If I Do Therapy Virtually, 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 across your entire state — not just those located near you.
This opens up more options to find someone who truly fits your needs, even if they live hours away.

However, even with this new flexibility, licensing laws still apply — and where your therapist lives is less important than where you are located at the time of the session.

Here’s why.

Therapists Must Be Licensed in the State Where You Are Located

Regardless of whether therapy is in-person or online, therapists are required to hold an active license in the state where the client is located during the session.
This means that even if your therapist lives in another state, they must be licensed to practice in your state for the therapy to be legally and ethically provided.

For example, if you live in Arizona, your online therapist must be licensed to practice in Arizona — even if they personally live in Oregon.

This is why many online therapists, like myself, hold licenses in multiple states to serve a wider range of clients.

What If My Therapist Moves?

If your therapist moves to another state but maintains their license in the state where you live, you can typically continue working together without interruption.
However, if they let their license lapse in your state, you would need to find another therapist who is properly licensed where you are.

Good communication is key — if you or your therapist plan to relocate, it’s important to talk about how that might affect your ability to continue therapy.

What If I Move or Travel?

If you move to a different state — even temporarily — your therapist must be licensed in your new location to legally continue sessions.
Similarly, if you're traveling and want to continue therapy sessions while away, it’s important to check whether your therapist is licensed where you’ll be.

Some therapists are licensed in multiple states, which can offer more flexibility if you're someone who travels often or is planning a move.

Why These Rules Exist

Licensing regulations are designed to protect clients by ensuring therapists meet professional standards, complete state-specific training requirements, and follow ethical guidelines.
Even with the convenience of telehealth, these protections remain in place to ensure you receive high-quality, legally compliant care.

While it may seem like a small detail, making sure your therapist is licensed where you are located is crucial for your safety, privacy, and legal protection.

The Future: Interstate Compacts

To help make online therapy easier across state lines, initiatives like the Social Work Licensure Compact are underway.
Once active, this agreement will allow therapists licensed in one participating state to practice across multiple states without needing to apply for a separate license each time.

This exciting development will increase access to care, but until then, individual state licensing rules still apply.

Final Thoughts

In online therapy, it's not about where your therapist lives — it's about where you are when you attend the session.
Always make sure your therapist is licensed in your current location to ensure your therapy is legal, ethical, and effective.

If you live in Arizona, Oregon, Washington, or Massachusetts, I am licensed and available to work with you through secure, confidential online therapy.
Contact me to learn more or schedule a free consultation today.