SMP Psypact

Stephen DeMers, Ed.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
215 Marker Road
Tyrone, GA 30290

Dear Dr. DeMers,

The Society for Military Psychology supports the initiative of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Psychological (ASPPB) Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT).
On April 1, 2019, the Society for Military Psychology voted unanimously to support the effort to create a compact to aid in the practice of telehealth among licensed psychologists.

PSYPACT is particularly important when considering the treatment of our nation’s service members and veterans. We want to ensure National Guard members are able to receive the full range of psychological services when living in states other than where their National Guard unit is located, or where a practicing provider can continue to provide treatment in remote locations. PSYPACT would allow for greater access to treatment for these service members. We owe it to our veterans to be able to provide them the best mental healthcare possible, and enacting PSYPACT provides our veterans with the best treatment opportunities that transcend jurisdictional boundaries and solve barriers to care such as lack of access to mental health services and service decrements in rural and remote localities.

The Society for Military Psychology supports the effort of the ASPPB in the creation of PSYPACT. This compact provides expanded mental health treatment opportunities that can directly benefit those who have served our nation.

Sincerely,
Stephen Bowles
Stephen Bowles, PhD, ABPP
President, Division 19, Society for Military Psychology