Free live workshop Thu Nov 19, noon CT: open your practice in the right order →
Free checklist
← All states

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

How to start a private practice in Montana

The steps are the same everywhere. Montana'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$20
Recording sessionsAll-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo Montana-specific AI note law found as of October 25, 2026

By license

Starting a private practice in Montana, by license

Find your license for its Montana title, board, and what associates should know. The full rules for every license follow below, each linked to the official source.

Counselors · LCPC

Starting a private practice in Montana as an LCPC

License: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Board: Montana Board of Behavioral Health, Department of Labor and Industry.

  • Title in ads: Use your exact license title in ads, such as "Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor" or "LCPC".
  • Continuing education: 20 hours of continuing education every year, before you renew.
  • Renewal: Renew online every year by December 31.
Before full licensure: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Candidate (LCPC candidate)
  • If you are still a licensure candidate, say so. (37-1-316 MCA)

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 Montana as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Montana Board of Behavioral Health, Department of Labor and Industry.

  • Title in ads: Use your exact license title in ads, such as "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or "LMFT".
  • Continuing education: 20 hours of continuing education every year, before you renew.
  • Renewal: Renew online every year by December 31.
Before full licensure: Marriage and Family Therapist Licensure Candidate (MFLC)
  • If you are still a licensure candidate, say so. (37-1-316 MCA)

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 Montana as an LCSW

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Board: Montana Board of Behavioral Health, Department of Labor and Industry.

  • Title in ads: Use your exact license title in ads, such as "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or "LCSW".
  • Continuing education: 20 hours of continuing education every year, before you renew.
  • Renewal: Renew online every year by December 31.
Before full licensure: Clinical Social Work Candidate (SWLC)
  • Montana's independent clinical license is the LCSW. LMSW and LBSW cannot practice independently. (37-1-316 MCA)
  • If you are still a licensure candidate, say so. (37-1-316 MCA)

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

Psychologists

Starting a private practice in Montana as a psychologist

License: Psychologist. Board: Montana Board of Psychologists, Department of Labor and Industry.

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Psychologist" in your ads and on your website.
  • Continuing education: 40 hours every 2 years, including 2 hours of ethics and 1 hour of suicide prevention.
  • Renewal: Renew online between November 1 and December 31.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Montana 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 Montana

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsMontana Board of Behavioral Health, Department of Labor and Industry20 hours of continuing education every year, before you renew.Renew online every year by December 31.
Marriage and family therapistsMontana Board of Behavioral Health, Department of Labor and Industry20 hours of continuing education every year, before you renew.Renew online every year by December 31.
Clinical social workersMontana Board of Behavioral Health, Department of Labor and Industry20 hours of continuing education every year, before you renew.Renew online every year by December 31.
PsychologistsMontana Board of Psychologists, Department of Labor and Industry40 hours every 2 years, including 2 hours of ethics and 1 hour of suicide prevention.Renew online between November 1 and December 31.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Montana

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

Counselors

Your title

Use your exact license title in ads, such as "Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor" or "LCPC".

  • Montana's counselor license is the LCPC. Use the full title or the letters LCPC.
  • Don't use a title you don't hold, or one for a different license.
  • If you are still a licensure candidate, say so.

Not yet confirmed: We could not find the exact Montana section that says which title to use, and the rules don't say a license number must appear. Check with the board before you print anything.

37-1-316 MCA

What you can't say

Keep every ad truthful, and don't say anything misleading or promise results.

  • False, deceptive, misleading or fraudulent ads are unprofessional conduct.
  • Don't claim skills outside your training and experience.

Not yet confirmed: We found no Montana rule on testimonials, "specialist," or guarantees. Avoid all three unless the board says otherwise.

37-1-316(1)(g) MCA

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use your exact license title in ads, such as "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or "LMFT".

  • Montana's MFT license is the LMFT. Use the full title or the letters LMFT.
  • Don't use a title you don't hold, or one for a different license.
  • If you are still a licensure candidate, say so.

Not yet confirmed: We could not find the exact Montana section that says which title to use, and the rules don't say a license number must appear. Check with the board before you print anything.

37-1-316 MCA

What you can't say

Keep every ad truthful, and don't say anything misleading or promise results.

  • False, deceptive, misleading or fraudulent ads are unprofessional conduct.
  • Don't claim skills outside your training and experience.

Not yet confirmed: We found no Montana rule on testimonials, "specialist," or guarantees. Avoid all three unless the board says otherwise.

37-1-316(1)(g) MCA

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use your exact license title in ads, such as "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or "LCSW".

  • Montana's independent clinical license is the LCSW. LMSW and LBSW cannot practice independently.
  • Don't use a title you don't hold, or one for a different license.
  • If you are still a licensure candidate, say so.

Not yet confirmed: We could not find the exact Montana section that says which title to use, and the rules don't say a license number must appear. Check with the board before you print anything.

37-1-316 MCA

What you can't say

Keep every ad truthful, and don't say anything misleading or promise results.

  • False, deceptive, misleading or fraudulent ads are unprofessional conduct.
  • Don't claim skills outside your training and experience.

Not yet confirmed: We found no Montana rule on testimonials, "specialist," or guarantees. Avoid all three unless the board says otherwise.

37-1-316(1)(g) MCA

Psychologists

Your title

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

  • Only licensees may represent to the public that they are psychologists.
  • Don't use the title if your license has lapsed or expired.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule that requires your license number in ads. The old rule to display your license in your office was repealed in 2023. Check with the board.

37-17-301 MCA

What you can't say

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

  • No false, deceptive or misleading statements about your work or credentials.
  • If others write or place your ads, you are still responsible for them.

Not yet confirmed: We found no Montana rule on "specialist" or guarantees. Avoid promising results, and check with the board before using "specialist."

APA Ethics Code 5.01, 5.05, and 37-1-316(1)(g) MCA

Your business

Forming your practice in Montana

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?

WhatMontana
Usual entityPLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$20
When it's dueApril 15 each year
Where to filesosmt.gov/business

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Montana

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

Tell clients clearly what your services are, what they cost, and how you protect their information, and get written acknowledgement of your fee.

  • Explain the purpose and nature of any evaluation or treatment, and the client's right to choose services.
  • Get written consent before research or recording that could identify the client.
  • Safeguard client information unless the law or a court requires you to share it.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't list a required form. Put all of this in a signed consent form so you have proof.

ARM 24.219.2301(3)

Records

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

  • Include identity, assessment, each session note, plan, discharge summary, billing and signed releases.
  • Store them under secure conditions.
  • Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't give a separate period for minors. Keeping a minor's file longer, until they are an adult plus 7 years, is a safe choice.

ARM 24.219.2301(3)(j)

Complaints

Montana doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find, but you can still give clients the board's complaint page.

  • Complaints go to the Department of Labor and Industry at https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/filing-complaint or (406) 841-2319.
  • Adding that line to your informed consent is optional.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule that requires you to tell clients how to file a complaint. Adding the board's complaint link and phone number to your consent form is a simple, safe habit.

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Tell clients clearly what your services are, what they cost, and how you protect their information, and get written acknowledgement of your fee.

  • Explain the purpose and nature of any evaluation or treatment, and the client's right to choose services.
  • Get written consent before research or recording that could identify the client.
  • Safeguard client information unless the law or a court requires you to share it.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't list a required form. Put all of this in a signed consent form so you have proof.

ARM 24.219.2301(3)

Records

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

  • Include identity, assessment, each session note, plan, discharge summary, billing and signed releases.
  • Store them under secure conditions.
  • Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't give a separate period for minors. Keeping a minor's file longer, until they are an adult plus 7 years, is a safe choice.

ARM 24.219.2301(3)(j)

Complaints

Montana doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find, but you can still give clients the board's complaint page.

  • Complaints go to the Department of Labor and Industry at https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/filing-complaint or (406) 841-2319.
  • Adding that line to your informed consent is optional.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule that requires you to tell clients how to file a complaint. Adding the board's complaint link and phone number to your consent form is a simple, safe habit.

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Tell clients clearly what your services are, what they cost, and how you protect their information, and get written acknowledgement of your fee.

  • Explain the purpose and nature of any evaluation or treatment, and the client's right to choose services.
  • Get written consent before research or recording that could identify the client.
  • Safeguard client information unless the law or a court requires you to share it.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't list a required form. Put all of this in a signed consent form so you have proof.

ARM 24.219.2301(3)

Records

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

  • Include identity, assessment, each session note, plan, discharge summary, billing and signed releases.
  • Store them under secure conditions.
  • Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't give a separate period for minors. Keeping a minor's file longer, until they are an adult plus 7 years, is a safe choice.

ARM 24.219.2301(3)(j)

Complaints

Montana doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find, but you can still give clients the board's complaint page.

  • Complaints go to the Department of Labor and Industry at https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/filing-complaint or (406) 841-2319.
  • Adding that line to your informed consent is optional.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule that requires you to tell clients how to file a complaint. Adding the board's complaint link and phone number to your consent form is a simple, safe habit.

Psychologists

Informed consent

Get informed consent early, in words your client understands.

  • Cover the nature of therapy, fees, and the limits of confidentiality.
  • Say who else is involved and what they will see, for couples, families and third parties.
  • Mention that you must report child abuse.

Not yet confirmed: Montana's old consent rule was repealed in 2023 and the board now relies on the APA code. Check with the board for any state-specific wording.

APA Ethics Code 10.01, 4.02

Records

Montana's board no longer states how long to keep records, so keep them at least 7 years after your last session.

  • The old rule was 7 years after the last contact for adults.
  • For a minor, the old rule was 7 years after they turn 18.
  • Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: The rule that set these periods was repealed in December 2023, and we found no replacement. Check with the board and your malpractice insurer.

Former ARM 24.189.2318 (repealed 2023)

Complaints

Montana doesn't require a complaint notice that we could find, but you can still give clients the board's complaint page.

  • Complaints go to the Department of Labor and Industry at https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/filing-complaint or (406) 841-2319.
  • Adding that line to your informed consent is optional.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule that requires you to tell clients how to file a complaint. Adding the board's complaint link and phone number to your consent form is a simple, safe habit.

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Montana

Telehealth consent

  • For minors, state how you verify the parent or guardian

Recording

Montana is an all-party consent state: everyone must agree before a conversation is recorded (MCA 45-8-213). 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 promptly to Montana's child abuse hotline, yourself.

  • Call 1-866-820-5437 (1-866-820-KIDS). It is open 24 hours a day.
  • If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
  • Client privilege does not excuse you from reporting.
  • Include the child's and caregivers' names and addresses, the child's age and injuries, and the facts behind your concern.

Not yet confirmed: The statute says to report promptly but gives no hour limit and no written follow-up deadline that we could find. Ask the hotline whether they want anything in writing.

Mont. Code Ann. 41-3-201

The order

The order to do it in

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

Next steps

Guides for your Montana practice

Free, and written for therapists. Start with the free private practice checklist for Montana: 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 Idaho · How to start a private practice in Wyoming · How to start a private practice in North Dakota · How to start a private practice in South Dakota

Frequently asked questions

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

Not always, but most Montana 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 Montana?

Counselors: 20 hours of continuing education every year, before you renew. Marriage and family therapists: 20 hours of continuing education every year, before you renew. Clinical social workers: 20 hours of continuing education every year, before you renew. Psychologists: 40 hours every 2 years, including 2 hours of ethics and 1 hour of suicide prevention.

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

Counselors: Keep records at least 7 years after your last session with a client. Marriage and family therapists: Keep records at least 7 years after your last session with a client. Clinical social workers: Keep records at least 7 years after your last session with a client. Psychologists: Montana's board no longer states how long to keep records, so keep them at least 7 years after your last session.

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

Montana is an all-party (two-party) consent state: everyone in the conversation must agree to a recording (MCA 45-8-213). 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 LCPC open a private practice in Montana?

The Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is Montana's full license for counselors, issued by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health, Department of Labor and Industry. The level before it is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Candidate (LCPC candidate). On your website and ads: use your exact license title in ads, such as "Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor" or "LCPC". Then set up your business (in Montana, 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 Montana?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Montana's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health, Department of Labor and Industry. The level before it is Clinical Social Work Candidate (SWLC). On your website and ads: use your exact license title in ads, such as "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or "LCSW". Then set up your business (in Montana, 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 Montana?

Use your exact license title in ads, such as "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" or "LMFT". Montana's MFT license is the LMFT. Use the full title or the letters LMFT. Don't use a title you don't hold, or one for a different license. Source: 37-1-316 MCA.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Montana?

Montana's associate and pre-licensed levels include Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Candidate (LCPC candidate), Marriage and Family Therapist Licensure Candidate (MFLC), and Clinical Social Work Candidate (SWLC). What the board rules say: If you are still a licensure candidate, say so. If you are still a licensure candidate, say so. Montana's independent clinical license is the LCSW. LMSW and LBSW cannot practice independently. Our research did not confirm whether Montana 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 Montana?

The Montana Board of Psychologists, Department of Labor and Industry. Continuing education: 40 hours every 2 years, including 2 hours of ethics and 1 hour of suicide prevention. Renewal: renew online between November 1 and December 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.

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 · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · 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