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

How to start a private practice in Indiana

The steps are the same everywhere. Indiana'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 regular LLC (there's no separate PLLC)
Yearly state filingAbout $30–$32 every 2 years
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo Indiana-specific AI note law found as of October 23, 2026

By license

Starting a private practice in Indiana, by license

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

Counselors · LMHC

Starting a private practice in Indiana as an LMHC

License: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Board: Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board, staffed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA).

  • Title in ads: Include "licensed mental health counselor" or "LMHC" on all promotional materials that name you.
  • Continuing education: Earn 40 CEUs every 2-year renewal period, at least 20 per year.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years. All LMHC licenses expire April 1 of even-numbered years.
Before full licensure: Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA)

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 Indiana as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board, staffed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA).

  • Title in ads: Put "licensed marriage and family therapist" or "LMFT" on all promotional materials that name you.
  • Continuing education: 40 CEUs per 2-year renewal period, at least 20 per year.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years. Licenses expire April 1 of even-numbered years, so the next date is April 1, 2028.
Before full licensure: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA)
  • Associates use "licensed marriage and family therapist associate" or "LMFTA." (IC 25-23.6-3-4(a)-(b) and 25-23.6-3-1)
  • An LMFTA license can be renewed 2 times, with more at the board's discretion. One expired more than 1 year can't be renewed. (839 IAC 1-2-2)

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

Social workers · LCSW

Starting a private practice in Indiana as an LCSW

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Board: Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board, staffed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA).

  • Title in ads: Put "licensed social worker," "licensed clinical social worker," "LSW" or "LCSW" on all promotional materials that name you.
  • Continuing education: 40 CEUs every 2-year renewal period, at least 20 per year.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, by April 1 of even-numbered years.
Before full licensure: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • Put "licensed social worker," "licensed clinical social worker," "LSW" or "LCSW" on all promotional materials that name you. (IC 25-23.6-4-5 and 25-23.6-4-1)

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

Psychologists

Starting a private practice in Indiana as a psychologist

License: Psychologist. Board: Indiana State Psychology Board, staffed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA).

  • Title in ads: Use the title "psychologist" only if you're licensed.
  • Continuing education: CE is required only if you hold the HSPP endorsement.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years. Licenses expire September 1 of even-numbered years, so renew by August 31.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Indiana 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

Licensing

Your licensing board in Indiana

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsIndiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board, staffed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)Earn 40 CEUs every 2-year renewal period, at least 20 per year.Renew every 2 years. All LMHC licenses expire April 1 of even-numbered years.
Marriage and family therapistsIndiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board, staffed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)40 CEUs per 2-year renewal period, at least 20 per year.Renew every 2 years. Licenses expire April 1 of even-numbered years, so the next date is April 1, 2028.
Clinical social workersIndiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board, staffed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)40 CEUs every 2-year renewal period, at least 20 per year.Renew every 2 years, by April 1 of even-numbered years.
PsychologistsIndiana State Psychology Board, staffed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)CE is required only if you hold the HSPP endorsement.Renew every 2 years. Licenses expire September 1 of even-numbered years, so renew by August 31.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Indiana

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

Counselors

Your title

Include "licensed mental health counselor" or "LMHC" on all promotional materials that name you.

  • This covers business cards, brochures, stationery, ads and signs.
  • Associates use "licensed mental health counselor associate" or "LMHCA."
  • Display your license or a clear copy at each location where you regularly practice.
  • Using the LMHC title without a license is a Class A misdemeanor.

Not yet confirmed: These sections were read in the PLA's 2012 compilation. Confirm the current text on iga.in.gov.

IC 25-23.6-4.5-1, -3, -4

What you can't say

Use professional, not commercial, standards and give accurate information about your services, expertise and techniques.

  • Be honest with clients, students, colleagues and the public.
  • Advertising services in a false or misleading manner is grounds for discipline.

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

839 IAC 1-5-5(2), (7) and IC 25-1-9-4(a)(1)(C)

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Put "licensed marriage and family therapist" or "LMFT" on all promotional materials that name you.

  • That includes business cards, brochures, stationery, ads and signs.
  • Associates use "licensed marriage and family therapist associate" or "LMFTA."
  • Display your license or a clear copy at each location where you regularly practice.
  • Using the LMFT titles without a license is a Class A misdemeanor.

Not yet confirmed: We read these sections in the PLA's 2012 statute compilation. Confirm the current text on iga.in.gov.

IC 25-23.6-3-4(a)-(b) and 25-23.6-3-1

What you can't say

Don't advertise your services in a false or misleading way.

  • Don't diagnose, treat or advise on problems outside your competence.
  • Don't offer or accept payment for referrals.
  • Use client or clinical material in teaching, writing and public presentations only with a written client waiver or steps to protect identity.

Not yet confirmed: We found no Indiana rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees for LMFTs. Check with the board.

IC 25-1-9-4(a)(1)(C), 839 IAC 1-4-4(e), (h), (i)

Clinical social workers

Your title

Put "licensed social worker," "licensed clinical social worker," "LSW" or "LCSW" on all promotional materials that name you.

  • That includes business cards, brochures, stationery, ads and signs.
  • Display your license or a clear copy at each location where you regularly practice.
  • Using "social worker" or "clinical social worker" titles without a license is a Class A misdemeanor.

Not yet confirmed: We read these sections in the PLA's 2012 statute compilation. Confirm the current text on iga.in.gov.

IC 25-23.6-4-5 and 25-23.6-4-1

What you can't say

Don't misrepresent your qualifications, training or experience, and present credentials factually.

  • Don't practice beyond your competence.
  • Base referrals on the client's best interest, not personal gain.
  • Advertising in a false or misleading manner is grounds for discipline.

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

839 IAC 1-3-4(b)(2)-(4) and IC 25-1-9-4(a)(1)(C)

Psychologists

Your title

Use the title "psychologist" only if you're licensed.

  • It's unlawful to use any title with "psychologist," "clinical psychologist," "psychology" or "psychological" without a valid license. Violation is a Class A misdemeanor.
  • Claim a psychology degree as a credential only if it came from a board-approved psychology program.
  • No statute requires ads to show your title or license number.

Not yet confirmed: IC 25-33 was read in a 2014 compilation. Confirm the current text.

IC 25-33-1-14(b), 25-33-1-15 and 868 IAC 1.1-11-1(f)

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate and complete, and don't solicit testimonials from current clients or others vulnerable to undue influence.

  • No false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive information, and fully disclose all relevant information. No uninvited in-person solicitation of vulnerable people.
  • Don't suggest sponsorship by professional associations. Keep workshop announcements accurate.
  • If you advertise a fee, honor it for the period the rule sets: the next issue, 1 year if undated, or 90 days for radio, cable or TV.
  • Fees are based on services provided, not on a referral.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't use the word "specialist." Check with the board.

868 IAC 1.1-11-1(a), (c)–(i)

Your business

Forming your practice in Indiana

Indiana has no separate PLLC. Therapists generally form a regular LLC, still subject to their licensing board's rules. Check with your board before you file.

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

WhatIndiana
Usual entityregular LLC (there's no separate PLLC)
Yearly state filingAbout $30–$32 every 2 years
When it's dueBy the end of your anniversary month, every other year
Where to fileinbiz.in.gov

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Indiana

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 or disclosure content that we could find.

  • Keep information obtained in service confidential, as permitted by law.
  • Respect a client's right to know assessment results, interpretations and the basis for conclusions.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board for anything more specific.

839 IAC 1-5-5(3), (5)

Records

Your board doesn't set a record retention period for LMHCs that we could find.

  • The general health records law requires 7 years for listed providers. In the 2012 compilation the list includes psychologists but not mental health counselors.

Not yet confirmed: Don't assume it covers you without confirming with the board. Ask the board, your malpractice carrier and payers.

IC 16-39-7-1

Complaints

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

  • Complaints must be in writing and go through the PLA or the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board.

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Disclose your fee structure to clients at the onset of treatment.

  • Respect clients' right to make decisions and help them understand the consequences. A decision on marital status is the client's.
  • Get a written client waiver before using client material in teaching, writing or presentations.

Not yet confirmed: We found no longer content list for informed consent. Check with the board.

839 IAC 1-4-4(b), (e) and (j)

Records

Store or dispose of client records in ways that maintain confidentiality.

  • We found no required retention length or content list.
  • The general health records law (7 years) lists providers that, in the 2012 compilation, don't include MFTs. Don't assume it covers you.

Not yet confirmed: Ask the board, your malpractice carrier and payers.

839 IAC 1-4-4(f), IC 16-39-7-1

Complaints

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

  • Complaints must be in writing and go through the PLA or the Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board if you want to be sure.

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Give clients a clear description of what to expect in services, reports, fees, billing and schedules.

Not yet confirmed: We found no longer required content list for informed consent or a disclosure statement. Check with the board.

839 IAC 1-3-4(b)(1)

Records

Your board sets no retention period for social work records that we could find, so ask before you destroy any.

  • The general 7-year health records law lists psychologists but not social workers in the 2012 compilation.
  • Ask your malpractice carrier and payers too.

Not yet confirmed: We found no required period in 839 IAC 1 or IC 25-23.6. Don't assume IC 16-39-7-1 covers you without confirming with the board.

IC 16-39-7-1

Complaints

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

  • Complaints must be in writing and go through the PLA or the Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

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

Psychologists

Informed consent

Give clients a truthful, candid, reasonably complete account of their condition, and keep them fully informed.

  • Explain the purpose and nature of evaluations, treatments and other procedures, with full freedom of choice about participation.
  • Keep records and information confidential and don't disclose without written permission unless law requires it.

Not yet confirmed: No required written disclosure statement content list was found. Check with the board.

868 IAC 1.1-11-4.2(b), (c), (e)

Records

Keep clinical records intact for at least 7 years.

  • Make them accurate, current and pertinent, made within a reasonable time after service. Include identifying data, dates and types of services, and significant actions.
  • Give clients access under IC 16-39.
  • If you stop practicing, notify active clients in writing, publish notice once a week for 3 weeks in a local newspaper, and arrange record transfer.

868 IAC 1.1-11-4.2 and IC 16-39-7-1

Complaints

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

  • If you believe another psychologist violated board rules, you must file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
  • Complaints against licensees go through the PLA or the Attorney General.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board.

868 IAC 1.1-11-2(e)

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Indiana

Telehealth consent

  • If you use email, list allowed messages, fees, security and emergencies

Recording

Indiana is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Ind. Code 35-33.5-1-5; 35-31.5-2-176). 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 right away, orally, to the Indiana DCS hotline or local law enforcement if you have reason to believe a child is a victim of abuse or neglect.

  • DCS hotline, 24/7: 1-800-800-5556.
  • If you work for an institution, also tell the person in charge. That doesn't replace a report to DCS.
  • Knowingly failing to report is a Class B misdemeanor and a ground for discipline.

Not yet confirmed: The statute text wasn't opened. Coverage of counselors, the penalty and the discipline ground come from DCS policy and secondary summaries.

IC 31-33-5-1, 31-33-22-1 and 25-1-9-4(a)(14)

The order

The order to do it in

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

Next steps

Guides for your Indiana practice

Free, and written for therapists. Start with the free private practice checklist for Indiana: 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 Illinois · How to start a private practice in Ohio · How to start a private practice in Michigan · How to start a private practice in Kentucky

Frequently asked questions

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

In Indiana, plan on a regular LLC (there's no separate PLLC). Indiana has no separate PLLC. 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 Indiana?

Counselors: Earn 40 CEUs every 2-year renewal period, at least 20 per year. Marriage and family therapists: 40 CEUs per 2-year renewal period, at least 20 per year. Clinical social workers: 40 CEUs every 2-year renewal period, at least 20 per year. Psychologists: CE is required only if you hold the HSPP endorsement.

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

Counselors: Your board doesn't set a record retention period for LMHCs that we could find. Marriage and family therapists: Store or dispose of client records in ways that maintain confidentiality. Clinical social workers: Your board sets no retention period for social work records that we could find, so ask before you destroy any. Psychologists: Keep clinical records intact for at least 7 years.

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

Indiana is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Ind. Code 35-33.5-1-5; 35-31.5-2-176). 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 LMHC open a private practice in Indiana?

The Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) is Indiana's full license for counselors, issued by the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board, staffed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). The level before it is Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA). On your website and ads: include "licensed mental health counselor" or "LMHC" on all promotional materials that name you. Then set up your business (in Indiana, usually a regular LLC, there's no separate PLLC) 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 Indiana?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Indiana's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board, staffed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). The level before it is Licensed Social Worker (LSW). On your website and ads: put "licensed social worker," "licensed clinical social worker," "LSW" or "LCSW" on all promotional materials that name you. Then set up your business (in Indiana, usually a regular LLC, there's no separate PLLC) 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 Indiana?

Put "licensed marriage and family therapist" or "LMFT" on all promotional materials that name you. That includes business cards, brochures, stationery, ads and signs. Associates use "licensed marriage and family therapist associate" or "LMFTA.". Source: IC 25-23.6-3-4(a)-(b) and 25-23.6-3-1.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Indiana?

Indiana's associate and pre-licensed levels include Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). What the board rules say: Associates use "licensed mental health counselor associate" or "LMHCA.". The associate license expires the same date and is renewable only twice without board approval. Associates use "licensed marriage and family therapist associate" or "LMFTA.". Our research did not confirm whether Indiana 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 Indiana?

The Indiana State Psychology Board, staffed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). Continuing education: cE is required only if you hold the HSPP endorsement. Renewal: renew every 2 years. Licenses expire September 1 of even-numbered years, so renew by August 31. 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.

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