Do I need a PLLC to start a private practice in District of Columbia?
Not always, but most District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia?
Counselors: Earn 40 hours in the 2 years before your license expires. Your first renewal is exempt. Marriage and family therapists: 30 hours every 2 years. Clinical social workers: 40 hours every 2-year renewal period. Psychologists: Earn 30 hours every 2-year renewal period.
How long do I have to keep therapy records in District of Columbia?
Counselors: Keep records at least 5 years from last contact. Marriage and family therapists: Document every session as the board requires, and ask the board how long to keep records. Clinical social workers: DC has no social work retention period that we could find, but keep adequate client records. Psychologists: Keep records at least 5 years from the date of last contact for an adult.
Is District of Columbia a one-party or all-party consent state for recording sessions?
District of Columbia is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (D.C. Code 23-542). 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 District of Columbia?
The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is District of Columbia's full license for counselors, issued by the District of Columbia Board of Professional Counseling (part of DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration). The level before it is Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC). On your website and ads: claim or imply only the credentials you hold, and use "Licensed Professional Counselor" only if that is your DC license. Then set up your business (in District of Columbia, 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 LICSW open a private practice in District of Columbia?
The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) is District of Columbia's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the District of Columbia Board of Social Work, under DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA). The level before it is Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW). On your website and ads: use "LICSW" or "Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker," never "LCSW." Then set up your business (in District of Columbia, 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 District of Columbia?
Don't call yourself a marriage and family therapist unless you're licensed. Source: D.C. Code 3-1201.02.
Can associates see private-pay clients in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia's associate and pre-licensed levels include Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC), Marriage and Family Therapist (supervised practice before licensure), and Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW). Our research did not confirm whether District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia Board of Psychology, part of DC Health (Health Regulation and Licensing Administration). Continuing education: earn 30 hours every 2-year renewal period. Renewal: renew online through DC Health every 2 years, by the last day of your birth month. Confirm current requirements on the board's site.
