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

How to start a private practice in Nevada

The steps are the same everywhere. Nevada'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$350 ($150 annual list + $200 state business license)
Recording sessionsAll-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNevada has a law that touches AI in health care (see below)

By license

Starting a private practice in Nevada, by license

Find your license for its Nevada 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 Nevada as an LCPC

License: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Board: Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors (NRS Chapter 641A, NAC Chapter 641A).

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor" in your ads and on your website.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew online every 2 years, with your license expiring on January 1 of each even-numbered year.
Before full licensure: Clinical Professional Counselor Intern (CPC-I)

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 Nevada as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors (NRS Chapter 641A, NAC Chapter 641A).

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" in your ads and on your website.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew online every 2 years, with your license expiring on January 1 of each even-numbered year.
Before full licensure: Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (MFT Intern)

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 Nevada as an LCSW

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Board: Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers (NRS Chapter 641B, NAC Chapter 641B).

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" in your ads and on your website.
  • Continuing education: Complete 36 hours of CE every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew online every year, by the last day of your birth month.
Before full licensure: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

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

License: Psychologist. Board: Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners (NRS Chapter 641, NAC Chapter 641).

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Psychologist" in your ads and on your website.
  • Continuing education: Complete 30 hours of CE every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, with the next deadline December 31, 2026.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Nevada 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 Nevada

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsNevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors (NRS Chapter 641A, NAC Chapter 641A)Complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years.Renew online every 2 years, with your license expiring on January 1 of each even-numbered year.
Marriage and family therapistsNevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors (NRS Chapter 641A, NAC Chapter 641A)Complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years.Renew online every 2 years, with your license expiring on January 1 of each even-numbered year.
Clinical social workersNevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers (NRS Chapter 641B, NAC Chapter 641B)Complete 36 hours of CE every 2 years.Renew online every year, by the last day of your birth month.
PsychologistsNevada Board of Psychological Examiners (NRS Chapter 641, NAC Chapter 641)Complete 30 hours of CE every 2 years.Renew every 2 years, with the next deadline December 31, 2026.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Nevada

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

Counselors

Your title

Call yourself a "Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor" in your ads and on your website.

  • Only licensees may use the clinical professional counselor title.
  • Don't claim a license or credential you don't hold.

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

NRS 641A.031 and 641A.410

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate, and don't promise or guarantee results.

  • Don't misstate your education, training, license type or qualifications.
  • Don't overstate what therapy will do for a client.
  • Interns must say they are interns in all ads, so supervisees should check their own rules.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't mention testimonials or the word "specialist". Avoid both unless you check with the board.

NAC 641A.243(1) and 641A.247(5)

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Call yourself a "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" in your ads and on your website.

  • Only licensees may use the marriage and family therapist or marriage and family counselor title.
  • Don't claim a license or credential you don't hold.

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

NRS 641A.060 and 641A.410

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate, and don't promise or guarantee results.

  • Don't misstate your education, training, license type or qualifications.
  • Don't overstate what therapy will do for a client.
  • Interns must say they are interns in all ads, so supervisees should check their own rules.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't mention testimonials or the word "specialist". Avoid both unless you check with the board.

NAC 641A.243(1) and 641A.247(5)

Clinical social workers

Your title

Call yourself a "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" in your ads and on your website.

  • Only licensees may use a social worker title or imply they are licensed.
  • If you hold another license too, tell clients which license applies to your service, orally and in writing.

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

NRS 641B.510 and NAC 641B.200(3)

What you can't say

Never promise or guarantee results in ads, and keep your credentials accurate.

  • Your license can't be used to back up any claim, promise or guarantee of successful service.
  • Don't misstate your qualifications, affiliations or licenses.
  • Don't overstate what services will do for a client.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't mention testimonials or the word "specialist". Avoid both unless you check with the board.

NAC 641B.200(1)-(2) and 641B.205(5)

Psychologists

Your title

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

  • Only licensees may use psychologist, psychology or psychological in a title.
  • Display your license in a conspicuous place in your office.
  • Don't misstate your qualifications, education or areas of competence.

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

NRS 641.440 and NAC 641.239(1)

What you can't say

Never guarantee a cure or satisfaction, and keep every public statement accurate.

  • No false or misleading information in public statements.
  • Don't mislead anyone about your fees.
  • Don't let your name be linked to a product or service in a misleading way.
  • Nevada also adopts the APA ethics code, which covers testimonials and solicitation.

Not yet confirmed: Nevada's own rules don't ban testimonials or the word "specialist" outright. Check the APA code the board adopts, or ask the board.

NAC 641.239(3)-(5) and 641.250

Your business

Forming your practice in Nevada

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?

WhatNevada
Usual entityPLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$350 ($150 annual list + $200 state business license)
When it's dueBy the end of your anniversary month
Where to filewww.nvsos.gov/sos/businesses

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Nevada

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 in writing before you start, and keep it in the client's record.

  • Tell clients the risks, rights, opportunities and obligations, including fees, that come with services.
  • For couples, families and groups, protect other people named in the record and get each person's written authorization before sharing it.
  • To record a session for training, use the board's written consent form.
  • Give each new client the written notice that records may be destroyed after the retention period.

Not yet confirmed: The rules do not list every item a consent form must contain. Use a standard consent packet and ask the board if you are unsure.

NAC 641A.247(6) and 641A.243(12)

Records

Keep each client's records at least 5 years, and never destroy records of anyone under 23.

  • Do not destroy records of anyone under 23, even if 5 years have passed.
  • Post a sign in your office, and give each new client a written statement, that records may be destroyed after the retention period.
  • HIPAA, insurers or a lawsuit may require you to keep records longer.

Not yet confirmed: The board's own rules point to the state records law and set no separate period. Ask the board or your insurer if you want a longer standard.

NRS 629.051

Complaints

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

  • Clients can reach the board at (702) 486-7388 or [email protected].
  • Some practices add the board's contact to their consent forms anyway.

Not yet confirmed: We could not find a complaint-notice rule on the board's site. Ask the board if you want to be sure.

NAC 641A.421

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Get informed consent in writing before you start, and keep it in the client's record.

  • Tell clients the risks, rights, opportunities and obligations, including fees, that come with services.
  • For couples, families and groups, protect other people named in the record and get each person's written authorization before sharing it.
  • To record a session for training, use the board's written consent form.
  • Give each new client the written notice that records may be destroyed after the retention period.

Not yet confirmed: The rules do not list every item a consent form must contain. Use a standard consent packet and ask the board if you are unsure.

NAC 641A.247(6) and 641A.243(12)

Records

Keep each client's records at least 5 years, and never destroy records of anyone under 23.

  • Do not destroy records of anyone under 23, even if 5 years have passed.
  • Post a sign in your office, and give each new client a written statement, that records may be destroyed after the retention period.
  • HIPAA, insurers or a lawsuit may require you to keep records longer.

Not yet confirmed: The board's own rules point to the state records law and set no separate period. Ask the board or your insurer if you want a longer standard.

NRS 629.051

Complaints

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

  • Clients can reach the board at (702) 486-7388 or [email protected].
  • Some practices add the board's contact to their consent forms anyway.

Not yet confirmed: We could not find a complaint-notice rule on the board's site. Ask the board if you want to be sure.

NAC 641A.421

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Tell clients the risks, rights and costs of services and how confidentiality works, and keep the signed consent in their record.

  • Cover risks, rights, opportunities and obligations, including fees.
  • Explain your confidentiality policies and its limits.
  • If you hold more than one license, say which one applies.
  • Give each new client the written notice that records may be destroyed after the retention period.

Not yet confirmed: The rules do not list every item a consent form must contain. Use a standard consent packet and ask the board if you are unsure.

NAC 641B.205(6) and 641B.210(2)

Records

Keep each client's records at least 5 years, and never destroy records of anyone under 23.

  • Do not destroy records of anyone under 23, even if 5 years have passed.
  • Post a sign in your office, and give each new client a written statement, that records may be destroyed after the retention period.
  • HIPAA, insurers or a lawsuit may require you to keep records longer.

Not yet confirmed: The board's own rules point to the state records law and set no separate period. Ask the board or your insurer if you want a longer standard.

NAC 641B.200(16) and NRS 629.051

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file an accusation of wrongdoing on the board's Consumers page.
  • The board's phone is 775-688-2555.

Not yet confirmed: We could not find a complaint-notice rule. Ask the board if you want to be sure.

Psychologists

Informed consent

Explain your services, fees, benefits and risks in plain language, and get the patient's authorization before you start.

  • Cover the purpose and nature of treatment and the patient's right to choose services.
  • Cover fees, who is responsible for paying, and the known risks.
  • Don't perform any service the patient hasn't authorized.
  • Give each new patient the written notice that records may be destroyed after the retention period.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't set a required form or say it must be written. Use a written consent packet.

NAC 641.215

Records

Keep each patient's records at least 5 years after your last session.

  • For a minor: 5 years after the last service or 1 year after they turn 21, whichever is longer.
  • The state records law says never destroy records of anyone under 23.
  • Post a sign and give new patients a written notice that records may be destroyed later.

Not yet confirmed: The board's 21 year rule and the state's 23 year rule differ for minors. Following the longer one is safest.

NAC 641.219(2) and NRS 629.051

Complaints

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

Not yet confirmed: We could not find a complaint-notice rule. Ask the board if you want to be sure.

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Nevada

Telehealth consent

No extra Nevada 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

Nevada is an all-party consent state: everyone must agree before a conversation is recorded (NRS 200.620, 200.650). Whatever the law, get written consent before recording a session or using an AI tool that listens to one.

AI note tools

AB 406 (2025), NRS 629.610, effective Jul 1, 2025. Bars using AI to provide mental or behavioral health care, but permits administrative AI (scheduling, billing, note-taking) if the professional independently reviews and verifies AI-generated content. No consent form requirement found. Fines up to $15,000.

More in AI scribe consent for therapists.

Your consent should
  • AI only helps with notes and paperwork
  • it does not give therapy or make clinical decisions
  • The therapist reviews and checks every AI-drafted note for accuracy
  • Name the AI tool and what it does (drafts notes from a recording, transcript, or the therapist's summary)

Reporting abuse

Report suspected child abuse or neglect to child welfare or law enforcement as soon as you can, and within 24 hours.

  • You must report when you know or have reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused or neglected.
  • Clark County 702-399-0081. Washoe County 833-900-7233. All other counties: DCFS at 833-571-1041 during business hours.
  • After hours outside Clark and Washoe, call local law enforcement. In an emergency, call 911.
  • A phone report is allowed. Client privilege does not excuse you. Knowingly failing to report is a misdemeanor.

Not yet confirmed: We found no separate written follow-up rule for licensees. Phone numbers come from the state's page and can change, and some state sources list 833-803-1183. Confirm the current number with DCFS.

NRS 432B.220 and 432B.230

The order

The order to do it in

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

Next steps

Guides for your Nevada practice

Free, and written for therapists. Start with the free private practice checklist for Nevada: 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 California · How to start a private practice in Arizona · How to start a private practice in Utah · How to start a private practice in Oregon

Frequently asked questions

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

Not always, but most Nevada 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 Nevada?

Counselors: Complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years. Marriage and family therapists: Complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years. Clinical social workers: Complete 36 hours of CE every 2 years. Psychologists: Complete 30 hours of CE every 2 years.

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

Counselors: Keep each client's records at least 5 years, and never destroy records of anyone under 23. Marriage and family therapists: Keep each client's records at least 5 years, and never destroy records of anyone under 23. Clinical social workers: Keep each client's records at least 5 years, and never destroy records of anyone under 23. Psychologists: Keep each patient's records at least 5 years after your last session.

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

Nevada is an all-party (two-party) consent state: everyone in the conversation must agree to a recording (NRS 200.620, 200.650). 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 Nevada?

The Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is Nevada's full license for counselors, issued by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors (NRS Chapter 641A, NAC Chapter 641A). The level before it is Clinical Professional Counselor Intern (CPC-I). On your website and ads: call yourself a "Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor" in your ads and on your website. Then set up your business (in Nevada, 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 Nevada?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Nevada's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers (NRS Chapter 641B, NAC Chapter 641B). The level before it is Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). On your website and ads: call yourself a "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" in your ads and on your website. Then set up your business (in Nevada, 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 Nevada?

Call yourself a "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" in your ads and on your website. Only licensees may use the marriage and family therapist or marriage and family counselor title. Don't claim a license or credential you don't hold. Source: NRS 641A.060 and 641A.410.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Nevada?

Nevada's associate and pre-licensed levels include Clinical Professional Counselor Intern (CPC-I), Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (MFT Intern), and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). What the board rules say: Interns must say they are interns in all ads, so supervisees should check their own rules. Interns must say they are interns in all ads, so supervisees should check their own rules. Our research did not confirm whether Nevada 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 Nevada?

The Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners (NRS Chapter 641, NAC Chapter 641). Continuing education: complete 30 hours of CE every 2 years. Renewal: renew every 2 years, with the next deadline December 31, 2026. 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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