Do I need a PLLC to start a private practice in Alaska?
In Alaska, plan on an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license. Alaska has no separate PLLC, and whether you can use a regular LLC or need a professional corporation (PC) depends on your licence. A sole proprietorship needs no state filing, but it doesn't separate your business from your personal assets. Check what your licensing board allows before you file.
How many CE hours do therapists need in Alaska?
Counselors: 40 contact hours every 2 years. Marriage and family therapists: 45 contact hours every renewal period. Clinical social workers: Earn 45 contact hours every 2 years. Psychologists: 40 hours every 2 years, with at least 3 in professional ethics.
How long do I have to keep therapy records in Alaska?
Counselors: Keep client records at least 7 years after you end treatment. Marriage and family therapists: Your board's rules don't give a records retention period that we could find. Clinical social workers: Your board doesn't set a record retention period that we could find. Psychologists: Alaska has no psychologist retention rule that we could find.
Is Alaska a one-party or all-party consent state for recording sessions?
Alaska is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (AS 42.20.310, 42.20.330). Even so, ethics rules and HIPAA mean you should get your client's written consent before recording any session or using an AI note tool that records.
Can an LPC open a private practice in Alaska?
The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is Alaska's full license for counselors, issued by the Alaska Board of Professional Counselors. The level before it is Associate Counselor (new in 2026). On your website and ads: use "Licensed Professional Counselor" and your Alaska license number in your ads. Then set up your business (in Alaska, usually an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license) and confirm with the board that nothing else applies to your setup, such as a separate private-practice approval.
Can an LCSW open a private practice in Alaska?
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Alaska's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Alaska Board of Social Work Examiners. The level before it is Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). On your website and ads: your board has no ad title rule that we could find, so use "LCSW" only while your license is active. Then set up your business (in Alaska, usually an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license) and confirm with the board that nothing else applies to your setup, such as a separate private-practice approval.
What title do LMFTs use on their website in Alaska?
Use the LMFT title only while your license is active. Lapsed, suspended, revoked or unlicensed people can't use "L.M.F.T.," "L.M.F.C.," "Licensed Marital and Family Therapist" or "Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor.". Associates must use "marital therapy associate," "family therapy associate" or "marital and family therapy associate.". Source: AS 08.63.220 and 12 AAC 19.200(b).
Can associates see private-pay clients in Alaska?
Alaska's associate and pre-licensed levels include Associate Counselor (new in 2026), Marital and Family Therapy Associate, and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). What the board rules say: Associates must use "marital therapy associate," "family therapy associate" or "marital and family therapy associate.". Our research did not confirm whether Alaska lets associates own a practice, bill in their own name, or see private-pay clients outside a supervisor's practice, so confirm with your board and your supervisor before you set one up.
Which board licenses psychologists in Alaska?
The Alaska Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners. Continuing education: 40 hours every 2 years, with at least 3 in professional ethics. Renewal: renew every 2 years. The next deadline looks like June 30, 2027. Confirm current requirements on the board's site.
