Wisconsin becomes 31st state to sign interstate Counseling Compact into law

Abstract

The dream of many licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines took another step forward as Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed into law his state's Counseling Compact legislation, according to a Dec. 8, 2023 American Counseling Association news release. This milestone makes Wisconsin the thirty‐first state to ratify the Counseling Compact, which allows professional counselors licensed and residing in a Compact member state to practice in other member states without the need for multiple licenses. “The Compact continues to expand across the country as states recognize that the ability to practice across state lines is essential in meeting the mental health needs of so many people,” said Lynn Linde, project lead. “The Compact represents the biggest change in the profession in 20 years and is truly historic. This is truly a milestone for the profession.” Funded and created by the American Counseling Association, the Counseling Compact, finalized in December 2020, enables professional counselors who meet uniform licensure requirements to quickly obtain a privilege to practice, which is equivalent to a license to practice counseling in another state.