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

How to start a private practice in Louisiana

The steps are the same everywhere. Louisiana'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 entityAn LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license
Yearly state filingAbout $30–$35 (check)
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsLouisiana has a law that touches AI in health care (see below)

By license

Starting a private practice in Louisiana, by license

Find your license for its Louisiana 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 Louisiana as an LPC

License: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Board: Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners, Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) Title 46, Part LX, Subpart 1 (Chapters 1 to 23), under La.

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Professional Counselor" or LPC in your ads, and only once you are fully licensed.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 hours of CE every two years.
  • Renewal: Renew every two years in June.
Before full licensure: Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC)
  • If you are still under supervision, use "Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor" or PLPC. (LAC 46:LX.501 and 2118)

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

MFTs · LMFT

Starting a private practice in Louisiana as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners, with its Marriage and Family Therapy Advisory Committee, LAC Title 46, Part LX, Subpart 2 (Chapters 27 to 47), under La.

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or LMFT in your ads, and only once you are fully licensed.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 hours of CE every two years.
  • Renewal: Renew every two years, before your license lapses on December 31.
Before full licensure: Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (PLMFT)

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 Louisiana as an LCSW

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Board: Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners (formerly the Board of Certified Social Work Examiners), LAC Title 46, Part XXV (Chapters 1 to 13), under La.

  • Title in ads: Use "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or LCSW after your name in your ads and on your website.
  • Continuing education: Complete 20 hours of board-approved CE every year.
  • Renewal: Renew every year before August 31.
Who can open a private practice
Before full licensure: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

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

License: Psychologist. Board: Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, LAC Title 46, Part LXIII, Subpart 1 (Chapters 1 to 21), under La.

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Psychologist" in your ads and on your website.
  • Continuing education: Complete 30 hours of CE every two years.
  • Renewal: Renew every year by July 31.
If you're not fully licensed yet

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

Licensing

Your licensing board in Louisiana

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsLouisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners, Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) Title 46, Part LX, Subpart 1 (Chapters 1 to 23), under LaComplete 40 hours of CE every two years.Renew every two years in June.
Marriage and family therapistsLouisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners, with its Marriage and Family Therapy Advisory Committee, LAC Title 46, Part LX, Subpart 2 (Chapters 27 to 47), under LaComplete 40 hours of CE every two years.Renew every two years, before your license lapses on December 31.
Clinical social workersLouisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners (formerly the Board of Certified Social Work Examiners), LAC Title 46, Part XXV (Chapters 1 to 13), under LaComplete 20 hours of board-approved CE every year.Renew every year before August 31.
PsychologistsLouisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, LAC Title 46, Part LXIII, Subpart 1 (Chapters 1 to 21), under LaComplete 30 hours of CE every two years.Renew every year by July 31.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Louisiana

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

Counselors

Your title

Call yourself a "Licensed Professional Counselor" or LPC in your ads, and only once you are fully licensed.

  • Only licensees may use the title.
  • If you are still under supervision, use "Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor" or PLPC.
  • Your client Declaration must show your license number and name the LPC Board as the grantor.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't say your license number must appear in ads. Ask the board if you want to be sure.

LAC 46:LX.501 and 2118

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate, and don't ask current or former clients for testimonials.

  • Ads may not be false, misleading, deceptive, or fraudulent.
  • Claim only qualifications you have actually completed.
  • Don't use your employer to recruit clients for your practice.
  • Correct inaccurate statements others make about you when you can.

Not yet confirmed: A specific ban on guarantees or the word "specialist" wasn't found. Avoid promising outcomes.

LAC 46:LX.2107

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Call yourself a "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or LMFT in your ads, and only once you are fully licensed.

  • Don't use any title that could be confused with LMFT.
  • If you are still under supervision, use "Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or PLMFT.
  • Your Statement of Practice must show your license number and name the board.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't say your license number must appear in ads. Ask the board if you want to be sure.

R.S. 37:1122, LAC 46:LX.3101 and 4719

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate, and don't claim specialized services you aren't trained for.

  • No false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive statements.
  • Don't use a business name that misleads the public.
  • Claim only degrees from regionally accredited schools.
  • Correct false information others publish about you.

Not yet confirmed: No LMFT rule on testimonials or guaranteeing results was found. Avoid asking current clients for testimonials and avoid promising outcomes.

LAC 46:LX.4719

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or LCSW after your name in your ads and on your website.

  • Use only the designation you actually hold.
  • Display your current license at your place of practice.
  • Only an LCSW may practice independently in private practice.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't say your license number must appear in ads. Check with the board.

LAC 46:XXV.119 and 303

What you can't say

Present your credentials factually and never promise or guarantee results.

  • Don't imply you are competent in a service you aren't trained for.
  • Don't misrepresent your degree, training, or experience.
  • Don't let others misrepresent you.

Not yet confirmed: A specific testimonial rule or ban on the word "specialist" wasn't found. Avoid asking current clients for testimonials and check with the board.

LAC 46:XXV.119

Psychologists

Your title

Call yourself a "Licensed Psychologist" in your ads and on your website.

  • Only licensees may use "psychologist" or similar terms.
  • If you hold a provisional license, use "provisional licensed psychologist."
  • Display your license in your office.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't say your license number must appear in ads. Check with the board.

R.S. 37:2352, LAC 46:LXIII.1901

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate and don't ask current therapy clients for testimonials.

  • No false or deceptive claims about your training, credentials, services, fees, or results.
  • No uninvited in-person solicitation.
  • A paid ad must be recognizable as an ad.
  • Claim a specialty only in line with the board's specialty rules.

LAC 46:LXIII.1311

Your business

Forming your practice in Louisiana

Louisiana has no separate PLLC, and whether you can use a regular LLC or need a professional corporation (PC) depends on your licence. Ask your licensing board which entity is allowed before you file, and consider a short call with a local attorney or 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?

WhatLouisiana
Usual entityLLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license
Yearly state filingAbout $30–$35 (check)
When it's dueBy your anniversary date
Where to filewww.sos.la.gov

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Louisiana

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 before you start, and document it.

  • Give every client your written Declaration of Practices and Procedures, signed by you and the client.
  • Cover goals, techniques, risks and benefits, fees, qualifications, and limits of confidentiality.
  • Minors need a parent or guardian signature.
  • Keep a current copy of your Declaration on file at the board office.

LAC 46:LX.2103 and 2118

Records

Keep adult client records at least 6 years.

  • Keep minors' records at least 7 years past the age of majority.
  • Store records securely and limit access.
  • Have a plan for your files if you close or become unable to practice.

LAC 46:LX.1505

Complaints

Your Declaration must name the LPC Board with its address and phone number, so clients know where to go.

  • State your license number and that the LPC Board of Examiners granted it.
  • The board takes complaints online at lpcboard.org/file-complaint.

Not yet confirmed: No separate complaint sign or notice was found beyond the Declaration. Ask the board if you want to confirm.

LAC 46:LX.2118

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Get documented informed consent before therapy starts, and give each client your signed Statement of Practice.

  • Explain risks and benefits, recording, observers, and who sees what.
  • Get written consent before recording or observation.
  • If a client can't consent, get permission from a legally authorized person.
  • Keep a current copy of your Statement of Practice on file at the board office.

LAC 46:LX.4101 and 4720

Records

Keep client records securely and plan for them if you close or can't practice.

  • Keep accurate clinical and financial records.
  • Arrange storage, transfer, or disposal that protects confidentiality.

Not yet confirmed: No number of years for LMFT records was found. The LPC board requires 6 years for adults and 7 years past majority for minors, and following that is the safe choice. Confirm with the board.

LAC 46:LX.4707 and 4709

Complaints

Your Statement of Practice must name the board with its address and phone number, so clients know where to go.

  • State your license number and that the board granted it.
  • The board takes complaints online at lpcboard.org/file-complaint.

Not yet confirmed: No separate complaint sign or notice was found beyond the Statement of Practice. Ask the board if you want to confirm.

LAC 46:LX.4720

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Get documented informed consent before you provide services, in clear language.

  • Explain the plan for services, costs, alternatives, and the client's right to refuse or withdraw.
  • Say how long the consent lasts and let clients ask questions.
  • Get written consent before any recording or observation.
  • If a client can't consent, get it from a legal guardian.

LAC 46:XXV.111.F

Records

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

  • For a minor, keep them 6 years after the client reaches the age of majority.
  • Keep longer if another law requires it.
  • Records must include assessment or diagnosis, plan, fees, and signed releases.

LAC 46:XXV.111.G

Complaints

Tell clients they can report a complaint about you to the board, by posting or handing out a Professional Disclosure Statement.

  • Display it at your primary place of practice or make it available to every client.
  • It must also cover their right to see the board's public records on you and to request the standards of practice.

Not yet confirmed: The board's complaint address and phone number weren't confirmed on its own site. Get them from the board before you print the statement.

LAC 46:XXV.107.E

Psychologists

Informed consent

Get informed consent early in therapy, in words your client understands.

  • Explain the nature and expected course of therapy, fees, and third-party involvement.
  • Discuss the limits of confidentiality at the start.
  • Get permission before recording voices or images.
  • For new or non-standard treatment, explain the risks.

LAC 46:LXIII.1307.J and 1321.A

Records

Keep records securely and plan for them if you leave practice.

  • Keep records that support continuing services, accurate billing, and legal compliance.
  • Don't withhold records needed for emergency treatment over an unpaid bill.

Not yet confirmed: No number of years for psychologists' records was found. Many states use 6 to 7 years for adults and longer for minors. Ask the board and your malpractice insurer.

LAC 46:LXIII.1313

Complaints

Post the board's official sign in your office so clients can see how to reach the board.

  • The board provides the sign with its name, mailing address, and phone number.
  • Complaints are filed online at the board's portal.

LAC 46:LXIII.1903

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Louisiana

Telehealth consent

  • Cover emergency plan, technical failure and how telehealth could end
  • Document consent in the record
  • e-signatures are allowed

Recording

Louisiana is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (La. R.S. 15:1303). Whatever the law, get written consent before recording a session or using an AI tool that listens to one.

AI note tools

Act 649 (HB 475, 2026), La. R.S. 37:22.1, effective Aug 1, 2026: a licensed health care professional must verbally tell the patient about any recording device, software, or service that uses AI transcription before recording any part of the visit. Disclosure, not consent (earlier consent and opt-out language was removed). Board discipline possible.

More in AI scribe consent for therapists.

Your consent should
  • Say that the therapist will tell the client out loud before any AI recording or transcription starts
  • Record in the chart that the disclosure was made
  • Name the AI tool and what it does (drafts notes from a recording, transcript, or the therapist's summary)

Reporting abuse

Call the DCFS hotline right away at 1-855-452-5437 when you suspect a child is being abused or neglected.

  • If the suspected abuser is a parent, caretaker, or someone in the child's home, report to DCFS.
  • If it is anyone else, report to law enforcement.
  • Non-emergency reports can go through the DCFS online Mandated Reporter Portal.
  • After an oral report, send a written report within 5 days.

Not yet confirmed: The written follow-up rule is replaced on January 1, 2027. Check Article 610 again after that date.

La. Children's Code Art. 610

The order

The order to do it in

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

Next steps

Guides for your Louisiana practice

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

Frequently asked questions

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

In Louisiana, plan on an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license. Louisiana has no separate PLLC, and whether you can use a regular LLC or need a professional corporation (PC) depends on your licence. 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 Louisiana?

Counselors: Complete 40 hours of CE every two years. Marriage and family therapists: Complete 40 hours of CE every two years. Clinical social workers: Complete 20 hours of board-approved CE every year. Psychologists: Complete 30 hours of CE every two years.

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

Counselors: Keep adult client records at least 6 years. Marriage and family therapists: Keep client records securely and plan for them if you close or can't practice. Clinical social workers: Keep records at least 6 years after your last session with a client. Psychologists: Keep records securely and plan for them if you leave practice.

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

Louisiana is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (La. R.S. 15:1303). 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 Louisiana?

The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is Louisiana's full license for counselors, issued by the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners, Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) Title 46, Part LX, Subpart 1 (Chapters 1 to 23), under La. The level before it is Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC). On your website and ads: call yourself a "Licensed Professional Counselor" or LPC in your ads, and only once you are fully licensed. Then set up your business (in Louisiana, usually an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license) 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 Louisiana?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Louisiana's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners (formerly the Board of Certified Social Work Examiners), LAC Title 46, Part XXV (Chapters 1 to 13), under La. The level before it is Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Only an LCSW may practice independently in private practice. On your website and ads: use "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or LCSW after your name in your ads and on your website. Then set up your business (in Louisiana, usually an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license) 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 Louisiana?

Call yourself a "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or LMFT in your ads, and only once you are fully licensed. Don't use any title that could be confused with LMFT. If you are still under supervision, use "Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or PLMFT. Source: R.S. 37:1122, LAC 46:LX.3101 and 4719.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Louisiana?

Louisiana's associate and pre-licensed levels include Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (PLMFT), and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). What the board rules say: If you are still under supervision, use "Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor" or PLPC. If you are still under supervision, use "Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or PLMFT. If you hold a provisional license, use "provisional licensed psychologist.". Our research did not confirm whether Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, LAC Title 46, Part LXIII, Subpart 1 (Chapters 1 to 21), under La. Continuing education: complete 30 hours of CE every two years. Renewal: renew every year by July 31. 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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