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 New Hampshire

The steps are the same everywhere. New Hampshire'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$100
Recording sessionsAll-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo New Hampshire-specific AI note law found as of October 25, 2026

By license

Starting a private practice in New Hampshire, by license

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

Counselors · LCMHC

Starting a private practice in New Hampshire as an LCMHC

License: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). Board: New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).

  • Title in ads: Use your correct title, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), in your ads.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 approved CE hours every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, before your license expires.
Before full licensure: Clinical Mental Health Counselor Candidate

Our research didn't find a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).

  • Title in ads: Use your correct title, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), in your ads.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 approved CE hours every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, before your license expires.
Before full licensure: Marriage and Family Therapist candidate (supervised)

Our research didn't find a New Hampshire 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 · LICSW

Starting a private practice in New Hampshire as an LICSW

License: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Board: New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).

  • Title in ads: Use your correct title, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), in your ads.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 approved CE hours every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, before your license expires.
Before full licensure: Clinical social work candidate (supervised)

Our research didn't find a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire as a psychologist

License: Psychologist. Board: New Hampshire Board of Psychologists, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a licensed psychologist, and don't use "psychologist" or "psychology" in titles unless you're licensed.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 approved CE hours in each 2-year license term.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, before your license expires on the last day of the month.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsNew Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC)Complete 40 approved CE hours every 2 years.Renew every 2 years, before your license expires.
Marriage and family therapistsNew Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC)Complete 40 approved CE hours every 2 years.Renew every 2 years, before your license expires.
Clinical social workersNew Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC)Complete 40 approved CE hours every 2 years.Renew every 2 years, before your license expires.
PsychologistsNew Hampshire Board of Psychologists, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC)Complete 40 approved CE hours in each 2-year license term.Renew every 2 years, before your license expires on the last day of the month.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in New Hampshire

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

Counselors

Your title

Use your correct title, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), in your ads.

  • Display your current license in a conspicuous place at your main office.

Not yet confirmed: We didn't find a rule saying exactly how your title or license number must appear in an ad. Check with the board.

Mhp 502.01(f)

What you can't say

Keep ads honest, and never call a service free if the client pays for any part of that visit's treatment.

  • No false or misleading advertising.
  • You must follow the American Mental Health Counselors Association Code of Ethics, revised 2020 too.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't mention testimonials, "specialist," or guaranteed results. Avoid them unless the board tells you otherwise.

Mhp 502.01(i), 501.02(a)

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use your correct title, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), in your ads.

  • Display your current license in a conspicuous place at your main office.

Not yet confirmed: We didn't find a rule saying exactly how your title or license number must appear in an ad. Check with the board.

Mhp 502.01(f)

What you can't say

Keep ads honest, and never call a service free if the client pays for any part of that visit's treatment.

  • No false or misleading advertising.
  • You must follow the Code of Ethics for Marriage and Family Therapists dated January 1, 2015 too.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't mention testimonials, "specialist," or guaranteed results. Avoid them unless the board tells you otherwise.

Mhp 502.01(i), 501.02(a)

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use your correct title, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), in your ads.

  • Display your current license in a conspicuous place at your main office.

Not yet confirmed: We didn't find a rule saying exactly how your title or license number must appear in an ad. Check with the board.

Mhp 502.01(f)

What you can't say

Keep ads honest, and never call a service free if the client pays for any part of that visit's treatment.

  • No false or misleading advertising.
  • You must follow the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, updated 2021 too.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't mention testimonials, "specialist," or guaranteed results. Avoid them unless the board tells you otherwise.

Mhp 502.01(i), 501.02(a)

Psychologists

Your title

Call yourself a licensed psychologist, and don't use "psychologist" or "psychology" in titles unless you're licensed.

  • Make your current license publicly available.

Not yet confirmed: We didn't find a rule that your license number must appear in ads. Check with the board.

RSA 329-B:17, Psyc 502.01(c)(1)

What you can't say

Keep ads honest, and never call a service free if the client pays for any part of that visit's treatment.

  • No false or misleading advertising.
  • You must follow the APA ethics code, which covers advertising and testimonials.

Not yet confirmed: The board rules don't mention "specialist" or guaranteed results. Avoid them unless the board tells you otherwise.

Psyc 502.01(c), 501.02(a)

Your business

Forming your practice in New Hampshire

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

New Hampshire taxes business income instead of wages: the business profits tax (7.5%) applies once gross receipts pass a threshold (about $100,000; check the current amount), and the business enterprise tax applies above its own threshold. Many solo practices owe one or both.

If you elect S-corp later: S-corps and LLCs are taxed the same way under the business profits 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?

WhatNew Hampshire
Usual entityPLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$100
When it's dueApril 1 each year
Where to filewww.sos.nh.gov/corporation-ucc-securities

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in New Hampshire

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 clients informed consent and post the Mental Health Bill of Rights in your office.

  • Cover the risks and benefits of treatment, alternatives, and no treatment.
  • Explain your policies on confidentiality, fees, billing, electronic communications and records.
  • Share emergency coverage details and your credentials.
  • For clients under 18, rights run through the parent or guardian unless a court order limits this.

RSA 330-A:15, Mhp 502.02

Records

Keep records at least 7 years after your last activity on the account.

  • For a minor: 7 years past the age of majority.
  • Records must show date, type and outcome of service, and your signature.
  • Give copies within 30 days of a request.
  • Keep a written plan for your records if you can't practice, naming a person or entity who is a board licensee.

Mhp 502.01(k) to (o)

Complaints

Keep information in your office on how clients can complain to the Board of Mental Health Practice.

  • The Bill of Rights you must post also tells clients they can file a complaint with the board.

Mhp 502.01(g), 502.02

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Give clients informed consent and post the Mental Health Bill of Rights in your office.

  • Cover the risks and benefits of treatment, alternatives, and no treatment.
  • Explain your policies on confidentiality, fees, billing, electronic communications and records.
  • Share emergency coverage details and your credentials.
  • For clients under 18, rights run through the parent or guardian unless a court order limits this.

RSA 330-A:15, Mhp 502.02

Records

Keep records at least 7 years after your last activity on the account.

  • For a minor: 7 years past the age of majority.
  • Records must show date, type and outcome of service, and your signature.
  • Give copies within 30 days of a request.
  • Keep a written plan for your records if you can't practice, naming a person or entity who is a board licensee.

Mhp 502.01(k) to (o)

Complaints

Keep information in your office on how clients can complain to the Board of Mental Health Practice.

  • The Bill of Rights you must post also tells clients they can file a complaint with the board.

Mhp 502.01(g), 502.02

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Give clients informed consent and post the Mental Health Bill of Rights in your office.

  • Cover the risks and benefits of treatment, alternatives, and no treatment.
  • Explain your policies on confidentiality, fees, billing, electronic communications and records.
  • Share emergency coverage details and your credentials.
  • For clients under 18, rights run through the parent or guardian unless a court order limits this.

RSA 330-A:15, Mhp 502.02

Records

Keep records at least 7 years after your last activity on the account.

  • For a minor: 7 years past the age of majority.
  • Records must show date, type and outcome of service, and your signature.
  • Give copies within 30 days of a request.
  • Keep a written plan for your records if you can't practice, naming a person or entity who is a board licensee.

Mhp 502.01(k) to (o)

Complaints

Keep information in your office on how clients can complain to the Board of Mental Health Practice.

  • The Bill of Rights you must post also tells clients they can file a complaint with the board.

Mhp 502.01(g), 502.02

Psychologists

Informed consent

Get informed consent following the APA ethics code, and make accommodations for clients who can't read or don't understand English.

  • Providing services online? Also follow the APA Telepsychology Guidelines.

Not yet confirmed: We didn't find a board rule that lists the consent items. Follow the APA code's informed consent standard and check with the board.

RSA 329-B:32, Psyc 501.02

Records

Keep records at least 7 years after your last activity on the account.

  • For a minor: 7 years past the age of majority.
  • Records must show date, type and outcome of service, and your signature.
  • Give copies within 30 days of a request, even if the bill is unpaid.

Psyc 502.01(d)

Complaints

Keep information in your office on how patients can complain to the Board of Psychologists.

  • Complaints go to the board's office in Concord.

Psyc 502.01(c)(2), 503.01

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in New Hampshire

Telehealth consent

No extra New Hampshire 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

New Hampshire is an all-party consent state: everyone must agree before a conversation is recorded (RSA 570-A:2). 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 to DCYF immediately by phone. Follow with a written report within 48 hours if they ask.

  • Call DCYF Central Intake at 1-800-894-5533. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
  • You must report even when the information is confidential or privileged.
  • Reports made in good faith give you immunity from civil and criminal liability.
  • The report should include the child's and caregiver's names and addresses, what you know about the harm, and who may be responsible.

Not yet confirmed: The hotline number comes from DHHS documents, not the statute. Confirm it on the DHHS website before you put it in your office policies.

RSA 169-C:29 to 169-C:32

The order

The order to do it in

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

Next steps

Guides for your New Hampshire practice

Free, and written for therapists. Start with the free private practice checklist for New Hampshire: 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 Vermont · How to start a private practice in Maine · How to start a private practice in Massachusetts

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PLLC to start a private practice in New Hampshire?

Not always, but most New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

Counselors: Complete 40 approved CE hours every 2 years. Marriage and family therapists: Complete 40 approved CE hours every 2 years. Clinical social workers: Complete 40 approved CE hours every 2 years. Psychologists: Complete 40 approved CE hours in each 2-year license term.

How long do I have to keep therapy records in New Hampshire?

Counselors: Keep records at least 7 years after your last activity on the account. Marriage and family therapists: Keep records at least 7 years after your last activity on the account. Clinical social workers: Keep records at least 7 years after your last activity on the account. Psychologists: Keep records at least 7 years after your last activity on the account.

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

New Hampshire is an all-party (two-party) consent state: everyone in the conversation must agree to a recording (RSA 570-A:2). 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 LCMHC open a private practice in New Hampshire?

The Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) is New Hampshire's full license for counselors, issued by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). The level before it is Clinical Mental Health Counselor Candidate. On your website and ads: use your correct title, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), in your ads. Then set up your business (in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire?

The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) is New Hampshire's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). The level before it is Clinical social work candidate (supervised). On your website and ads: use your correct title, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), in your ads. Then set up your business (in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire?

Use your correct title, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), in your ads. Display your current license in a conspicuous place at your main office. Source: Mhp 502.01(f).

Can associates see private-pay clients in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire's associate and pre-licensed levels include Clinical Mental Health Counselor Candidate, Marriage and Family Therapist candidate (supervised), and Clinical social work candidate (supervised). Our research did not confirm whether New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire Board of Psychologists, part of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Continuing education: complete 40 approved CE hours in each 2-year license term. Renewal: renew every 2 years, before your license expires on the last day of the month. 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 · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · 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