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Rules checked October 25, 2026 · by Dr. Emily Turinas, PhD

How to start a private practice in Kentucky

The steps are the same everywhere. Kentucky'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$15
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo Kentucky-specific AI note law found as of October 25, 2026

By license

Starting a private practice in Kentucky, by license

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

Counselors · LPCC

Starting a private practice in Kentucky as an LPCC

License: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Board: Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (201 KAR Chapter 36, KRS 335.500 to 335.599).

  • Title in ads: Show your credentials accurately and claim only a license that is current and in good standing.
  • Continuing education: Complete 10 hours every year in professional counseling.
  • Renewal: Renew your license every year by October 31.
Before full licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)

Our research didn't find a Kentucky 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 25, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

MFTs · LMFT

Starting a private practice in Kentucky as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Kentucky Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists (201 KAR Chapter 32, KRS 335.300 to 335.399).

  • Title in ads: Describe your education, training and experience accurately in all ads.
  • Continuing education: Complete 15 hours every year in marriage and family therapy.
  • Renewal: Renew your license every year.
Before full licensure: Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (MFTA)

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 25, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

Social workers · LCSW

Starting a private practice in Kentucky as an LCSW

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Board: Kentucky Board of Social Work (201 KAR Chapter 23, KRS 335.010 to 335.160).

  • Title in ads: Use "LCSW" only while your Licensed Clinical Social Worker license is valid and in good standing.
  • Continuing education: Complete 30 hours every 3 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 3 years, counted from your first license issue date.
Before full licensure: Certified Social Worker (CSW)

Our research didn't find a Kentucky 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 25, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

Psychologists

Starting a private practice in Kentucky as a psychologist

License: Psychologist. Board: Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology (201 KAR Chapter 26, KRS Chapter 319).

  • Title in ads: Never misstate your qualifications, and display your current credential in your office.
  • Continuing education: Complete 39 hours every 3 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 3 years with the renewal form, fee and 39 CE hours.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Kentucky 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 25, 2026 · Official board site · Ad rules · Consent and records

Licensing

Your licensing board in Kentucky

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsKentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (201 KAR Chapter 36, KRS 335.500 to 335.599)Complete 10 hours every year in professional counseling.Renew your license every year by October 31.
Marriage and family therapistsKentucky Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists (201 KAR Chapter 32, KRS 335.300 to 335.399)Complete 15 hours every year in marriage and family therapy.Renew your license every year.
Clinical social workersKentucky Board of Social Work (201 KAR Chapter 23, KRS 335.010 to 335.160)Complete 30 hours every 3 years.Renew every 3 years, counted from your first license issue date.
PsychologistsKentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology (201 KAR Chapter 26, KRS Chapter 319)Complete 39 hours every 3 years.Renew every 3 years with the renewal form, fee and 39 CE hours.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Kentucky

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

Counselors

Your title

Show your credentials accurately and claim only a license that is current and in good standing.

  • State your highest earned degree in counseling or a closely related field.
  • Don't call yourself a doctor in a counseling setting if your doctorate isn't in counseling or a related field.
  • Don't use "ABD" or similar terms to suggest competence.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't set exact title wording or require your license number in ads. Check with the board before choosing wording.

201 KAR 36:040 Section 5

What you can't say

Keep ads true and don't create expectations you can't back up.

  • This covers business cards, signs, letterhead and directory listings.
  • A statement is misleading if it misstates a fact, leaves out a material fact or creates an unjustified expectation.

Not yet confirmed: No separate rule on testimonials, the word "specialist" or guarantees was found. Avoid promising outcomes and check with the board before using specialist.

201 KAR 36:040 Section 9

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Describe your education, training and experience accurately in all ads.

  • If you are an associate, say so clearly on cards and letterhead.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't set exact title wording or require your license number. Check with the board.

201 KAR 32:050 Sections 6 and 7

What you can't say

Keep ads true and don't create expectations you can't back up.

  • This covers cards, signs, letterhead and directory listings.
  • A statement is misleading if it misstates or leaves out a material fact, or creates an unjustified expectation.

Not yet confirmed: No rule on testimonials, the word "specialist" or guarantees was found. Avoid promising outcomes and check with the board.

201 KAR 32:050 Section 6

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use "LCSW" only while your Licensed Clinical Social Worker license is valid and in good standing.

  • Describe your services, education, credentials and license level accurately.
  • Never display an expired, suspended or revoked license.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't require your license number in ads. Check with the board if you want to include it.

201 KAR 23:060 Section 3 and 23:080 Section 7

What you can't say

Keep ads true and don't create expectations you can't back up.

  • This covers cards, signs, letterhead, directories and online listings.
  • A statement is misleading if it misstates a fact or is likely to create an unjustified expectation.

Not yet confirmed: No rule on testimonials, the word "specialist" or guarantees was found. Avoid promising outcomes and check with the board.

201 KAR 23:080 Section 7

Psychologists

Your title

Never misstate your qualifications, and display your current credential in your office.

  • This covers education, experience and areas of competence, directly or by implication.

Not yet confirmed: The code doesn't set exact title wording or require a license number in ads. Check with the board.

201 KAR 26:145 Section 9

What you can't say

Keep public statements about your services true and not misleading.

  • Don't misstate your affiliations or any service or product tied to your name.
  • Correct others who misstate your qualifications.
  • Ads for assessment procedures must be factual.
  • Don't mislead anyone about the cost of your services.

Not yet confirmed: No rule on testimonials, the word "specialist" or guarantees was found in this code. Avoid promising outcomes and check with the board.

201 KAR 26:145 Sections 9 to 11

Your business

Forming your practice in Kentucky

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

Kentucky's limited liability entity tax ($175 minimum) no longer applies to entities with under $100,000 in Kentucky gross receipts, starting in 2026. Above that, check with a CPA.

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

WhatKentucky
Usual entityPLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$15
When it's dueJune 30 each year
Where to filewww.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Kentucky

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

Review your rights and responsibilities with each client in writing and out loud, and document informed consent throughout care.

  • Cover purposes, goals, techniques, risks, benefits and limits of services.
  • Share your qualifications and what happens to services if you die or become incapacitated.
  • Disclose fees, billing and nonpayment steps up front.
  • Get written consent before recording or letting anyone observe.

201 KAR 36:040 Section 2

Records

Keep records at least 7 years after your last session with a client.

  • Keep them secure and dispose of them in a way that protects confidentiality.
  • Note any amendment in the record.
  • No separate minor rule was found.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't address minors. Other laws such as HIPAA or insurers may require longer.

201 KAR 36:040 Section 2(26)

Complaints

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

  • Clients file complaints in writing on the board's form.

Not yet confirmed: Adding the board's contact details to your consent form is still a good habit. Check with the board.

201 KAR 36:050

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Get written consent before recording or letting anyone observe a session.

  • Each competent family member in therapy must sign a waiver before you share their information.
  • Get written informed consent if a dual relationship can't be avoided.
  • For telehealth, verify the client's identity and cover informed consent.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't list a full intake disclosure checklist. Ask the board what it expects in your consent form.

201 KAR 32:050 Sections 1 and 2

Records

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

  • Store and dispose of records so confidentiality is kept.

Not yet confirmed: Ask the board how long to keep records. Until you hear, keeping them at least 7 years is a common safe practice, and HIPAA or insurers may require more.

201 KAR 32:050 Section 2(5)

Complaints

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

Not yet confirmed: Adding the board's contact details to your consent form is still a good habit. Check with the board.

201 KAR 32:070

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Get written informed consent before you start services.

  • Cover the client's condition, the recommended service, benefits, risks, alternatives and the right to refuse.
  • Get written consent before audio or video recording.
  • Explain your duties to any third party who referred the client.
  • Tell the client your fee and billing arrangement before service.

201 KAR 23:080 Sections 4 and 8

Records

Keep each client record at least 5 years after services end, or until the client turns 20 if that is longer.

  • Keep records secure and destroy them in a way that keeps them confidential.
  • Never deceptively alter a record.
  • Other laws such as HIPAA or insurers may require longer.

201 KAR 23:080 Section 10

Complaints

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

Not yet confirmed: Adding the board's contact details to your consent form is still a good habit. Check with the board.

201 KAR 23:150

Psychologists

Informed consent

Keep clients fully informed about their care and get written consent before sharing information or recording.

  • Explain the purpose and nature of evaluation or treatment and the client's right to choose.
  • Get informed written consent before observing or electronically recording sessions.
  • For a minor or a client with a guardian, explain the legal limits of confidentiality at the start.
  • For joint sessions or several interested parties, explain how confidentiality works at the start.

201 KAR 26:145 Sections 6 and 8

Records

Keep records at least 6 years after your last session with a client.

  • Include the presenting problem, fees, date and substance of each contact, test results and data, consult notes and reports.
  • Store and dispose of records so they stay confidential.
  • No separate minor rule was found.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't address minors. Other laws such as HIPAA or insurers may require longer.

201 KAR 26:145 Section 4(6)

Complaints

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

Not yet confirmed: Adding the board's contact details to your consent form is still a good habit. Check with the board.

201 KAR 26:130

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Kentucky

Telehealth consent

  • Give the client written information on telehealth privacy risks and limits before starting
  • Document consent
  • keep emergency exceptions documented

Recording

Kentucky is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (KRS 526.010, 526.020). 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 suspected child abuse or neglect immediately, by phone or in writing.

  • Call the Cabinet hotline at 1-877-597-2331 (1-877-KYSAFE1) or 1-800-752-6200. You can also report to law enforcement or the state police.
  • If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
  • If asked, send a written report within 48 hours of your first report. Tell your supervisor or agency head too, if you work in one.
  • Client privilege does not excuse you from reporting.

KRS 620.030

The order

The order to do it in

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

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Not always, but most Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

Counselors: Complete 10 hours every year in professional counseling. Marriage and family therapists: Complete 15 hours every year in marriage and family therapy. Clinical social workers: Complete 30 hours every 3 years. Psychologists: Complete 39 hours every 3 years.

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

Counselors: Keep records at least 7 years after your last session with a client. Marriage and family therapists: Your board doesn't set a retention period that we could find. Clinical social workers: Keep each client record at least 5 years after services end, or until the client turns 20 if that is longer. Psychologists: Keep records at least 6 years after your last session with a client.

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

Kentucky is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (KRS 526.010, 526.020). 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 LPCC open a private practice in Kentucky?

The Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) is Kentucky's full license for counselors, issued by the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (201 KAR Chapter 36, KRS 335.500 to 335.599). The level before it is Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA). On your website and ads: show your credentials accurately and claim only a license that is current and in good standing. Then set up your business (in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Kentucky's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Kentucky Board of Social Work (201 KAR Chapter 23, KRS 335.010 to 335.160). The level before it is Certified Social Worker (CSW). On your website and ads: use "LCSW" only while your Licensed Clinical Social Worker license is valid and in good standing. Then set up your business (in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky?

Describe your education, training and experience accurately in all ads. If you are an associate, say so clearly on cards and letterhead. Source: 201 KAR 32:050 Sections 6 and 7.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Kentucky?

Kentucky's associate and pre-licensed levels include Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA), Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (MFTA), and Certified Social Worker (CSW). What the board rules say: If you are an associate, say so clearly on cards and letterhead. Our research did not confirm whether Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

The Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology (201 KAR Chapter 26, KRS Chapter 319). Continuing education: complete 39 hours every 3 years. Renewal: renew every 3 years with the renewal form, fee and 39 CE hours. Confirm current requirements on the board's site.

Sources

Board rules checked October 25, 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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