How to start a private practice in California

Show your complete title, "Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor" or "LPCC," and your license number in every ad.

• The BBS has proposed changes that would also require your full name as filed with the board.

Not yet confirmed: We couldn't confirm the proposed changes are final. Check the current text of 16 CCR 1811 before you publish.

16 CCR 1811(a)(3)

Don't publish anything false, misleading or deceptive, including on websites and directories.

• Misleading includes misstating facts, leaving out material facts, and creating false or unjustified expectations of favorable results.
• A guarantee of results would likely violate the law.

Not yet confirmed: We found no specific ban on testimonials or "specialist" claims in the BBS pages we reviewed. Check with the board.

BPC 651 and 16 CCR 1811

Show your full name as filed with the Board, your license number, and your complete title or an accepted abbreviation in every ad.

• Accepted forms are "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist," "LMFT" or "MFT." Example: Jane Doe, LMFT 12345.
• Only people licensed under BPC 4980 may use "LMFT," "MFT" or "MFCC."
• Other licensees, such as LCSWs, may advertise that they practice marriage and family therapy but can't use the LMFT title.

16 CCR 1811 and BPC 4980(c)-(d)

Keep ads true. They may not be false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive.

• Don't misstate your license type or status, education, qualifications or affiliations.
• The Board can cite and fine you for violations.
• The Board has proposed changes to 16 CCR 1811 (draft dated February 2025), so use the current version.

Not yet confirmed: We couldn't confirm any specific rule on testimonials, "specialist" or outcome guarantees. Read BPC 651 and 16 CCR 1811 before you publish, and check with the Board.

BPC 651, BPC 4982(f) and (p), 16 CCR 1811

Show your full name, your title and your license number in every ad.

• Use your full name as filed with the Board.
• Use "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or "LCSW."
• Example: "Licensed Clinical Social Worker No. 999999" with your name. Leaving out the license number or last name is not acceptable.

Not yet confirmed: A board proposal would allow a nickname or former legal name only if your full filed name also appears. The final adopted text wasn't confirmed. Check with the board.

16 CCR 1811(a)

Keep every public message truthful and not misleading, including online.

• False, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive statements, claims or images are barred. So are fee claims that don't disclose all variables.
• Misrepresenting your license type, education, qualifications or affiliations is unprofessional conduct.
• Don't say "Licensed Psychologist." The BBS says it implies Board of Psychology licensure.

Not yet confirmed: No express rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees was found. Any of them can still violate BPC 651 if misleading. The statute was seen only in part, so ask the board before using them.

BPC 651(a)–(b) and 4992.3(g), (q)

Show your psychology license number in any advertising, directory or solicitation.

• This covers business cards, letterhead, directories, websites, and group practice and psychological corporation ads.
• Don't misrepresent your license type or status.

Not yet confirmed: We didn't confirm the exact title wording, such as "Licensed Psychologist," from the regulation text.

16 CCR 1380.6 and B&P 2960(c)

Keep all public communications accurate and not misleading, including online.

• That covers misstated or omitted facts and claims likely to create false or unjustified expectations of favorable results.
• It also covers altered or misleading photos and unlabeled model images.
• Violations are good cause for discipline.

Not yet confirmed: We found no specific psychologist rule on testimonials, "specialist" claims or guarantees. Check with the board.

B&P 651 and 2960(c)

Give clients the written Notice to Clients, and give your license number and type when you start telehealth.

• For telehealth, state your license or registration number and license type at the start of services.
• For LMFTs, the notice must also include your full name, license number, type and expiration date from July 1, 2025.
• BBS agenda items show the notice rules are being amended again.

Not yet confirmed: We found no single BBS list of required consent items for LPCCs, and couldn't confirm an LPCC version of the LMFT rule. Check with the board, including telehealth consent.

16 CCR 1815.5(c) and BPC 4980.32(b)

Keep adult client records at least 7 years from the date therapy ends.

• For a minor: at least 7 years from the date the client turns 18.
• Records may be paper or electronic.
• Payer contracts such as Medi-Cal may require longer.

BPC 4999.75(a)

Give every psychotherapy client the written BBS Notice to Clients, before you start or as soon as practicably possible.

• Use at least 12-point type, and document that you delivered it.
• It says the BBS receives and responds to complaints, with www.bbs.ca.gov and (916) 574-7830.
• It's a handout or intake document. The law names no spot where it must appear.

Not yet confirmed: We couldn't confirm the exact LPCC section number. The LMFT version is BPC 4980.32. Check the current section with the board.

AB 630 (Stats. 2019, ch. 229)

Give each new client a written Notice to Clients before you start psychotherapy, or as soon as practicably possible after.

• Use at least 12-point type, and document that you delivered it. You don't need to re-send it at renewal.
• Since July 1, 2025, include your full name as filed with the Board, license number, license type and license expiration date.
• State that the Board receives and responds to complaints about LMFT services, and give the Board's website and phone number.
• Telehealth: give your license number and license type when you start. Display your license at your primary in-person place of practice.

Not yet confirmed: We couldn't confirm Board rules on the content of general informed consent, such as fees and confidentiality limits. Check with the Board.

BPC 4980.32, 4980.31 and 16 CCR 1815.5(c)

Keep adult records at least 7 years from the date therapy ends.

• Minors: at least 7 years from the date the client turns 18.
• Records can be paper or electronic.
• This applies to clients whose therapy ended on or after January 1, 2015.

Not yet confirmed: We confirmed this from the SB 578 bill text, not the current codified section. Check the current BPC 4980.49.

BPC 4980.49

Give every client the written Notice to Clients saying the Board receives and responds to complaints.

• Give it before starting psychotherapy, or as soon as practicably possible after, in at least 12-point type.
• Say they may contact the Board at www.bbs.ca.gov or (916) 574-7830.
• Document that you delivered it.

Not yet confirmed: The law requires delivering the notice to the client and doesn't specify website posting. We didn't find a website requirement.

BPC 4980.32

Give each new client the BBS "Notice to Clients" before psychotherapy starts, or as soon as practicably possible after.

• For clients starting on or after July 1, 2025, it must show your full filed name, license number, license type and expiration date.
• Use at least 12-point type and document delivery in the record.
• For telehealth, give your license number and type when you start. Display your license and current renewal receipt in your primary place of practice.

Not yet confirmed: No full list of other informed consent items was found. Check with the board for anything beyond the notice.

BPC 4996.75, 4996.7, 4996.8 and 16 CCR 1815.5(c)

Keep records at least 7 years from the date therapy ends.

• For a minor: at least 7 years from the date they turn 18.
• Records can be on paper or electronic.
• Medi-Cal or other payer contracts may require longer.

BPC 4993

Give new clients a written "Notice to Clients" with the Board's complaint statement.

• Wording should be substantially: "The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of clinical social workers. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830."
• Use at least 12-point type and document that you delivered it.
• It does not need to be posted on your website or wall. You don't need to re-send it to clients you started seeing before July 1, 2025.

Not yet confirmed: The BBS answer on emailing the notice was cut off. Ask the board if you plan to email it.

BPC 4996.75

For telehealth, follow the board's standards, including informed consent about telehealth risks and limits.

• An older version required consent consistent with B&P 2290.5 and telling the client the risks and limits.
• See the complaint notice requirement under B&P 2936.

Not yet confirmed: The board proposed amending 1396.8 in August 2025. We didn't find the current text or any general disclosure statement list. Check with the board.

16 CCR 1396.8

Keep health service records at least 7 years from the patient's discharge date.

• For a minor: at least 7 years from the date they turn 18.
• Payer contracts (Medi-Cal, Medicare Advantage) may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: We confirmed this through a psychology association summary, not the statute text, and one CPA article states a different rule (7 years or to age 25). Verify with the board.

B&P 2919

Give consumers the board's contact information for questions and complaints.

• Post the notice conspicuously in your principal psychological business office. In a patient area, use at least 24-point type.
• The notice names the Board, www.psychology.ca.gov, [email protected], 1-866-503-3221, and 1625 North Market Blvd, Suite N-215, Sacramento, CA 95834.

Not yet confirmed: The newsletter lists two ways to comply, but the second was cut off. Confirm it on the board's notice page.

B&P 2936