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

How to start a private practice in Michigan

The steps are the same everywhere. Michigan'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$25

Recording sessionsAll-party consent state; get written consent either way

AI note toolsNo Michigan-specific AI note law found as of October 25, 2026

MinorsA minor 14 or older can get outpatient therapy without a parent's consent, for up to 12 sessions or 4 months, whichever comes first. After that, a parent or guardian needs to consent to continue.

By license

Starting a private practice in Michigan, by license

Find your license for its Michigan 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 Michigan as an LPC

License: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Board: Michigan Board of Counseling (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing).

Title in ads: Use "licensed professional counselor," "licensed counselor," "professional counselor" or "l.p.c." only if you're licensed.
Continuing education: No general CE hours are required for renewal, but you need implicit bias and human trafficking training.
Renewal: Renew online every 3 years by the expiration date on your license.

Before full licensure: Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC)

Our research didn't find a Michigan 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 Michigan as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing).

Title in ads: Use only "licensed marriage and family therapist," "licensed marriage counselor" or "l.m.f.t." when representing your services to the public.
Continuing education: Michigan sets no general CE hours for MFTs, but implicit bias training is required.
Renewal: Renew online every 3 years by the expiration date on your license, with the fee and application.

Before full licensure: Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LLMFT)

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

License: Psychologist. Board: Michigan Board of Psychology (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing).

Title in ads: Use "licensed psychologist," "psychologist" and related titles only if you're licensed.
Continuing education: Earn 30 hours in the 2 years before renewal.
Renewal: Renew online every 2 years by the expiration date on your license.

If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Michigan 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 Michigan

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

License	Board	Continuing education	Renewal
Counselors	Michigan Board of Counseling (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing)	No general CE hours are required for renewal, but you need implicit bias and human trafficking training.	Renew online every 3 years by the expiration date on your license.
Marriage and family therapists	Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing)	Michigan sets no general CE hours for MFTs, but implicit bias training is required.	Renew online every 3 years by the expiration date on your license, with the fee and application.
Clinical social workers	Michigan Board of Social Work (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing)	45 contact hours in the 3 years before renewal.	Renew online every 3 years, by the expiration date on your license.
Psychologists	Michigan Board of Psychology (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing)	Earn 30 hours in the 2 years before renewal.	Renew online every 2 years by the expiration date on your license.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Michigan

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

Counselors

Your title

Use "licensed professional counselor," "licensed counselor," "professional counselor" or "l.p.c." only if you're licensed.

Not yet confirmed: Whether a license number must appear in ads wasn't found. Check with the board.

MCL 333.18105(3)

What you can't say

Don't run ads that are false or misleading.

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

MCL 333.16221(d)(i)

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use only "licensed marriage and family therapist," "licensed marriage counselor" or "l.m.f.t." when representing your services to the public.

Only licensees may advertise marriage and family therapy services.
Related titles such as "family therapist" and "marital therapist" are restricted.

Not yet confirmed: We found no license number requirement in ads on the board's site. Check with the board.

MCL 333.16903(1) and (5)

What you can't say

Don't run ads that are false or misleading.

Not yet confirmed: We found no specific rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees in the board's rules. Check with the board.

MCL 333.16221(d)(i)

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use "licensed master's social worker," "social worker" or "l.m.s.w." only if you hold that license.

The clinical designation is earned under R 338.2953, with a clinical exam plus 4,000 supervised hours.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule on whether ads must show the designation or license number. Check with the board.

MCL 333.18503(2)

What you can't say

Keep advertising from being false or misleading.

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

MCL 333.16221(d)(i)

Psychologists

Your title

Use "licensed psychologist," "psychologist" and related titles only if you're licensed.

Not yet confirmed: Whether a license number must appear in ads wasn't found. Check with the board.

MCL 333.18211(2)

What you can't say

Don't run ads that are false or misleading.

Not yet confirmed: No specific rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees was found, and the board's old advertising rules (R 338.2501 to 338.2516) were rescinded. Check with the board.

MCL 333.16221(d)(i)

Your business

Forming your practice in Michigan

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

Local taxes: Some Michigan cities (like Detroit and Grand Rapids) have their own income tax.

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

What	Michigan
Usual entity	PLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing	$25
When it's due	February 15 each year
Where to file	www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Michigan

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

Give every prospective client a professional disclosure statement before counseling begins.

Include your name, business address and phone, a description of your practice, your education and experience, your fee schedule, and the name, address and phone of LARA.
File any change with LARA within 30 days.
For telehealth, get consent for treatment first and keep proof in the record.

MCL 333.18113, R 338.1758 and MCL 333.16284

Records

Keep each client record at least 7 years from the date of service.

A longer period applies if other law requires it.
Don't destroy a record younger than 7 years unless the client gets written notice and gives written authorization.
Dispose of records in a way that protects confidentiality.

Not yet confirmed: No separate period for minors was found. Ask the board if you want a minor-specific answer.

MCL 333.16213

Complaints

Put the name, address and phone number of LARA in your professional disclosure statement.

That is how clients reach the licensing agency.

Not yet confirmed: No separate complaint-process notice rule was found.

MCL 333.18113(2)(e)

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

For telehealth, get consent for treatment first and keep proof in the record.

Client information is privileged.

Not yet confirmed: We found no required informed consent or professional disclosure statement for in-person practice. Check with the board.

R 338.7204, MCL 333.16284 and 333.16911

Records

Keep each client record at least 7 years from the date of service.

A longer period applies if other law requires it.
Don't destroy a record younger than 7 years unless the client gets written notice and gives written authorization.
Dispose of records in a way that protects confidentiality.
The 7-year rule is the same for all clients, including minors.

Not yet confirmed: No separate retention period for minors was found. Ask the board if you want a minor-specific answer.

MCL 333.16213

Complaints

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

Complaints go to LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing.

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

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Act consistently with the social work code of ethics, and for telehealth get consent for treatment first and keep proof in the record.

Client communications are confidential, with limited exceptions.

Not yet confirmed: We found no specific informed consent or disclosure statement rule for private practice. Check with the board.

MCL 333.18511, 333.18513, 333.16284 and R 338.2930

Records

Keep each client record at least 7 years from the date of service.

A longer period applies if other law requires it.
Don't destroy a record younger than 7 years unless the client gets written notice and gives written authorization.
Dispose of records in a way that protects confidentiality. The rule is the same for minors.

Not yet confirmed: We found no minor-specific period. Ask the board if you want a minor-specific answer.

MCL 333.16213

Complaints

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

Complaints go to LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing, at michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/complaint.

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

Psychologists

Informed consent

For telehealth, get consent for treatment first and keep proof in the record.

Client information is confidential and can't be compelled, with limited exceptions.

Not yet confirmed: A required informed consent or disclosure statement for in-person practice wasn't found. Check with the board.

R 338.2526, MCL 333.16284 and MCL 333.18237

Records

Keep each client record at least 7 years from the date of service.

A longer period applies if other law requires it.
Don't destroy a record younger than 7 years unless the client gets written notice and gives written authorization.
Dispose of records in a way that protects confidentiality.

Not yet confirmed: No separate period for minors was found. Ask the board if you want a minor-specific answer.

MCL 333.16213

Complaints

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

Complaints go to LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing.

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Michigan

Telehealth consent

Say the client consents to telehealth treatment (keep the signed form in the record)

Recording

Michigan is an all-party consent state: everyone must agree before a conversation is recorded (MCL 750.539c, 750.539a). 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

Get consent from everyone in the session before any recording or transcription starts (all-party consent state)
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

Reporting abuse

Report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately to MDHHS Centralized Intake.

Call 855-444-3911 (open 24/7) or use the online reporting system for mandated reporters.
If you report by phone, send a written report within 72 hours after the call. The online system needs no separate written report if it captures the required information.
Telling a supervisor does not meet your duty. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.

MCL 722.623

Seeing minors

In Michigan, a minor 14 or older can get outpatient therapy without a parent's consent, for up to 12 sessions or 4 months, whichever comes first. After that, a parent or guardian needs to consent to continue. Custody orders, parent access to records, and medication consent are separate questions, so confirm the details before you see minors.

The order

The order to do it in

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

01.

Get found, early

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

Get your Michigan checklist →

Next steps

Guides for your Michigan practice

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Not always, but most Michigan 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 Michigan?

Counselors: No general CE hours are required for renewal, but you need implicit bias and human trafficking training. Marriage and family therapists: Michigan sets no general CE hours for MFTs, but implicit bias training is required. Clinical social workers: 45 contact hours in the 3 years before renewal. Psychologists: Earn 30 hours in the 2 years before renewal.

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

Counselors: Keep each client record at least 7 years from the date of service. Marriage and family therapists: Keep each client record at least 7 years from the date of service. Clinical social workers: Keep each client record at least 7 years from the date of service. Psychologists: Keep each client record at least 7 years from the date of service.

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

Michigan is an all-party (two-party) consent state: everyone in the conversation must agree to a recording (MCL 750.539c, 750.539a). 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 Michigan?

The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is Michigan's full license for counselors, issued by the Michigan Board of Counseling (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing). The level before it is Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC). On your website and ads: use "licensed professional counselor," "licensed counselor," "professional counselor" or "l.p.c." only if you're licensed. Then set up your business (in Michigan, 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 LMSW-Clinical open a private practice in Michigan?

The Licensed Master Social Worker (Clinical) (LMSW-Clinical) is Michigan's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Michigan Board of Social Work (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing). The level before it is Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW). On your website and ads: use "licensed master's social worker," "social worker" or "l.m.s.w." only if you hold that license. Then set up your business (in Michigan, 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 Michigan?

Use only "licensed marriage and family therapist," "licensed marriage counselor" or "l.m.f.t." when representing your services to the public. Only licensees may advertise marriage and family therapy services. Related titles such as "family therapist" and "marital therapist" are restricted. Source: MCL 333.16903(1) and (5).

Can associates see private-pay clients in Michigan?

Michigan's associate and pre-licensed levels include Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC), Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LLMFT), and Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW). Our research did not confirm whether Michigan 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 Michigan?

The Michigan Board of Psychology (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing). Continuing education: earn 30 hours in the 2 years before renewal. Renewal: renew online every 2 years by the expiration date on your license. 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.

Other states: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming

How to start a private practice in Michigan

Starting a private practice in Michigan, by license

Starting a private practice in Michigan as an LPC

Starting a private practice in Michigan as an LMFT

Starting a private practice in Michigan as an LMSW-Clinical

Starting a private practice in Michigan as a psychologist

Your licensing board in Michigan

Advertising rules for therapists in Michigan

Counselors

Marriage and family therapists

Clinical social workers

Psychologists

Forming your practice in Michigan

Informed consent and records in Michigan

Counselors

Marriage and family therapists

Clinical social workers

Psychologists

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Michigan

Telehealth consent

Recording

AI note tools

Reporting abuse

Seeing minors

The order to do it in

Read your board's rules

Decide who you help and how clients pay

Name it and set up the business

Get malpractice insurance

Set up HIPAA-ready systems

Write your paperwork with these rules

Set your fee

Get found, early

Guides for your Michigan practice

Frequently asked questions

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

How many CE hours do therapists need in Michigan?

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

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

Can an LPC open a private practice in Michigan?

Can an LMSW-Clinical open a private practice in Michigan?

What title do LMFTs use on their website in Michigan?

Can associates see private-pay clients in Michigan?

Which board licenses psychologists in Michigan?