Using telemedicine, can providers treat clients who live in a state where they aren’t licensed?

When a provider uses telemedicine to conduct treatment, the provider is understood to be “traveling through cyberspace” to the resident state of their patient. This means that the provider is bound to the laws and regulations of the client’s home state. This is known as a “point of service” issue and the answer depends on the state in question.

Legally, providers are allowed to treat clients in the state(s) where they hold a current license. Providers can obtain licenses in multiple states through the interstate licensure compact (for more information, send inquiries to your state’s governing body).

Each provider is responsible for making sure they are properly licensed to conduct behavioral telehealth sessions.