Madison, WI – Rep. Paul Tittl’s (R-Manitowoc) initiative to increase access to mental health services is becoming law, as Gov. Evers today signed legislation designed to provide greater opportunity for people in Wisconsin to receive needed mental health help.
State Rep. Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc), along with State Sen. André Jacque (R-Manitowoc), co-authored the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). This bi-partisan legislation ratifies and enters Wisconsin into an agreement that will allow a psychologist to practice more easily in other compact states
PSYPACT allows psychologists to practice either in person or other than in-person across state lines in states which have enacted the compact. As a result, quick and efficient access to mental health resources will be greatly increased.
“The mental health needs in Wisconsin are great, and the COVID situation has increased the number of people in need of psychological services,” said Rep. Tittl. “This bill makes it easier for them to do receive help.”
The benefits of joining the PSYPACT extend beyond the COVID situation. It increases access to rural Wisconsinites served by psychologists out of state, provides treatment to patients needing care by a specialist who is not available in Wisconsin, enables sports psychologists to travel with and provide services to a team, and allows a Wisconsinite temporarily moving out of state to continue to receiving care from a psychologist in Wisconsin.
Currently 27 states have enacted PSYPACT, including Illinois and Minnesota. As more states enact PSYPACT it will become even more effective in alleviating mental health care shortages and improving access to mental health services.
“It’s time for us to modernize our laws and join our neighbors in prioritizing mental health resource accessibility for Wisconsinites,” continued Rep. Tittl.
The 25th Assembly District includes portions of Calumet and Manitowoc Counties.
