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

How to start a private practice in Minnesota

The steps are the same everywhere. Minnesota'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$0 (annual renewal still required)
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo Minnesota-specific AI note law found as of October 25, 2026
MinorsA minor 16 or older can agree to outpatient mental health treatment on their own.

By license

Starting a private practice in Minnesota, by license

Find your license for its Minnesota 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 Minnesota as an LPCC

License: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Board: Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.

  • Title in ads: Show your degree and your license (such as LPCC) when you advertise.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 hours of board-approved CE every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew your license every year before it expires.
Before full licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

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 Minnesota as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.

  • Title in ads: Display your current license at your office and use only relevant, accredited degrees in your title.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 board-approved CE hours every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every year on or before your license expires.
Before full licensure: Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT)

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 · LICSW

Starting a private practice in Minnesota as an LICSW

License: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Board: Minnesota Board of Social Work.

  • Title in ads: Use your license designation, such as LICSW, whenever you use your name professionally.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years by the last day of your birth month.
Before full licensure: Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)

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

License: Psychologist. Board: Minnesota Board of Psychology.

  • Title in ads: Describe your credentials accurately, and use "Doctor" or a doctoral degree only if your license allows it.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 board-approved CE hours in each 2-year renewal period.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, by the last day of the month your license was granted.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Minnesota 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 Minnesota

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsMinnesota Board of Behavioral Health and TherapyComplete 40 hours of board-approved CE every 2 years.Renew your license every year before it expires.
Marriage and family therapistsMinnesota Board of Marriage and Family TherapyComplete 40 board-approved CE hours every 2 years.Renew every year on or before your license expires.
Clinical social workersMinnesota Board of Social WorkComplete 40 hours of CE every 2 years.Renew every 2 years by the last day of your birth month.
PsychologistsMinnesota Board of PsychologyComplete 40 board-approved CE hours in each 2-year renewal period.Renew every 2 years, by the last day of the month your license was granted.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Minnesota

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

Counselors

Your title

Show your degree and your license (such as LPCC) when you advertise.

  • Only licensees may use titles like "licensed professional counselor."
  • Counselor interns may use "counselor intern."

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

Minn. R. 2150.7575

What you can't say

Keep ads truthful and don't use testimonials from clients who could be easily influenced.

  • Don't overstate your training, credentials or specialty.
  • Claim "diplomate" or "fellow" only if the certifying board meets the rule's four standards.
  • Correct any false statements others make about you.

Not yet confirmed: No separate ban on guaranteeing results or on the word "specialist" was found. Avoid both and check with the board.

Minn. R. 2150.7570

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Display your current license at your office and use only relevant, accredited degrees in your title.

  • Show your certificate or annual license card.
  • If you cite another Minnesota mental health license, you may use its titles.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule that says how to word "LMFT" in ads or whether your license number must show. Check with the board.

Minn. R. 5300.0270, 5300.0350

What you can't say

Keep ads truthful, and correct anyone who misstates your qualifications.

  • No false, fraudulent or misleading advertising.
  • Describe staff and supervisee qualifications truthfully.

Not yet confirmed: Testimonials, guarantees and "specialist" claims aren't addressed directly. Avoid them and check with the board.

Minn. R. 5300.0350, subp. 4

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use your license designation, such as LICSW, whenever you use your name professionally.

  • You can spell it out as Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.
  • Only licensees and county employees may use "social work" in a title.

Not yet confirmed: A license number in ads wasn't required in what we found. Check with the board.

Minn. Stat. 148E.195, subd. 2a

What you can't say

Keep ads honest, and never present your license as a guarantee of results.

  • No false, misleading, deceptive or potentially exploitative statements.
  • Don't overstate your degree, certifications or qualifications.
  • Correct others who misstate theirs.

Not yet confirmed: No specific testimonial or "specialist" rule was found. Check with the board before using either.

Minn. Stat. 148E.195, subds. 2a, 3

Psychologists

Your title

Describe your credentials accurately, and use "Doctor" or a doctoral degree only if your license allows it.

  • A master's-level licensee can't use "Doctor," Ph.D., Psy.D. or Ed.D. if the doctorate is from an unaccredited school or a non-qualifying major.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule on exact title wording or license numbers in ads. Check with the board.

Minn. R. 7200.5100, subps. 2, 3

What you can't say

Don't use client testimonials, and keep every public statement accurate.

  • No testimonials from current clients or vulnerable former clients.
  • Don't misstate your training, credentials, specialty or certification.
  • Claim "diplomate" or "fellow" only if the certifying board meets all four standards.
  • Correct false statements others make for you.

Not yet confirmed: No guarantee-of-results rule was found. Avoid promising outcomes.

Minn. R. 7200.5100

Your business

Forming your practice in Minnesota

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

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

WhatMinnesota
Usual entityPLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$0 (annual renewal still required)
When it's dueDecember 31 each year
Where to filewww.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Minnesota

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

Get informed consent before you start services.

  • Cover goals, procedures, fees, privacy limits, and risks and benefits.
  • Use written consent for forensic or experimental services.
  • Tell new clients your qualifications, including if you are supervised.
  • Get consent again if services change substantially.

Minn. R. 2150.7525

Records

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

  • For a minor, the 7 years starts when they turn 18.
  • Other laws may require longer.

Minn. R. 2150.7535

Complaints

Explain how to file a board complaint when a client asks, and never discourage one.

  • Help the client file if they ask.
  • Don't ask clients to waive the right to complain.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule requiring a posted complaint notice. Ask the board if you want to add one.

Minn. R. 2150.7605, subp. 3

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Explain the limits of confidentiality and get written consent before recording or observation.

  • Tell minors about privacy limits as far as they can understand.
  • Disclose private information only with informed consent, with limited exceptions.
  • Before online therapy, explain risks and benefits and confirm the connection is secure.

Not yet confirmed: The rule has no single informed consent checklist. Ask the board what it expects in your intake forms.

Minn. R. 5300.0350, subps. 5(P), 6

Records

Keep complete client records, and check with the board on how long to keep them.

  • Include the presenting problem, treatment plan, contact log, consultation notes, termination statement, consents and fee log.
  • Keep records private and dispose of them safely.

Not yet confirmed: The MFT rules set no retention period. Ask the board. Many therapists keep records 7 years after the last session, and longer for minors.

Minn. R. 5300.0350, subp. 6(L)

Complaints

Post the client bill of rights or hand it out, and explain how to file a complaint when asked.

  • The bill of rights says clients may report complaints to the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.
  • It also covers cost, privacy and records access.

Minn. R. 5300.0350, subp. 5(N, O)

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Tell clients their rights and your disclosure limits at the start of work.

  • Post or hand out information on how to check your license, education and experience.
  • Explain when you may have to disclose information.
  • Get written consent before releasing client information.
  • Explain the purpose before giving any assessment tool.

Not yet confirmed: We found no general informed consent rule beyond these items. Ask the board if you want a full checklist.

Minn. Stat. 148E.195 and 148E.230

Records

Keep records at least 7 years after your last date of service.

  • Include assessment, service plan, progress, fees and signed releases.
  • No longer period for minors was found.

Not yet confirmed: The statute has no separate minor rule. Other laws may require longer, so check with the board.

Minn. Stat. 148E.225, subd. 4

Complaints

Post or hand out information telling clients they can file a complaint with the board.

  • Include the board's contact information.
  • Also display your wall certificate at your office.

Minn. Stat. 148E.195, subd. 1

Psychologists

Informed consent

Get informed consent before you start services.

  • Cover goals, procedures, fees, privacy limits, risks and benefits, and alternatives.
  • Use written consent for forensic services.
  • Get consent again if services change substantially.
  • Not needed for an initial consultation or emergency services.

Minn. R. 7200.4720

Records

Keep records at least 8 years after your last session with a client.

  • For a minor, the 8 years starts when they turn 18.
  • Other laws may require longer.

Minn. R. 7200.4750, subp. 3

Complaints

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

  • Never ask a client to waive the right to file a complaint.

Not yet confirmed: Adding the Board of Psychology's contact details to your consent form is a safe practice. Ask the board whether it expects a notice.

Minn. R. 7200.5750, subp. 3

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Minnesota

Telehealth consent

No extra Minnesota items beyond a standard telehealth consent were found. Keep the basics: the client's location each session, an emergency contact, and what happens if the connection drops.

Recording

Minnesota is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Minn. Stat. 626A.02). 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 right away to your county child protection agency, police or sheriff.

  • You must report if you know or have reason to believe a child is being maltreated, or was within the past 3 years.
  • Reports go to the local welfare agency, a police department, the county sheriff, or a tribal social services or police agency.
  • Your employer can't retaliate against you for reporting in good faith.

Not yet confirmed: We couldn't confirm a hotline number or a written follow-up deadline from the statute pages. Ask your county child protection office how to report and whether they want it in writing.

Minn. Stat. 260E.06, subd. 1

Seeing minors

In Minnesota, a minor 16 or older can agree to outpatient mental health treatment on their own. 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 Minnesota's rules above plugged in. The full walk-through, with costs and a timeline, is in how to start a private practice.

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Not always, but most Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

Counselors: Complete 40 hours of board-approved CE every 2 years. Marriage and family therapists: Complete 40 board-approved CE hours every 2 years. Clinical social workers: Complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years. Psychologists: Complete 40 board-approved CE hours in each 2-year renewal period.

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

Counselors: Keep records at least 7 years after your last session with a client. Marriage and family therapists: Keep complete client records, and check with the board on how long to keep them. Clinical social workers: Keep records at least 7 years after your last date of service. Psychologists: Keep records at least 8 years after your last session with a client.

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

Minnesota is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Minn. Stat. 626A.02). 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 Minnesota?

The Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) is Minnesota's full license for counselors, issued by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. The level before it is Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). On your website and ads: show your degree and your license (such as LPCC) when you advertise. Then set up your business (in Minnesota, 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 LICSW open a private practice in Minnesota?

The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) is Minnesota's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. The level before it is Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW). On your website and ads: use your license designation, such as LICSW, whenever you use your name professionally. Then set up your business (in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota?

Display your current license at your office and use only relevant, accredited degrees in your title. Show your certificate or annual license card. If you cite another Minnesota mental health license, you may use its titles. Source: Minn. R. 5300.0270, 5300.0350.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Minnesota?

Minnesota's associate and pre-licensed levels include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT), and Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW). What the board rules say: Counselor interns may use "counselor intern.". Describe staff and supervisee qualifications truthfully. Our research did not confirm whether Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

The Minnesota Board of Psychology. Continuing education: complete 40 board-approved CE hours in each 2-year renewal period. Renewal: renew every 2 years, by the last day of the month your license was granted. 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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