How to start a private practice in Maryland

Show your name, your credentials (LCPC) and your license number on any internet ad.

• State your credentials accurately and never in a misleading way.
• Your title is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
• Your disclosure statement must show your name, title, business address and business phone.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't spell out exact title wording or ad rules for print. Check with the board if you're unsure.

COMAR 10.58.03.07A(2) and (4)

Keep ads accurate, don't promise results, and don't ask current clients for testimonials.

• No false, misleading or partial-truth statements.
• No uninvited in-person solicitation of people vulnerable to undue influence.
• Don't suggest qualifications or specialized competence you don't have.
• A non-counseling doctorate can't be presented as part of your counseling practice.

Not yet confirmed: The word "specialist" isn't mentioned in the rule. Check with the board before using it.

COMAR 10.58.03.07

Show your name, your credentials (LCMFT) and your license number on any internet ad.

• State your credentials accurately and never in a misleading way.
• Your title is Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist.
• Your disclosure statement must show your name, title, business address and business phone.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't spell out exact title wording or ad rules for print. Check with the board if you're unsure.

COMAR 10.58.03.07A(2) and (4)

Keep ads accurate, don't promise results, and don't ask current clients for testimonials.

• No false, misleading or partial-truth statements.
• No uninvited in-person solicitation of people vulnerable to undue influence.
• Don't suggest qualifications or specialized competence you don't have.
• A non-counseling doctorate can't be presented as part of your counseling practice.

Not yet confirmed: The word "specialist" isn't mentioned in the rule. Check with the board before using it.

COMAR 10.58.03.07

Use the title "social worker" only as a licensee, and call yourself a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) for clinical work.

• Only an LCSW-C may practice clinical social work.
• Don't misrepresent your qualifications, education, experience or affiliation.
• Teletherapy: give your name, Maryland license number and type, and contact information at the first encounter.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule requiring your license number in ads or setting exact title wording. Check with the board.

COMAR 10.42.01.03, 10.42.03.06A(8), Health Occ. 19-401

Keep ads accurate and honest about your qualifications.

• No dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.
• No solicitation that amounts to fraud, intimidation or undue influence.
• Accuracy applies to advertising and media platforms.

Not yet confirmed: No specific rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees was found. Check with the board and avoid promising results.

COMAR 10.42.03.03B and 10.42.03.06A(8)

Call yourself a "Licensed Psychologist" and only use "psychologist" or "psychology" if you are licensed.

• Describe your qualifications, education and experience accurately.
• Label any paid advertisement as a paid advertisement.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule requiring your license number in ads. Check with the board.

Health Occ. 18-402 and COMAR 10.36.05.05A

Keep ads accurate, don't promise results, and don't ask vulnerable clients for testimonials.

• No false, misleading or partial-truth statements.
• No unjustified expectations of favorable results.
• Don't claim memberships that suggest specialized competence you lack.
• Correct others who misstate your qualifications.

Not yet confirmed: A rule on the word "specialist" wasn't found. Check with the board before using it.

COMAR 10.36.05.05A

Give clients enough information to make an informed decision about treatment, and give them your professional disclosure statement.

• Cover the purpose and nature of treatment, other options, possible reactions, estimated cost, and the right to withdraw or decline.
• Explain fees, billing and any use of collection agencies before you start.
• Tell every client the limits of confidentiality.
• The disclosure statement lists your education, specialties, services, fees, and the board's name, address and phone.

COMAR 10.58.03.05, .06, .08A(5), and Health Occ. 17-507

Keep each client's record for at least 7 years after it is made.

• For a minor: until the client turns 18, plus 7 years.
• You can destroy records sooner only after notifying the client, or a minor's parent or guardian.
• Your records must state the unit of treatment and who attended.

Not yet confirmed: Other laws (insurers, HIPAA) may require longer.

Md. Code, Health-Gen. 4-403

Include the board's name, address and phone number in your professional disclosure statement.

• Give the statement before services start, or post it in a conspicuous spot and give a copy on request.
• Put the required sentence about the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists at the bottom of its first page, then the board's name, address and phone.

Not yet confirmed: The board's page didn't list a board phone number for the statement. Get the exact number and wording from the board.

Md. Code, Health Occ. 17-507

Give clients enough information to make an informed decision about treatment, and give them your professional disclosure statement.

• Cover the purpose and nature of treatment, other options, possible reactions, estimated cost, and the right to withdraw or decline.
• Explain fees, billing and any use of collection agencies before you start.
• Tell every client the limits of confidentiality.
• The disclosure statement lists your education, specialties, services, fees, and the board's name, address and phone.

COMAR 10.58.03.05, .06, .08A(5), and Health Occ. 17-507

Keep each client's record for at least 7 years after it is made.

• For a minor: until the client turns 18, plus 7 years.
• You can destroy records sooner only after notifying the client, or a minor's parent or guardian.
• Your records must state the unit of treatment and who attended.

Not yet confirmed: Other laws (insurers, HIPAA) may require longer.

Md. Code, Health-Gen. 4-403

Include the board's name, address and phone number in your professional disclosure statement.

• Give the statement before services start, or post it in a conspicuous spot and give a copy on request.
• Put the required sentence about the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists at the bottom of its first page, then the board's name, address and phone.

Not yet confirmed: The board's page didn't list a board phone number for the statement. Get the exact number and wording from the board.

Md. Code, Health Occ. 17-507

Tell clients the risks, opportunities and obligations of your services and make your fees clear before you start.

• Set payment schedules and confirm reimbursement arrangements.
• Tell clients promptly if service will end or be interrupted, and arrange a referral or transfer.
• Teletherapy: get oral or written informed consent and set emergency protocols.
• LBSW or LMSW without independent practice: give clients your supervisor's name and contact information.

Not yet confirmed: No required written disclosure statement was found. Check with the board for any consent form requirements.

COMAR 10.42.03.03A and 10.42.10.04A

Keep each client's record for at least 7 years after it is made.

• For a minor: until the client turns 18, plus 7 years.
• Records must show dates and times of service, treatment plans, goals and contact notes.
• Write a plan for transferring client files if you become incapacitated, die or end your practice.

Not yet confirmed: Other laws (insurers, HIPAA) may require longer.

COMAR 10.42.03.03A(4)-(5) and Health-Gen. 4-403

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

• The board takes complaints by mail at 4201 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215.

Not yet confirmed: Ask the board whether you must give clients complaint information. Adding it to your consent form is a good habit either way.

Get informed consent in words your client understands before you start.

• Cover limits of confidentiality, fees and billing, schedule, and how therapy ends.
• Explain the nature and purpose of testing, reports and consultations.
• Tell clients about your legal duty to report abuse and neglect.
• Get appropriate authorization to treat minors.

COMAR 10.36.05.05B, .07E and .08

Keep each client's record for at least 7 years after it is made.

• For a minor: until the client turns 18, plus 7 years.
• Include informed consent, diagnosis, fees, dates and substance of each service, and original test data.
• Store and dispose of records confidentially.

Not yet confirmed: The psychology rule only says to keep records as long as State and federal law requires. The 7-year figure comes from the general medical records statute. Other laws (insurers, HIPAA) may require longer.

Health-Gen. 4-403 and COMAR 10.36.05.08

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

• The board takes complaints by email at [email protected], with a complaint form.

Not yet confirmed: Ask the board at 410-764-4787 whether clients must be told how to file a complaint. Adding it to your consent form is a good habit either way.