Free live workshop Thu Nov 19, noon CT: open your practice in the right order →
Free checklist
← All states

Rules checked October 23, 2026 · by Dr. Emily Turinas, PhD

How to start a private practice in Arizona

The steps are the same everywhere. Arizona's rules are what change: your board, your entity, your ads, your paperwork. Here they are for counselors, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and psychologists, each linked to the official source.

Business education, not legal, tax, or clinical advice. Confirm each rule at the linked source before you rely on it.

Show rules for:
Usual entityA PLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$0: no annual report for LLCs
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo Arizona-specific AI note law found as of October 23, 2026

By license

Starting a private practice in Arizona, by license

Find your license for its Arizona title, board, and what associates should know. The full rules for every license follow below, each linked to the official source.

Counselors · LPC

Starting a private practice in Arizona as an LPC

License: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Board: Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (the Board).

  • Title in ads: Use your exact licensed title, "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC," and no title you don't hold.
  • Continuing education: Earn 30 clock hours every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, with your CE done between your last renewal and the next expiration date.
Before full licensure: Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)
  • Supervised private practices (such as LACs) must show a "supervised private practice" notice and the supervisor's name and contact in all ads. (A.A.C. R4-6-217)

That's what the board rules we checked say about this level. Whether you may own a practice, bill insurance in your own name, or see private-pay clients outside your supervisor's practice: confirm with your board before you set anything up.

Rules checked October 23, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

MFTs · LMFT

Starting a private practice in Arizona as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE).

  • Title in ads: Use your exact licensed title, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or LMFT, and no title you don't hold.
  • Continuing education: 30 clock hours every license period.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, on or before your expiration date.
Before full licensure: Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT)

Our research didn't find a Arizona board rule on this level's ads or private practice. Whether you may own a practice, bill insurance in your own name, or see private-pay clients outside your supervisor's practice: confirm with your board before you set anything up.

Rules checked October 23, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

Social workers · LCSW

Starting a private practice in Arizona as an LCSW

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Board: Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE).

  • Title in ads: Use your exact license title, "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or "LCSW," and don't imply a credential you don't hold.
  • Continuing education: Earn 30 clock hours every 2 years, between your last renewal application and your next expiration date.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, based on your own license dates.
Before full licensure: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Our research didn't find a Arizona board rule on this level's ads or private practice. Whether you may own a practice, bill insurance in your own name, or see private-pay clients outside your supervisor's practice: confirm with your board before you set anything up.

Rules checked October 23, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

Psychologists

Starting a private practice in Arizona as a psychologist

License: Psychologist. Board: Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners, 1740 W.

  • Title in ads: Don't use a title that claims a future or potential qualification.
  • Continuing education: 40 hours every license period.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, and verify your exact deadline with the board.
If you're not fully licensed yet
  • Examples to avoid: "Ph.D. (Cand)," "Ph.D. (ABD)," "License Eligible," "Candidate for Licensure" and "Board Eligible." (A.A.C. R4-26-303)

That's what the board rules we checked say about this level. Whether you may own a practice, bill insurance in your own name, or see private-pay clients outside your supervisor's practice: confirm with your board before you set anything up.

Rules checked October 23, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

Licensing

Your licensing board in Arizona

Read your board's rules before you name your practice or write your website.

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsArizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (the Board)Earn 30 clock hours every 2 years.Renew every 2 years, with your CE done between your last renewal and the next expiration date.
Marriage and family therapistsArizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE)30 clock hours every license period.Renew every 2 years, on or before your expiration date.
Clinical social workersArizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE)Earn 30 clock hours every 2 years, between your last renewal application and your next expiration date.Renew every 2 years, based on your own license dates.
PsychologistsArizona Board of Psychologist Examiners, 1740 W40 hours every license period.Renew every 2 years, and verify your exact deadline with the board.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Arizona

Every ad counts: your website, directory profiles, business cards, and often your bills.

Counselors

Your title

Use your exact licensed title, "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC," and no title you don't hold.

  • Supervised private practices (such as LACs) must show a "supervised private practice" notice and the supervisor's name and contact in all ads.
  • That notice does not apply to an independent LPC.

Not yet confirmed: No rule on exactly what title or license number an independent LPC's ad must show was found. Check with the board.

A.A.C. R4-6-217

What you can't say

Keep every ad truthful, because false or misleading advertising is grounds for discipline.

  • This covers ads by you, your staff or a representative you pay.
  • Don't rely on the "specialist" and "expert" ban in A.A.C. R4-7-901. It belongs to a different board.

Not yet confirmed: No board rule on testimonials, "specialist" claims or guarantees was found. Check with the board.

A.R.S. 32-3251

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use your exact licensed title, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or LMFT, and no title you don't hold.

  • Using a title you don't hold is unlawful.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule on which title, credential or license number ads must show. Check with the board.

A.R.S. 32-3286

What you can't say

Keep ads honest, because false or deceptive statements about your practice are unprofessional conduct.

  • This covers misleading ads by you, your staff or anyone you pay to represent you.
  • A misleading claim about your skills or results can still be charged under the statute.

Not yet confirmed: We found no board rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees. Check with the board before using them.

A.R.S. 32-3251(16)(d)

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use your exact license title, "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or "LCSW," and don't imply a credential you don't hold.

  • False or misleading advertising is unprofessional conduct.

Not yet confirmed: No rule on what title, credential or license number an ad must show was found. Check with the board.

A.R.S. 32-3251(16)(d)

What you can't say

Keep every ad truthful, because you answer for ads placed by staff or paid marketers.

  • Unprofessional conduct includes false, fraudulent or deceptive statements and misrepresenting your skills or the value of any treatment.
  • Helping an unlicensed person pose as a licensed professional is also unprofessional conduct.

Not yet confirmed: No board rule names testimonials, "specialist" claims or guarantees. A guarantee would likely be treated as misleading, but that wasn't confirmed. Check with the board.

A.R.S. 32-3251(16)(c)(iii), (d), (i)

Psychologists

Your title

Don't use a title that claims a future or potential qualification.

  • Examples to avoid: "Ph.D. (Cand)," "Ph.D. (ABD)," "License Eligible," "Candidate for Licensure" and "Board Eligible."
  • Using such a title violates A.R.S. 32-2061 and following.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule on which title or license number ads must show. Check with the board.

A.A.C. R4-26-303

What you can't say

Treat every public listing as advertising, and keep it accurate.

  • "Advertising" covers any media used to share your qualifications or find clients, paid or not, such as directory listings, business cards, brochures, resumes and electronic communications.
  • Don't claim future or potential qualifications.
  • Offering activities outside your education, training and experience is unprofessional conduct.

Not yet confirmed: We found no confirmed rules on testimonials, "specialist" claims or guarantees. R4-26-301 incorporates other standards we didn't read, so check it and ask the board.

A.A.C. R4-26-101 and R4-26-303, A.R.S. 32-2061

Your business

Forming your practice in Arizona

Most therapists form a PLLC (professional LLC). Check what your licensing board allows.

Then get your free EIN, open a business bank account, and get your free NPI. More in do therapists need a PLLC or LLC?

WhatArizona
Usual entityPLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$0: no annual report for LLCs
When it's dueNone
Where to fileazcc.gov

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Arizona

What your intake paperwork must cover, and how long to keep records. For the full form, see informed consent for therapy and the Good Faith Estimate guide.

Counselors

Informed consent

Get written informed consent before treatment, dated and signed by the client or legal representative.

  • Cover purpose of treatment, procedures with benefits, limits and risks, and confidentiality and its limits.
  • Also cover your supervision or treatment team involvement, how to get their records, their role in the treatment plan, and the right to refuse or withdraw.
  • Re-sign when a listed element changes. Get separate signed consent for recording or third-party observation.
  • Telehealth consent can be verbal if documented. Treatment plan is due by the fourth session.

Not yet confirmed: Items 4 to 7 come partly from rulemaking notices and earlier rule versions. Check the current rule text.

A.A.C. R4-6-1101, 1102, 1106

Records

Keep adult records at least 6 years after the last date of service.

  • For a minor: until the later of 3 years after their 18th birthday or 6 years after the last service.
  • Keep records longer if another statute or federal law requires it.
  • Keep records safe and confidential, in any format. Write notes within 10 business days of the service.

A.R.S. 12-2297 and A.A.C. R4-6-1103(E)–(F)

Complaints

Your board doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find.

  • The consent rule does not list it as an element.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board.

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Get written informed consent, signed and dated, before treatment and whenever an element changes.

  • Cover purpose, procedures with benefits, limits and risks, confidentiality and its limits, and any supervision or treatment team.
  • Also cover access to records, the client's role in treatment decisions, the right to refuse or withdraw, and all fees with refund and collection policies.
  • Get separate signed consent before audio or video taping or a third-party observer.
  • A behavioral health entity must also add a dated signature from an authorized representative.

A.A.C. R4-6-1101

Records

Keep adult records at least 6 years after the last date of service.

  • For a minor: the later of 3 years after their 18th birthday or 6 years after the last service.
  • Rule R4-6-1103 lists what a client record must contain.
  • Inadequate records are unprofessional conduct.

Not yet confirmed: The board's records rule doesn't set a period, and we read the statute through a state agency's copy. Confirm with the board that it applies to you.

A.R.S. 12-2297 and 32-3251(16)(q)

Complaints

Your board doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find.

  • The consent elements in R4-6-1101 don't list one.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule on telling clients how to file a complaint. Check with the board.

A.A.C. R4-6-1101

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Get dated, signed written consent before treatment, and again when any element changes in a way that could affect consent.

  • Cover purpose, procedures with benefits, limits and risks, and confidentiality with its limits.
  • Cover your supervision or treatment team, access to records, their role in the treatment plan, and the right to refuse or withdraw.
  • Include all fees plus your refund and collection policies.
  • Get separate signed consent for recording or third-party observation. For telehealth, also document its limits and risks.

A.A.C. R4-6-1101 and R4-6-1106

Records

Keep adult records at least 6 years after the last date of service.

  • For a minor: the later of 3 years after their 18th birthday or 6 years after the last service.
  • Keep records safe and confidential, and destroy them in a way that protects confidentiality.
  • Payer or contract rules may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: The current version of the rule's subsection E couldn't be opened, and the statute was seen only in secondary copies. Confirm on azleg.gov.

A.A.C. R4-6-1103 and A.R.S. 12-2297

Complaints

Your board doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find.

  • Including the board's contact information in your consent form is still a reasonable practice.

Not yet confirmed: The consent rule doesn't list this and no other rule was found. Check with the board.

Psychologists

Informed consent

For telepractice, get written informed consent in clear language before services, and keep a copy in the record.

  • No board rule we found lists what general informed consent must contain.
  • A secondary source says R4-26-301 brings in APA Standards 3.10 and 10.01 on informed consent.

Not yet confirmed: The telepractice section number wasn't shown, and we couldn't verify the APA standards text on the board's site. Check with the board.

A.A.C. R4-26-106 and R4-26-301

Records

Keep adult records at least 6 years from the date of last client activity.

  • For a minor: at least 3 years past the 18th birthday or 6 years from last activity, whichever is longer.
  • Source data: 6 years from collection.
  • If you retire or sell your practice, take reasonable steps to keep records for the full period.

Not yet confirmed: We read R4-26-106(E) in the 2020 rule text, and it may have been amended. Check the current version.

A.A.C. R4-26-106(E) and A.R.S. 12-2297

Complaints

Your board doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find.

  • The board's complaint and claim forms are on psychboard.az.gov under Forms.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule on telling clients how to file a complaint. Check with the board.

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Arizona

Telehealth consent

  • Name the risks of telehealth, including confidentiality and technology failure
  • Explain how you verify who the client is
  • State the emergency procedure and that you will record the client's location each session

Recording

Arizona is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (ARS 13-3005, 13-3012). Whatever the law, get written consent before recording a session or using an AI tool that listens to one.

AI note tools

No state law or board rule specific to AI note tools confirmed as of Oct 2026. Federal HIPAA, state confidentiality law, and board ethics rules still apply.

More in AI scribe consent for therapists.

Your consent should
  • Name the AI tool and what it does (drafts notes from a recording, transcript, or the therapist's summary)
  • Say whether the session is recorded or transcribed, and how long any audio, transcript, and AI data is kept before deletion
  • Client may say no or withdraw at any time without losing care
  • the therapist reviews and signs every note

Reporting abuse

Report reasonably believed child abuse or neglect right away to Arizona DCS or a peace officer.

  • DCS hotline: 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445). DCS also has an online Guardian Portal.
  • Report by phone or electronically.
  • A written follow-up is not required, per a secondary summary.

Not yet confirmed: One summary says that if the suspected abuser doesn't have care or custody of the child, the report goes to a peace officer only. That wasn't confirmed, so read the statute or call the Board.

A.R.S. 13-3620

The order

The order to do it in

The same steps as anywhere, with Arizona's rules above plugged in. The full walk-through, with costs and a timeline, is in how to start a private practice.

01.

Read your board's rules

02.

Decide who you help and how clients pay

03.

Name it and set up the business

04.

Get malpractice insurance

05.

Set up HIPAA-ready systems

06.

Write your paperwork with these rules

07.

Set your fee

08.

Get found, early

Your Arizona checklist, done for youThe free checklist fits every step to your license and Arizona: your board's rules, your entity steps with filing links, and starter intake forms filled in with Arizona's requirements.
Get your Arizona checklist →

Next steps

Guides for your Arizona practice

Free, and written for therapists. Start with the free private practice checklist for Arizona: it fits each step to your license.

Do therapists need a PLLC or LLC?Entity types, costs, and taxes, state by state.How much should I charge for therapy?A simple fee formula and a free calculator.Credentialing with insurance companiesGetting on insurance panels, in order.Informed consent for therapyWhat your form must include, with a checklist.AI scribe consent for therapistsState laws on AI note tools in 2026.Good Faith Estimate for therapistsWhat it must include and when to give it.Google Business Profile for therapistsSetup and privacy for a therapy practice.How much does it cost to start a private practice?Every cost, line by line, with three budgets.Liability insurance for therapistsWhat malpractice coverage costs and what to ask.How much do therapists make?Pay by license, and private practice math.

Nearby states: How to start a private practice in California · How to start a private practice in Nevada · How to start a private practice in New Mexico · How to start a private practice in Utah

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PLLC to start a private practice in Arizona?

Not always, but most Arizona therapists who form an entity use a PLLC (professional LLC). Most therapists form a PLLC (professional LLC). 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 Arizona?

Counselors: Earn 30 clock hours every 2 years. Marriage and family therapists: 30 clock hours every license period. Clinical social workers: Earn 30 clock hours every 2 years, between your last renewal application and your next expiration date. Psychologists: 40 hours every license period.

How long do I have to keep therapy records in Arizona?

Counselors: Keep adult records at least 6 years after the last date of service. Marriage and family therapists: Keep adult records at least 6 years after the last date of service. Clinical social workers: Keep adult records at least 6 years after the last date of service. Psychologists: Keep adult records at least 6 years from the date of last client activity.

Is Arizona a one-party or all-party consent state for recording sessions?

Arizona is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (ARS 13-3005, 13-3012). 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 Arizona?

The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is Arizona's full license for counselors, issued by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (the Board). The level before it is Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). On your website and ads: use your exact licensed title, "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC," and no title you don't hold. Then set up your business (in Arizona, usually a PLLC, professional LLC) 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 Arizona?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Arizona's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE). The level before it is Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). On your website and ads: use your exact license title, "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or "LCSW," and don't imply a credential you don't hold. Then set up your business (in Arizona, usually a PLLC, professional LLC) 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 Arizona?

Use your exact licensed title, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or LMFT, and no title you don't hold. Using a title you don't hold is unlawful. Source: A.R.S. 32-3286.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Arizona?

Arizona's associate and pre-licensed levels include Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT), and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). What the board rules say: Supervised private practices (such as LACs) must show a "supervised private practice" notice and the supervisor's name and contact in all ads. Examples to avoid: "Ph.D. (Cand)," "Ph.D. (ABD)," "License Eligible," "Candidate for Licensure" and "Board Eligible.". Our research did not confirm whether Arizona 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 Arizona?

The Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners, 1740 W. Continuing education: 40 hours every license period. Renewal: renew every 2 years, and verify your exact deadline with the board. Confirm current requirements on the board's site.

Sources

Board rules checked October 23, 2026 from official board, statute, and state filing sites. If something has changed, email [email protected] and we'll update it.

Other states: Alabama · Alaska · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming