. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction (state, province, or territory). Some jurisdictions require psychological providers to register or be licensed in a particular state or have authorization issued by the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) Commission to provide services via the Internet to consumers in that state. Check with your jurisdiction’s board of psychology before obtaining services via the Internet. Verification of PSYPACT providers can be found at www.verifypsypact.org.

If you communicate with someone or access a website that purports to provide psychological services, make sure you have and can verify at least the following information:

  • The full name, address, and phone number of the individual providing the “service;”
  • What types of services or advice are they qualified to provide;
  • What type of license (e.g. psychologist, counselor, social worker) does the person hold, for what services are provided, and in what locations;
  • To what extent can you expect your communications with them to be confidential, and whether their website and e-mail use encryption methods to protect confidentiality;
  • Payment arrangements.

Visit the PSYPACT website, www.psypact.gov, for more information regarding PSYPACT and interjurisdictional psychological services.