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C.A.R.E.
Continuity. Access. Relationship. Empowerment.
Update! 10/5
Coverage on WCAI - Pending state legislation could make mental health care access easier
A recent WCAI feature highlights how adopting PSYPACT would dramatically improve mental health care access across Massachusetts. The story underscores critical gaps that PSYPACT fixes, including:
Affordability: Expanding options when local caregivers are priced out of a patient's area.
Specialized Care: Reaching patient populations with specific language or specialty needs not represented locally.
Continuity of Care: Supporting people through major life transitions.
The Border Barrier: Many people don't realize that under current laws, your licensed Massachusetts mental health care legally ends the moment you cross the state line. For example, if you travel out of state for just a week to provide elder care for an aging parent, your MA therapist cannot legally treat you while you are away.
"We're pushing really hard to make sure this gets passed into law to expand health care access across Massachusetts and particularly here on the Cape and Islands."
— State Senator Dylan Fernandes (D, Barnstable)
👉 Use our Action Toolkit to contact your lawmakers today!
Update! 9/27
The PSYPACT provision was not included in the House version of the Economic Development Bill (H.5576). As a result, Amendment 11 will not receive a blanket acceptance.
Blanket acceptances are strictly reserved for provisions that have been adopted by both chambers. Because this language was omitted by the House, it must now undergo further legislative review.
Please mobilize your networks in the districts of Sen. Barry Finegold and Rep. Aaron M. Michlewitz.
Please use and share our action toolkit..
Update! 9/12
Care provisions from H.2528 and S.1487 were adopted into PSYPACT Amendment 11 of the Economic Development Bill.
They are joined by provisions for the Social Work Compact Amendment 222, adding another layer of care continuity.
PSYPACT provisions are now actively in negotiation to stay in the bill.
Amendments before the Joint Conference Committee:
Keep PSYPACT Amendment 11 in the Economic Development bill!
PSYPACT protects continuity of licensed psychology care across state lines.
Keep Social Work Compact Amendment 222 in the Economic Development bill!
Social Work Compact protects continuity of and access to social work counseling across state lines.
Together these amendments repair a critical care gap for Massachusetts.
Email, call, send paper letters, post flyers, and tell your friends - without PSYPACT your health care doesn't follow you. Without PSYPACT your health care stops at the border.
Actions |. Deep Dive |. Human Impact | News | Resources
Summary: Right now, a Massachusetts-licensed therapist is not legally permitted to treat a patient who is temporarily or permanently out of state unless that therapist holds a valid license or legal authorization in the destination state. If they agree to do so, they are risking their license and livelihood. PSYPACT creates a legal pathway for licensed psychologists to continue care across state lines without requiring a full license in every state.
MA adoption of PSYPACT: Amendment 11 protects continuity of care for Massachusetts families by allowing licensed psychologists to continue seeing their patients across state lines.
MA adoption of Social Work Compact: Amendment 222 protects continuity of care by allowing licensed social workers to continue seeing their clients across state lines.
Continuity of mental health care is essential to the wellbeing of our community and to its members — especially during moves, college transitions, and medical crises.
Gratitude: Thank you for your engagement, support, and any actions you are able to take to support continuity of C.A.R.E. for Massachusetts. Every message, call, and postcard strengthens the voices of families who depend on uninterrupted care.
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