Supervision & Compacts: Quick Reference Guide

Can Supervisees See Clients Across State Lines Under Their Supervisor’s Compact Privileges?

Note: As of now, neither the Counseling Compact nor the Social Work Licensure Compact have been fully operationalized. While they have been enacted by a number of states, their governance structures and systems for issuing privileges are still being implemented. This means that even fully licensed counselors and social workers cannot yet engage in cross-jurisdictional practice under these compacts. When they do become active, their privileges will apply only to independently licensed clinicians—not supervisees.

Key Takeaway Across All Compacts

No, compact privileges do not [and will not] extend to pre-licensed supervisees. These compacts apply only to fully licensed independent practitioners, and supervision arrangements are governed by state-specific regulations of the client and supervisee locations.

PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact)

Does PSYPACT apply to supervisees?
❌ No.

“PSYPACT only applies to licensed psychologists and does not cover practicum students, interns, or postdoctoral fellows.”
— PSYPACT FAQ

Supervision of pre-licensed professionals is still subject to state law and board regulations. They must be individually authorized to provide services in the state where the client is located.

Counseling Compact

Does the Counseling Compact allow supervisees to practice across states under their supervisor’s privilege?
❌ No.

“The Compact applies only to fully licensed counselors. It does not provide privileges or authorizations for associate or pre-licensed counselors.”
— Counseling Compact FAQ

Each state retains authority over supervision standards, and associate-level counselors are not eligible for compact privileges.

Social Work Licensure Compact

Are supervision or pre-licensure provisions included in the compact?
❌ No.

“The Compact applies to licensed social workers. It does not address or change the requirements for supervision or practice under supervision.”
— Social Work Licensure Compact FAQ

Licensure candidates must comply with the laws of the state where the client resides. Compact privilege only applies after independent licensure is obtained.

AAMFT Licensure Portability Model

Is there a compact for MFTs?
⚠️ Not yet.

“AAMFT supports licensure portability through a common licensure standard rather than a formal compact. Adoption is at the discretion of individual state boards.”
— AAMFT Portability Resource Page

This model aims to ease state-to-state licensure for fully licensed MFTs. It does not impact supervision, nor does it offer multistate practice for licensure candidates.

Risk Management Tips for Supervisors

• Don’t assume your compact privilege extends to your supervisees.
• Always verify where your supervisee is authorized to practice.
• Clarify with state licensing boards if cross-jurisdictional supervision is permitted.
• Document supervision agreements including practice scope and locations.
• Educate supervisees on their limits—even if the supervisor has broader privileges.

Summary Table