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Temporary Practice (30-day allowance) FAQ

1. I am a licensed psychologist in another state. Can I provide psychological services to my client while they are located in California temporarily?

Answer: Yes. Business and Professions Code (BPC) § 2912 allows licensed psychologists from other U.S. states or Canada to temporarily provide psychological services in California for up to 30 consecutive days per calendar year, provided that specific requirements are met. See BPC § 2912 for details.

2. Who qualifies to practice temporarily under this law?

Answer: To qualify, the psychologist must:

  • Hold a doctoral-level license in psychology from another U.S. jurisdiction or Canada.
  • Have a license that is current, active, and unrestricted.
  • Be providing services to a current client with whom they had an established relationship before the client was present in California.
  • Ensure the client is physically located in California during the time services are provided.
3. What must the psychologist disclose to the client?

Answer: Before providing services, the psychologist must:

  • Inform the client that the services are provided within a limited timeframe and that they are not licensed in California.
  • Provide the client with the California Board of Psychology's website.
  • Inform the client of the jurisdiction, license type, and license number under which they are licensed.
4. Do I need to obtain approval from the California Board of Psychology prior to providing psychological services temporarily?

Answer: Yes. Approval from the California Board of Psychology must be obtained in advance before providing psychological services temporarily in California. This requires submitting an application for a Temporary Out-of-State Psychologist License (30-day allowance). See below FAQ for details on how to apply.

5. How do I seek approval from the California Board of Psychology regarding temporary practice?

Answer: To apply for a Temporary Out-of-State Psychologist License (30-day allowance):

  • Create a BreEZe account at www.BreEZe.ca.gov.
  • Log in to the BreEZe account.
  • Navigate to the Applications section.
  • Complete and submit a Temporary Out-of-State Psychologist (30-day allowance) application.

Be prepared to provide the following information for the application:

  • Full name, mailing address, phone number, email address, and SSN or ITIN.
  • Jurisdiction of licensure, license type, and license number.
  • Start date of services in California.
  • A signed statement under penalty of perjury acknowledging that they are subject to the jurisdiction of the Board and agreeing to be bound by California law.

It is recommended that you submit the application at least five days prior to the anticipated start date of services in California. Upon approval, the Board will send a formal notice via email. No physical certificate will be provided.

6. I previously provided psychological services via telehealth under BPC § 2912 before the law was changed by Senate Bill (SB) 775. Do I need to obtain approval from the Board to continue providing services via telehealth temporarily on or after January 1, 2026?

Answer: Yes. Regardless of modality, psychologists must seek approval from the California Board of Psychology by applying for and receiving approval for a Temporary Out-of-State Psychologist License (30-day allowance) before providing services under BPC § 2912 on or after January 1, 2026.

7. Are there any restrictions?

Answer: Yes. This provision does not apply to any individual whose California license has been suspended or revoked.

8. Can the 30 days be split across multiple visits?

Answer: No. The law specifies 30 consecutive days. The temporary practice period cannot be split or extended beyond the 30-consecutive-day period.

9. I anticipate providing services to my client in California starting on December 10 of this year. If I receive approval to provide psychological services temporarily in California by the Board, would the 30 consecutive days carry over into the new calendar year?

Answer: No. Approval for a Temporary Out-of-State Psychologist License (30-day allowance) with less than 30 days ends on December 31 of the year in which it was issued, regardless of whether the 30-day allowance has been fully used. The 30-day allowance does not carry over into the next year.

10. What should I do if my temporary practice period overlaps two calendar years?

Answer: If you anticipate that your temporary practice will extend into a new calendar year, you must seek new approval from the California Board of Psychology by applying for a Temporary Out-of-State Psychologist License (30-day allowance) for the new year. Each calendar year requires a separate application and approval.

11. Can I be approved more than once within a calendar year?

Answer: No. Once you have been approved for a 30-consecutive-day Temporary Out-of-State Psychologist License and the start date of services has begun as submitted to the Board, you must wait until the next calendar year to reapply.

12. I have received approval to practice temporarily from the California Board of Psychology, but I need to amend the start date of services. What should I do?

Answer: If the start date of services submitted for your approved Temporary Out-of-State License has not yet begun, you may cancel the approved temporary license online through BreEZe by submitting the Request to Cancel Temporary Out-of-State Psychologist License application. Once cancelled, you may submit a new application for a Temporary Out-of-State License (30-day allowance) with a revised start date. The new start date must be after the application submission date.

13. What happens if someone violates these rules?

Answer: Answer: Failure to comply with the governing laws and regulations may result in enforcement action pursuant to BPC §125.9.