Does My Location Matter If I Do Therapy Online?
In today’s digital world, more people are turning to online therapy for its convenience, privacy, and accessibility. If you're considering working with a therapist online, you might wonder: Does my location matter when it comes to online therapy?
The short answer is yes — your location does matter, but maybe not in the way you think. Here’s what you need to know before getting started.
Therapists Must Be Licensed in Your State
Even though therapy happens online, mental health professionals are still bound by licensing laws. In the United States, therapists must be licensed in the state where you are physically located at the time of the session.
For example, if you live in Arizona and are looking for therapy, you need to work with a therapist who is licensed to practice in Arizona — even if your therapist is located in another state.
This is why many online therapists, like myself, are licensed in multiple states. It allows me to offer online therapy services to clients living in Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts.
What If I Travel or Move?
If you're traveling temporarily within a state where your therapist is licensed, you can usually continue your sessions without interruption. However, if you move permanently to a state where your therapist isn’t licensed, you would typically need to find a new therapist who is licensed in your new location.
It’s always a good idea to communicate with your therapist if you're planning a move or extended travel to ensure you stay in compliance with licensing rules.
Why These Rules Exist
Licensing laws are designed to protect clients by ensuring that therapists meet professional standards and ethical guidelines. Each state sets its own requirements for training, continuing education, and scope of practice, which is why these regulations apply even when therapy is delivered online.
Following these rules helps maintain the quality and safety of the therapy you receive — no matter where you are.
How to Find the Right Online Therapist for Your Location
When looking for an online therapist, be sure to check:
Where they are licensed (many therapists list this on their website).
What services they offer in your specific state.
Experience and specialties that match your needs (such as trauma therapy, EMDR, anxiety treatment, etc.).
On my website, you'll find dedicated pages for each state I serve to make it easy for you to know if I’m licensed to work with you.
Does It Matter Where My Therapist Lives?
For years, finding a therapist usually meant searching for someone nearby — someone whose office you could physically drive to for weekly sessions.
Location mattered a lot because therapy was an in-person experience. Most people chose a therapist based on who was available in their city or neighborhood.
But with the rise of secure online therapy, the way we think about finding a therapist is changing.
Now, you have the freedom to work with a licensed therapist who lives in a different state, as long as they are licensed in your state.
This opens up more options to find someone who truly fits your needs, even if they live hours away.
Licensure Compacts: A Step Toward Greater Flexibility
Recognizing the challenges posed by state-specific licensing, especially in the realm of telehealth, the Social Work Licensure Compact has been introduced to facilitate multistate practice for social workers. This compact allows licensed social workers in participating states to apply for a multistate license, enabling them to provide services to clients in any other member state without obtaining additional licenses.
As of April 2025, 24 states have enacted legislation to join the compact, including Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. However, the compact is still in the implementation phase, with the establishment of the governing Compact Commission and the development of necessary infrastructure underway. According to Change.org It's anticipated that the compact will become fully operational in the coming months, further enhancing access to care across state lines.
Final Thoughts
Online therapy offers incredible flexibility and accessibility, but it’s important to make sure your therapist is licensed to practice in your location.
By working with a qualified, licensed therapist in your state, you can fully enjoy the benefits of online therapy — knowing you’re receiving ethical, high-quality care.
If you live in Arizona, Oregon, Washington, or Massachusetts, I would be honored to support you on your therapy journey.
Feel free to contact me to schedule a free consultation or learn more about how online therapy can work for you.
