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 Arkansas

The steps are the same everywhere. Arkansas'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$150 franchise tax report
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo Arkansas-specific AI note law found as of October 23, 2026

By license

Starting a private practice in Arkansas, by license

Find your license for its Arkansas 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 Arkansas as an LPC

License: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Board: Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC).

  • Title in ads: Use the full title "Licensed Professional Counselor," not a made-up variant.
  • Continuing education: Earn 24 clock hours in the 24 months before renewal.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years. All licenses expire May 31 of the renewal year.
Before full licensure: Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)

Our research didn't find a Arkansas 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

MFTs · LMFT

Starting a private practice in Arkansas as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling.

  • Title in ads: Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or "LMFT" only while your license is current.
  • Continuing education: 24 clock hours in the 24 months before renewal, with at least 3 in ethics.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years by May 31, a fixed date not tied to your birth month.
Before full licensure: Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT)

Our research didn't find a Arkansas 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 Arkansas as an LCSW

License: Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW). Board: Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board (part of the Arkansas Department of Health).

  • Title in ads: Use your exact licensed title, "Licensed Certified Social Worker" or "LCSW," and never a higher or different credential.
  • Continuing education: 30 hours of social work CE every 2-year license period, with at least 3 in professional ethics.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years. Your cycle follows your issue month, so check the expiration date on your license.
Before full licensure: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Our research didn't find a Arkansas 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 Arkansas as a psychologist

License: Psychologist. Board: Arkansas Psychology Board (part of the Arkansas Department of Health).

  • Title in ads: Use the title "Licensed Psychologist" only if you hold that license.
  • Continuing education: Earn 20 hours of CE in each annual renewal period, July 1 to June 30.
  • Renewal: Renew every year, between May 1 and June 30.
If you're not fully licensed yet
  • Provisionally licensed psychologists must advertise in the supervisor's name and show provisional status. That does not apply to you if you're fully licensed. (Rule 4.1, 6.3.C and 1.3.E(6))
  • Provisionally licensed psychologists must tell clients their status and qualifications. (Rule 1.3.E(6), 6.3.C, 7.7.F)

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 Arkansas

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsArkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC)Earn 24 clock hours in the 24 months before renewal.Renew every 2 years. All licenses expire May 31 of the renewal year.
Marriage and family therapistsArkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling24 clock hours in the 24 months before renewal, with at least 3 in ethics.Renew every 2 years by May 31, a fixed date not tied to your birth month.
Clinical social workersArkansas Social Work Licensing Board (part of the Arkansas Department of Health)30 hours of social work CE every 2-year license period, with at least 3 in professional ethics.Renew every 2 years. Your cycle follows your issue month, so check the expiration date on your license.
PsychologistsArkansas Psychology Board (part of the Arkansas Department of Health)Earn 20 hours of CE in each annual renewal period, July 1 to June 30.Renew every year, between May 1 and June 30.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Arkansas

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

Counselors

Your title

Use the full title "Licensed Professional Counselor," not a made-up variant.

  • Best practice is to show your title and Arkansas license number.
  • The board adopts the ACA Code of Ethics, which has its own advertising standards.

Not yet confirmed: No rule on exactly what title or license number an ad must show was found, and the ACA Code text wasn't pulled. Confirm with the board.

17 CAR § 75-101 and § 75-1001(a)

What you can't say

Your board has no separate advertising rule that we could find, so follow the ACA Code of Ethics it adopts.

  • The ACA Code applies except where it conflicts with Arkansas law.
  • You must also follow the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act (Ark. Code § 17-80-501 et seq.).
  • Don't rely on the Arkansas alcohol and drug counselor board's ad rules. That is a different board.

Not yet confirmed: Rules on testimonials, "specialist" claims and guarantees would sit in the ACA Code, and that text wasn't verified. Check with the board.

17 CAR § 75-1001(a), (c)

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or "LMFT" only while your license is current.

  • The title is protected, and the Act covers both title and practice.
  • Advertise only services within your board-approved Statement of Intent (your scope of practice).

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule saying what title, credential or license number an ad must show. Check with the board.

17 CAR 75-101 and 75-703

What you can't say

Follow the AAMFT Code of Ethics, which is where advertising limits come from.

  • The board can discipline you for violating the ethical standards you practice under.
  • If you claim a specialization on your Statement of Intent, you need CE hours specific to it.

Not yet confirmed: There's no stand-alone advertising rule on the board's site, and we didn't read the AAMFT text on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees. Read the current code before you publish, and check with the board.

17 CAR 75-803(a)(1) and 75-702(h)

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use your exact licensed title, "Licensed Certified Social Worker" or "LCSW," and never a higher or different credential.

  • Misrepresenting your qualifications, training, experience or affiliations is barred.
  • Misrepresenting the type or status of your education, training, expertise or licensure is unprofessional conduct.

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

Board Rules, Sections X (Standard D) and XI.E, 007.33.20 Ark. Code R. 024

What you can't say

If you advertise, present your education, training and expertise factually.

  • Misrepresenting your education, training, expertise, licensure or affiliations is unprofessional conduct and can bring discipline.
  • A misleading testimonial, a guarantee of results or an unearned "specialist" claim could still be read as misrepresentation or fraudulent practice.

Not yet confirmed: We found no board rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees. Don't assume they're allowed, and check with the board.

Board Rules, Section X, Standard D, Section XI.B and XI.E, Ark. Code Ann. 17-103-305(a)(3)

Psychologists

Your title

Use the title "Licensed Psychologist" only if you hold that license.

  • Titles with "psychology," "psychologist" or "psychological" are for licensed people only.
  • Don't use a title that could confuse the public about your level of licensure.
  • Unlicensed practice or holding out is a misdemeanor.

Not yet confirmed: No rule requiring a license number in ads was found. Check with the board.

Ark. Code § 17-97-301 and 17 CAR § 95-301 (Rule 4.1)

What you can't say

Your board has no rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees that we could find, so follow the title rules.

  • Provisionally licensed psychologists must advertise in the supervisor's name and show provisional status. That does not apply to you if you're fully licensed.
  • Older board rules make the APA Ethics Code part of the rules.

Not yet confirmed: Read the APA Code's advertising standards, and confirm with the board that the current rules still adopt it.

Rule 4.1, 6.3.C and 1.3.E(6)

Your business

Forming your practice in Arkansas

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?

WhatArkansas
Usual entityPLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$150 franchise tax report
When it's dueMay 1 each year
Where to filewww.sos.arkansas.gov/business-commercial-services-bcs

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Arkansas

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

Your board doesn't list required informed consent items that we could find.

  • The board adopts the ACA Code of Ethics, which has informed consent standards.

Not yet confirmed: The ACA Code text wasn't verified. Read it and ask the board whether Arkansas adds anything.

17 CAR § 75-1001(a)

Records

Your board doesn't state a record retention period that we could find.

  • The board has a rule titled "Client communications and medical records."

Not yet confirmed: The rule's full text couldn't be read. Read § 75-1101 and ask the board before you set your retention policy.

17 CAR § 75-1101

Complaints

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

  • Add the board's name and contact information to your consent paperwork anyway.

Not yet confirmed: Section 75-801 covers how the board receives complaints, and whether it says anything about client notices wasn't confirmed.

17 CAR § 75-801

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Read the AAMFT Code's informed consent standard, and make your consent form match your Statement of Intent.

  • Your Statement of Intent describes your scope of practice, the public you serve and your approaches.
  • Clients hold privilege over their records and confidential communications.

Not yet confirmed: We found no board rule listing required consent items. Consent duties come from the AAMFT Code the board adopts. Check with the board.

17 CAR 75-1101 and 75-703

Records

Arkansas has no client record retention period for LMFTs that we could find.

  • The only retention rule found applies to the board's own records.
  • The AAMFT Code and Arkansas law may cover record keeping, so check them.

Not yet confirmed: Ask the board before you destroy any files.

17 CAR 75-1101

Complaints

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

  • Anyone may file a complaint, in writing on the board's complaint form.
  • Many Arkansas therapists add the board's contact information to their consent forms anyway.
  • If your license is revoked, suspended or surrendered, notify all clients in writing.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board if you want to be sure no notice is required.

17 CAR 75-801(a) and 75-803(h)

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Keep a consent form signed and dated by the client in the record.

  • Get the client's informed written consent before releasing confidential information, except when required by law or court order, or for supervision or consultation.
  • For research, get written consent from the client or legal guardian, and explain the risks and the right to withdraw.

Not yet confirmed: We found no standalone informed consent or disclosure statement rule. Check with the board.

Board Rules, Section X, Standards A, C and H

Records

Keep records at least 7 years after the last date of service, or longer if federal or state law requires.

  • Include a signed and dated consent form, the assessment or diagnosis, a plan and any revisions, fees and billing, release-of-information authorizations, and any legal forms.
  • HIPAA, payer contracts or your malpractice carrier may require longer.
  • Failing to keep proper records is unprofessional conduct.

Not yet confirmed: We found no separate, longer rule for minors. Check with the board.

Board Rules, Section X, Standard H, Section XI.I

Complaints

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

Not yet confirmed: That's a gap in what we could verify, not a confirmed "no." Check with the board.

Psychologists

Informed consent

Your board has no consent content list that we could find, so follow the APA informed consent standards.

  • Older board rules make the APA Ethics Code part of the rules.
  • Provisionally licensed psychologists must tell clients their status and qualifications.
  • Supervising psychologists must keep records confidential under state law, HIPAA and the APA Code.

Not yet confirmed: Confirm the APA adoption against the current rules.

Rule 1.3.E(6), 6.3.C, 7.7.F

Records

Your board doesn't state a record retention period for private-practice psychologists that we could find.

  • Telepsychology rules say to give clients a copy of the encounter record on request.
  • APA guidance says 7 years, or 3 years after a minor reaches majority, whichever is later. That is guidance, not an Arkansas rule.

Not yet confirmed: A 10-year rule (20 CAR § 417-409) applies only to psychiatric residential facilities. Ask the board for a firm number.

Rule 19.2.B(6)

Complaints

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

  • Anyone can file with the board. It must be in writing, signed and dated. The board does not accept email or phone complaints.
  • Mail to Arkansas Psychology Board, ATTN: Complaints Committee, 101 East Capitol Ave., Suite 415, Little Rock, AR 72201.
  • You may add this to your consent forms.

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Arkansas

Telehealth consent

  • Say who you are, your license, and what the client pays for telehealth

Recording

Arkansas is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Ark. Code 5-60-120). 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

Call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline right away at 1-800-482-5964 if you have reasonable cause to suspect maltreatment.

  • You can also report online at mandatedreporter.arkansas.gov.
  • You must report if you see a child in conditions that would reasonably result in maltreatment.
  • A privilege or contract does not stop you from reporting.

Not yet confirmed: The full list of mandated reporters wasn't seen. Counselors should assume they are covered.

Ark. Code § 12-18-402

The order

The order to do it in

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

Next steps

Guides for your Arkansas practice

Free, and written for therapists. Start with the free private practice checklist for Arkansas: 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 Missouri · How to start a private practice in Tennessee · How to start a private practice in Oklahoma · How to start a private practice in Louisiana

Frequently asked questions

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

Not always, but most Arkansas 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 Arkansas?

Counselors: Earn 24 clock hours in the 24 months before renewal. Marriage and family therapists: 24 clock hours in the 24 months before renewal, with at least 3 in ethics. Clinical social workers: 30 hours of social work CE every 2-year license period, with at least 3 in professional ethics. Psychologists: Earn 20 hours of CE in each annual renewal period, July 1 to June 30.

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

Counselors: Your board doesn't state a record retention period that we could find. Marriage and family therapists: Arkansas has no client record retention period for LMFTs that we could find. Clinical social workers: Keep records at least 7 years after the last date of service, or longer if federal or state law requires. Psychologists: Your board doesn't state a record retention period for private-practice psychologists that we could find.

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

Arkansas is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Ark. Code 5-60-120). 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 Arkansas?

The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is Arkansas's full license for counselors, issued by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC). The level before it is Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). On your website and ads: use the full title "Licensed Professional Counselor," not a made-up variant. Then set up your business (in Arkansas, 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 Arkansas?

The Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) is Arkansas's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board (part of the Arkansas Department of Health). The level before it is Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). On your website and ads: use your exact licensed title, "Licensed Certified Social Worker" or "LCSW," and never a higher or different credential. Then set up your business (in Arkansas, 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 Arkansas?

Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or "LMFT" only while your license is current. The title is protected, and the Act covers both title and practice. Advertise only services within your board-approved Statement of Intent (your scope of practice). Source: 17 CAR 75-101 and 75-703.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Arkansas?

Arkansas'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: Provisionally licensed psychologists must advertise in the supervisor's name and show provisional status. That does not apply to you if you're fully licensed. Our research did not confirm whether Arkansas 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 Arkansas?

The Arkansas Psychology Board (part of the Arkansas Department of Health). Continuing education: earn 20 hours of CE in each annual renewal period, July 1 to June 30. Renewal: renew every year, between May 1 and June 30. 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 · Arizona · 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