Super Bowl Champion A.J. Brown Urges Support for PSYPACT

Super Bowl Champion and Mental Health Advocate A.J. Brown Joins New York State Lawmakers and Advocates, Urging Support of PSYPACT

Albany, NY, May 5, 2026 — As the State of New York’s spring legislative session enters its final stretch, Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowl star and mental health advocate A.J. Brown urged state lawmakers to vote yes on legislation (S7136/A6744) that will allow New Yorkers to receive treatment from their trusted psychologists across state lines. The bill would allow New York to join 43 states and jurisdictions that have already signed on to the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT).

Brown appeared at a press conference organized by Jake Collective, a foundation, investment engine, and advocacy group dedicated to supporting neurodivergent young people. He was joined by the legislation’s sponsors, State Senator James Skoufis and Assemblymember Tony Simone, representatives from the New York State Psychological Association, PSYPACT Executive Director Janet Orwig, and Melissa Floren Filippone, Jake Collective’s CEO.

Under current law, psychologists in New York are barred from treating patients who travel out of state for work vacation, or college. In some circumstances, these restrictions can pose a threat to a patient’s safety and the success of their treatment. “A robust patient-therapist relationship is predicated upon the slow, steady build of trust and confidence on the patient’s part, and the widening comprehension of the patient’s challenges on the part of their psychologist,” said Melissa Floren Filippone. “New York’s geographic restrictions often interrupt continuity of care and can threaten a patient’s mental health and wellbeing. We encourage the legislature to take action to remove this dangerous barrier and ensure continuity of care for New Yorkers.”

As an NFL star playing as many as nine away games each season, A.J. Brown recognizes the crucial importance of removing needless obstacles based on where a patient happens to be at a particular time. “I’ve been open about my mental health. With how much I travel, I know how important it is to stay connected to the people who support me,” said Brown. “You shouldn’t have to start over or lose that support just because you cross state lines. I came to Albany to help make sure people can get the help they need, wherever they are.”

“New Yorkers shouldn’t lose access to the mental health care they rely on just because they cross state lines. I’m proud to sponsor legislation in support of PSYPACT because it is a simple, commonsense fix that keeps patients connected to the providers they trust and supports continuity of care when it matters most,” said State Senator James Skoufis. “If we’re serious about expanding access and modernizing our mental health system, it’s time to act.”

“By joining PSYPACT, New York can ensure continuity of care, so people don’t lose trusted support simply because they cross state lines,” said Assemblymember and Tony Simone. “We’re grateful to Jake Schreiber’s family and the Jake Collective for turning unimaginable tragedy into meaningful change, helping lead the fight for better access to care. I also want to recognize A.J. Brown for using his platform to speak so openly about mental health and for standing with us in support of this bill.”

Assemblymember Judy Griffin said, "Cooperative relationships among states are a vital component in our shared efforts to provide timely and effective psychological services to those in need. It is time for New York to join 43 other states who are members of PSYPACT to expand networks in this area of health care. With safeguards built into the legislation and the proven success of other states that participate, this bill would expand access to care, allow for a broader selection of professionals that increases the chances of patient/provider trust and overall better outcomes."

Assemblymember Brian Cunningham said, “We have made real progress in how we talk about mental health, but too many people still cannot rely on the system to respond when they need it most. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded that access to care cannot be optional, it must be reliable and consistent. New York has a responsibility to step in and ensure no one is left without someone to call. That is why I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to create a dedicated funding stream for the 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline. We already fund 9-1-1 through a phone surcharge because emergency response must be ready when people call. Mental health crisis response deserves that same level of seriousness."

“With over 11,000 licensed psychologists in New York, PSYPACT would provide a framework to unlock their potential to support their patients when those patients are located in other PSYPACT states, all while ensuring that quality psychological care is delivered with the utmost respect for public safety,” said Janet Orwig, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT).

“The New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA), an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA), strongly supports New York State’s adoption of PSYPACT. New Yorkers deserve expanded access to qualified licensed psychologists, including when they are out of state. This is consistent with NYSPA’s mission to advance the science and practice of psychology as a means of promoting human welfare,” said Peggy Brady-Amoon, PhD, President of the New York State Psychological Association.

PSYPACT is an interstate compact that allows licensed psychologists to provide care out of state. It ensures patients can stay connected to the providers they have come to rely upon, even when life takes them elsewhere. Advocates, mental health professionals, patients and families are urging leadership to act before the close of session.

About Jake Collective

Jake Collective is a nonprofit foundation and impact investment engine dedicated to improving the lives of neurodivergent young people. By building a flywheel of scaled data, capital, clinical care and human understanding, the organization works to transform how neurodivergence is seen and supported.