How to start a private practice in New Jersey

Show your name, "LPC" with your 12-digit license number, and your practice address and phone number on ads, cards and stationery.

• Office entry signs are exempt.
• You can use "Licensed Professional Counselor" instead of "LPC."
• List your highest relevant degree from a regionally accredited school.
• You can ask the Board to waive your street address for safety.

N.J.A.C. 13:34-29.3

Never promise a cure or satisfaction, and keep every claim true.

• Don't identify a client without written consent.
• Don't advertise services beyond your ability.
• No ads that pressure or intimidate.
• Keep copies of your ads.

Not yet confirmed: We found no testimonial rule and no mention of "specialist" for counselors. Check with the board before using either.

N.J.A.C. 13:34-29.5

Show your name, "LMFT" with your 12-digit license number, and your practice address and phone number on ads, cards and stationery.

• Office entry signs are exempt.
• You can use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" instead of "LMFT."
• You can ask the Board to waive your street address for good cause, such as safety.

N.J.A.C. 13:34-9.3

Never promise a cure or satisfaction, and keep every claim true and provable.

• Testimonials need a past client or personal knowledge, plus a signed, notarized release.
• If you paid for a testimonial, say so in the ad.
• Don't identify a client without written consent.
• Keep copies of your ads.

Not yet confirmed: The word "specialist" isn't addressed in the sections we reviewed. Check with the board before using it.

N.J.A.C. 13:34-9.6 and 9.7

Show your name and "LCSW" or "Licensed Clinical Social Worker," plus your practice address and phone number, on ads, cards and stationery.

• Office entry signs are exempt.
• List your highest relevant degree first, then your license, for example "MSW, LCSW."
• You can ask the Board to waive your street address for good cause, such as safety.

Not yet confirmed: A license number isn't required in the section we reviewed. Check with the board.

N.J.A.C. 13:44G-11.3 and 11.4

Never promise a cure or satisfaction, and keep every claim true and provable.

• Testimonials need a past client or personal knowledge, plus a signed, notarized release.
• If you paid for a testimonial, say so in the ad.
• Don't identify a client without written consent.
• Keep copies of your ads.

Not yet confirmed: The word "specialist" isn't addressed in the sections we reviewed. Check with the board before using it.

N.J.A.C. 13:44G-11.6 and 11.7

Put your name, license number, and your practice's street address and phone number on every ad, card, website and stationery.

• Office entry signs are exempt.
• Using a business name? Also show a responsible licensee's name and license number.
• Using "doctor"? Also say you are a psychologist.
• You can ask the Board to waive your street address for good cause, such as safety.

N.J.A.C. 13:42-9.3 and 9.7

Never guarantee a cure or satisfaction, and keep every claim true and provable.

• No in-person solicitation, and no ads that pressure or intimidate.
• Testimonials need a past client or direct knowledge, plus a signed, notarized release.
• Don't identify a client without written consent.
• Keep copies of your ads.

Not yet confirmed: The word "specialist" isn't addressed in the sections we reviewed. Check with the board before using it.

N.J.A.C. 13:42-9.6 and 9.7

The board has no standalone informed consent rule that we found, but it requires you to explain money matters before you start.

• Explain who pays, the fee, installments and missed-appointment costs.
• Treating a minor needs consent from at least one parent or guardian unless a court orders otherwise.
• Display your license and fee notices where clients can see them.

Not yet confirmed: We didn't find a rule listing what an informed consent form must contain. Ask the board what it expects.

N.J.A.C. 13:34-30.1 and 18.6

Keep records at least 7 years after the last entry.

• Have a plan for records if you close or leave practice, and contact clients seen in the last 6 months.
• If you can't reach everyone, publish a local newspaper notice monthly for 3 months.
• Other laws may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: We found no separate rule for minors' records. Ask the board whether a longer period applies.

N.J.A.C. 13:34-18.1(g) and 18.7

Post a notice in your waiting room saying you're licensed by the Committee and that complaints can go to the Committee or the Division of Consumer Affairs.

• Include their addresses and websites.
• Also post: "INFORMATION ON PROFESSIONAL FEES IS AVAILABLE TO YOU ON REQUEST."

N.J.A.C. 13:34-19.1

The board has no standalone informed consent rule that we found, but it does require you to explain money matters before you start.

• Explain how the fee is set, installments, third-party payment and missed-appointment costs.
• Say that insurance coverage may not be available in all cases.
• Give a written fee list before services begin.

Not yet confirmed: We didn't find a rule listing what an informed consent form must contain. Ask the board what it expects.

N.J.A.C. 13:34-6.1

Keep records at least 7 years after the last entry.

• For a minor: until the client turns 25.
• Include a summary of the end of services when you terminate.
• Other laws may require longer.

N.J.A.C. 13:34-8.1

Post a notice in your office saying you're licensed by the Board and that complaints can go to the Board or the Division of Consumer Affairs.

• Include both mailing addresses and websites.
• Put it in a conspicuous place in your office.

N.J.A.C. 13:34-1.6

Explain your services and their limits in plain words, and give a signed written fee agreement before you start.

• Tell the client in writing if confidential information may be requested or required by law.
• The agreement covers purpose, risks, fee, who pays, missed-appointment costs and the right to end services.
• Review it with the client at least once a year.
• Treating a minor needs one parent's or guardian's consent unless a court orders otherwise.

N.J.A.C. 13:44G-10.5, 10.2 and 10.11

Keep records at least 7 years after the last entry.

• For a minor: until the client turns 25.
• Give a client their record or a summary within 30 days of a written request.
• Other laws may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule on what to do with records when you close your practice. Ask the board.

N.J.A.C. 13:44G-12.1(e)

Post a notice in your office telling clients they can file complaints with the Board of Social Work Examiners.

• Include the Board's mailing address.
• Also post: "INFORMATION ON PROFESSIONAL FEES IS AVAILABLE TO YOU ON REQUEST."
• Put it where clients can see it, such as the waiting room.

N.J.A.C. 13:44G-10.1

The board has no standalone informed consent rule that we found, so follow ethics standards and these related rules.

• Treating a minor needs consent from at least one parent or guardian unless a court orders otherwise.
• For a minor over 14, both the minor and the parent sign record releases.
• Explain fees and billing arrangements.
• Post your practice authorization in your office.

Not yet confirmed: We didn't find a rule listing what an informed consent form must contain. Ask the board what it expects.

N.J.A.C. 13:42-8.6 and 10.10

Keep records at least 7 years after the last entry.

• For a minor: 7 years or until age 25, whichever is longer.
• Have a plan for records if you move, retire, die or leave a group.
• Clients can ask for a copy, and you have 30 days to provide it.
• Other laws may require longer.

N.J.A.C. 13:42-8.1(g)

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

Not yet confirmed: We found no rule telling psychologists to give clients complaint information. Ask the board to confirm.