What Happens If a Client Moves to Another State Mid-Treatment?

When a client relocates to another state in the middle of therapy, clinicians are often faced with a difficult and time-sensitive question:

Can I legally continue working with this client?

The answer is not purely clinical. It is regulatory.

While continuity of care is an ethical priority, interstate licensure laws may limit your ability to continue treatment depending on where your client is physically located during sessions.

Understanding the distinction between ethical responsibility and legal authority is critical.

Why Location Matters in Telehealth

In most jurisdictions, a therapist is considered to be practicing where the client is physically located at the time of the session — not where the therapist sits.

That means if your Vermont-based client moves to Colorado, you may now be practicing in Colorado, even if you never leave your office.

Each state sets its own licensure requirements, telehealth regulations, and enforcement standards. Before continuing services, clinicians should review applicable interstate rules and compact agreements. For a comprehensive breakdown of how cross-state licensure works, see our full guide to telehealth across state lines for therapists.

Common Scenarios and Risk Levels

Not all relocations carry the same risk. Consider these common situations:

1. Temporary Relocation (Short-Term Travel)

If a client is traveling for a limited time — such as a work assignment or family visit — some states may allow temporary continuation of services. Others may not.

Do not assume short-term presence equals automatic permission.

2. Permanent Move

If a client permanently relocates, you are almost certainly subject to the new state’s licensure laws. Continuing treatment without proper authorization can expose you to:

• Licensing board complaints
• Malpractice insurance complications
• Reimbursement issues
• Ethical violations

3. Military or Federal Employment Transfers

Some states provide limited exemptions for federal employees or military families, but these vary significantly.

Ethical Considerations: Continuity of Care vs. Legal Compliance

The ethical tension in these situations is real.

You have an obligation to:

• Avoid client abandonment
• Ensure appropriate transition planning
• Provide continuity when possible

But you also must:

• Practice within your licensure authority
• Protect clients from regulatory instability
• Avoid professional misconduct

This is where thoughtful documentation and proactive communication become essential.

Risk Mitigation Steps for Clinicians

If a client informs you of an upcoming move:

1. Clarify the Timeline

Is this temporary or permanent? Where will the client physically be during sessions?

2. Review State Requirements

Consult the destination state’s licensing board website directly. Do not rely solely on forum discussions or colleague anecdotes.

If you are unsure how compact agreements or reciprocity rules apply, review the broader regulatory landscape outlined in our interstate telehealth compliance guide.

3. Consult With Your Malpractice Carrier

Insurance coverage may depend on legal authorization to practice in the client’s state.

4. Discuss Informed Consent Updates

If continuing services is legally permissible, update documentation to reflect:

• Client’s new location
• Emergency contacts in that state
• Crisis resources local to the client

5. Prepare a Referral Plan

If you are not authorized to continue, develop a structured transfer plan. Document efforts to connect the client with licensed providers in their new jurisdiction.

When Interstate Compacts May Help

For certain professions, interstate compacts allow clinicians to practice across participating states with additional credentialing.

However, eligibility requirements vary, and not all professions or states participate.

Before relying on a compact pathway, confirm:

• Your profession is covered
• Your home state participates
• The destination state participates
• You meet experience and disciplinary requirements

Our detailed overview of interstate compact participation and multistate licensure rules can be found in our guide to practicing therapy across state lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I continue therapy for one or two sessions after a client moves?

This depends entirely on the destination state’s laws. Some states allow limited transitional sessions; others do not. Always verify before proceeding.

What if my client keeps their original permanent address?

Licensing boards generally consider the client’s physical location during the session, not their mailing address.

Is this different for insurance-based clients?

Insurance requirements may add additional restrictions beyond licensure rules. Confirm both regulatory and payer policies.

The Bottom Line

When a client moves to another state mid-treatment, the key issue is not clinical competence — it is regulatory jurisdiction.

The safest approach is proactive verification, documentation, and clear communication.

Interstate practice is increasingly common, but it requires careful attention to licensure boundaries. For a full 2026 overview of interstate telehealth regulations, compact participation, and risk management strategies, see our complete guide to telehealth across state lines for therapists.