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

How to start a private practice in Mississippi

The steps are the same everywhere. Mississippi'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 report still required)
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo Mississippi-specific AI note law found as of October 25, 2026

By license

Starting a private practice in Mississippi, by license

Find your license for its Mississippi 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 Mississippi as an LPC

License: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Board: Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors (Title 30, Part 2201, Rules and Regulations).

  • Title in ads: Use "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC" in your ads and on your website.
  • Continuing education: Complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years on or before June 30.
Before full licensure: Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (P-LPC)
  • P-LPCs must say "Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor." (Rules 7.3 and 7.4)
  • P-LPCs also give a disclosure statement naming their supervisor. (Rule 7.1)

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 Mississippi as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists (Title 30, Parts 1901 and 1903).

  • Title in ads: Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or "LMFT" after your name as it appears on your license.
  • Continuing education: Complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, by September 30.
Before full licensure: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA)

Our research didn't find a Mississippi 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

Social workers · LCSW

Starting a private practice in Mississippi as an LCSW

License: Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW). Board: Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists (Title 30, Parts 1901 and 1902).

  • Title in ads: Use "Licensed Certified Social Worker" or "Clinical Social Worker" in your ads and on your website.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years in April.
Before full licensure: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

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

License: Psychologist. Board: Mississippi Board of Psychology (Title 30, Part 3201, Rules and Regulations).

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Psychologist" in your ads and on your website.
  • Continuing education: Complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every year by June 30.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Mississippi 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 Mississippi

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsMississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors (Title 30, Part 2201, Rules and Regulations)Complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.Renew every 2 years on or before June 30.
Marriage and family therapistsMississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists (Title 30, Parts 1901 and 1903)Complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education every 2 years.Renew every 2 years, by September 30.
Clinical social workersMississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists (Title 30, Parts 1901 and 1902)Complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years.Renew every 2 years in April.
PsychologistsMississippi Board of Psychology (Title 30, Part 3201, Rules and Regulations)Complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years.Renew every year by June 30.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Mississippi

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

Counselors

Your title

Use "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC" in your ads and on your website.

  • P-LPCs must say "Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor."
  • Using LPC or "psychotherapist" without a license is a crime.

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

Rules 7.3 and 7.4

What you can't say

Follow the ACA Code of Ethics on advertising, since the Board makes it binding.

  • Keep ads accurate and not misleading.
  • Be careful with testimonials and with the word "specialist."

Not yet confirmed: The Board has no advertising rule of its own, so the details come from the ACA code. Check the current ACA code and ask the board about specialist claims.

Rule 7.1

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or "LMFT" after your name as it appears on your license.

  • Display your certificate and current renewal verification at your practice.

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

Part 1903, Rule 3.1

What you can't say

Don't run false or misleading ads, including online.

  • False or misleading advertising is grounds for discipline.
  • The AAMFT Code of Ethics is the board's code.

Not yet confirmed: No rule on testimonials, 'specialist' or guarantees was found. Avoid promising results and ask the board.

Part 1901, Rule 3.1

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use "Licensed Certified Social Worker" or "Clinical Social Worker" in your ads and on your website.

  • MSW, DSW and PhD are degrees, not license levels, so don't use them in place of your title.
  • Display your license certificate where you practice.

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

Part 1902, Rule 3.1

What you can't say

Don't run false or misleading ads.

  • False or misleading advertising is grounds for discipline.
  • Don't use a degree as a title to claim competency.

Not yet confirmed: No rule on testimonials, 'specialist' or guarantees was found. Avoid promising results and ask the board.

Part 1901, Rule 3.1

Psychologists

Your title

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

  • Only licensees may use the title psychologist.

Not yet confirmed: The Board's rules don't say whether your license number must appear in ads. Ask the board.

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate and follow the APA Ethical Principles, which the Board enforces.

  • Violating those principles is grounds for discipline.
  • Avoid promising results and be careful with testimonials.

Not yet confirmed: The Board has no advertising rule of its own that we found. Ask the board about 'specialist' and testimonials.

Miss. Code Ann. 73-31-21

Your business

Forming your practice in Mississippi

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?

WhatMississippi
Usual entityPLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$0 (annual report still required)
When it's dueApril 15 each year
Where to filewww.sos.ms.gov/business-services

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Mississippi

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, following the ACA Code of Ethics.

  • Explain the counseling process, fees, and confidentiality and its limits.
  • P-LPCs also give a disclosure statement naming their supervisor.

Not yet confirmed: The Board's rules don't list consent items. Use the current ACA code as your checklist.

Rule 7.1

Records

The Board's rules don't set a retention period, so follow the ACA code and keep records at least as long as your insurer and HIPAA require.

  • Keep a minor's records longer, until well after they turn 18.

Not yet confirmed: We did not find a Mississippi retention number. Ask the board and your malpractice insurer for a firm length.

Rule 7.1

Complaints

The rules don't require you to tell clients how to file a complaint that we could find.

  • Complaints go to the Board's Executive Director on the Board's forms.

Not yet confirmed: Adding the board's contact details to your consent form is a good habit. Ask the board if it wants it.

Rule 8.2

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Follow the AAMFT Code of Ethics for consent, and give written risk information for telehealth.

  • For technology-assisted therapy, tell clients in writing about risks and benefits.
  • Explain the limits of your platform's security.
  • Verify client identity, especially at the first meeting.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't list general consent items. Use the AAMFT code as your checklist.

Part 1903, Rule 3.1

Records

Keep client records secure and keep them after the client relationship ends.

  • The rules give no number of years.
  • A minor's records should be kept longer, until well after age 18.

Not yet confirmed: We found no retention number. Ask the board and your malpractice insurer how long to keep records.

Part 1901, Rule 3.1

Complaints

The rules don't require you to tell clients how to file a complaint that we could find.

  • The Board takes only written, signed complaints on its form.
  • Board phone: (601) 987-6806.

Not yet confirmed: Adding the board's contact details to your consent form is optional. Ask the board if it wants it.

Part 1901, Rule 3.2

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Explain confidentiality and its limits to clients, and tell them about online risks if you use technology.

  • For electronic services, explain the risks of sharing confidential information online.
  • Tell clients not to post your communications without consent.
  • Have a policy for telling clients if there is a breach.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't list general consent items. Ask the board or follow the NASW code.

Part 1902, Rule 3.4

Records

Keep client records secure and keep them after the client relationship ends.

  • The rules give no number of years.
  • A minor's records should be kept longer, until well after age 18.

Not yet confirmed: We found no retention number. Ask the board and your malpractice insurer how long to keep records.

Part 1901, Rule 3.1

Complaints

The rules don't require you to tell clients how to file a complaint that we could find.

  • The Board takes only written, signed complaints on its form.
  • Board phone: (601) 987-6806.

Not yet confirmed: Adding the board's contact details to your consent form is optional. Ask the board if it wants it.

Part 1901, Rule 3.2

Psychologists

Informed consent

Get informed consent following the APA Ethical Principles.

  • Explain the nature of services, fees, and confidentiality and its limits.

Not yet confirmed: The Board's rules don't list consent items. Use the current APA code as your checklist.

Miss. Code Ann. 73-31-21

Records

The Board sets no retention period that we could find, so follow APA guidelines, HIPAA and your insurer.

  • Keep a minor's records longer, until well after they turn 18.

Not yet confirmed: We found no Mississippi retention number. Ask the board and your malpractice insurer for a firm length.

Complaints

The rules don't require you to tell clients how to file a complaint that we could find.

  • The Board accepts only written, notarized complaints.
  • Board phone: 601-576-2577.

Not yet confirmed: Adding the board's contact details to your consent form is optional. Ask the board if it wants it.

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Mississippi

Telehealth consent

  • Cover equipment failure and follow-up

Recording

Mississippi is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Miss. Code 41-29-531). 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 by phone, then follow up in writing as soon as possible.

  • Call Mississippi Centralized Intake at 1-800-222-8000, open 24 hours, or report at msabusehotline.mdhs.ms.gov.
  • If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
  • Willful failure to report can bring a fine up to $5,000, up to 1 year in jail, or both.

Not yet confirmed: We read this from a federal summary of the statute, not the legislature's own site. Confirm the current wording of 43-21-353 before relying on it.

Miss. Code Ann. 43-21-353

The order

The order to do it in

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

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Not always, but most Mississippi 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 Mississippi?

Counselors: Complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Marriage and family therapists: Complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education every 2 years. Clinical social workers: Complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Psychologists: Complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

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

Counselors: The Board's rules don't set a retention period, so follow the ACA code and keep records at least as long as your insurer and HIPAA require. Marriage and family therapists: Keep client records secure and keep them after the client relationship ends. Clinical social workers: Keep client records secure and keep them after the client relationship ends. Psychologists: The Board sets no retention period that we could find, so follow APA guidelines, HIPAA and your insurer.

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

Mississippi is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Miss. Code 41-29-531). 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 Mississippi?

The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is Mississippi's full license for counselors, issued by the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors (Title 30, Part 2201, Rules and Regulations). The level before it is Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (P-LPC). On your website and ads: use "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC" in your ads and on your website. Then set up your business (in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi?

The Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) is Mississippi's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists (Title 30, Parts 1901 and 1902). The level before it is Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). On your website and ads: use "Licensed Certified Social Worker" or "Clinical Social Worker" in your ads and on your website. Then set up your business (in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi?

Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or "LMFT" after your name as it appears on your license. Display your certificate and current renewal verification at your practice. Source: Part 1903, Rule 3.1.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Mississippi?

Mississippi's associate and pre-licensed levels include Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (P-LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). What the board rules say: P-LPCs must say "Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor.". Our research did not confirm whether Mississippi 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 Mississippi?

The Mississippi Board of Psychology (Title 30, Part 3201, Rules and Regulations). Continuing education: complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Renewal: renew every year by June 30. 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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