Nevada Joins counseling Compact, Aiming to Ease Mental Health Access Crisis
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Nevada is taking a significant step to address its critical shortage of mental health professionals by joining teh counseling Compact, effective January 1, 2026.This interstate agreement will allow licensed professional counselors to practice in participating states without the burden of multiple licenses, potentially expanding access to care for millions of Nevadans.
Addressing a Growing mental Health Crisis
The move comes as Nevada faces a severe shortage of mental health services. A 2025 report from the nevada Health Workforce Research Center revealed that an estimated 3.1 million residents – 91.3% of the state’s population – live in federally designated mental health professional shortage areas, also known as HPSAs. This scarcity of providers has been exacerbated by recent population growth and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think overall it’s going to be a positive impact,” stated Dr. Sid Khurana, medical director at Nevada Mental Health. “it’s going to break down barriers to access, which is one of the biggest barriers to mental health – we don’t have enough therapists. COVID supercharged, super-fueled this problem.”
How the Counseling Compact Works
Signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo on June 10,2025,Assembly Bill 163 officially incorporates Nevada as the 38th state and 39th jurisdiction to join the Counseling Compact. The agreement, initially finalized in December 2020 by the American Counseling Association, streamlines the licensing process for counselors. Professionals licensed and residing in a member state will be able to practice in other member states with what advocates describe as reduced administrative hurdles.
This increased mobility is expected to improve access to care, particularly in underserved areas. “Our population is growing, but correspondingly, our availability of professional services is not keeping up with that,” Dr. Khurana explained. “By having these compacts in place, it will improve access, it will improve services.People will get licensed or will get privileges to be able to practice, and more people will be able to seek care.”
Beyond Licensing: Addressing Systemic Challenges
While the Counseling Compact is a welcome advancement,experts caution that it’s not a panacea. Dr. Khurana emphasized that factors beyond licensing, such as health insurance coverage, also play a crucial role in access to mental health support. He also highlighted the importance of cultural competency for counselors practicing in diffrent regions.
“It’s also important that they’re educated about the various regions they’re serving, as attitudes and stigmas surrounding mental health vary from place to place, and so do the needs and issues of the populations they’re serving,” Dr.Khurana added.
Implementation and Neighboring States
Arizona and Minnesota have already completed the necessary technical and regulatory steps to implement the Counseling Compact,paving the way for counselors to begin practicing across state lines. Dozens of other states are currently working to finalize their implementation processes.
“We do not have enough counselors or therapists who take insurance and can help people in a meaningful way,” Dr. Khurana said. “So having this avenue available from January onw
