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

How to start a private practice in North Dakota

The steps are the same everywhere. North Dakota'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$50
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo North Dakota-specific AI note law found as of October 25, 2026

By license

Starting a private practice in North Dakota, by license

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

Counselors · LPCC

Starting a private practice in North Dakota as an LPCC

License: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Board: North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners.

  • Title in ads: Use the title "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC", and "LPCC" only if you hold the clinical license.
  • Continuing education: 30 hours every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, and file at least 30 days before expiration to skip the late fee.
Before full licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Our research didn't find a North Dakota 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 North Dakota as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: North Dakota Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board.

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Marriage and Family Therapist" or "MFT" in your ads.
  • Continuing education: 30 hours every 2 years, including 6 hours of ethics.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, with your application postmarked by December 31 of each odd-numbered year.
Before full licensure: Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT)

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 North Dakota as an LCSW

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Board: North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.

  • Title in ads: Use "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" (LCSW) in your ads, since private practice requires the clinical level.
  • Continuing education: 30 hours every 2 years, including 2 hours of social work ethics.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years. Your license expires December 31 of each odd-numbered year.
Associates and pre-licensed levels

Our research didn't find a North Dakota 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 North Dakota as a psychologist

License: Psychologist. Board: North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners.

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Psychologist" and show your license type in every ad that names you.
  • Continuing education: 40 credits every 2 years, with at least 3 in ethics, law or jurisprudence.
  • Renewal: Renew your license every year, before November 15.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a North Dakota 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 North Dakota

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsNorth Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners30 hours every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics.Renew every 2 years, and file at least 30 days before expiration to skip the late fee.
Marriage and family therapistsNorth Dakota Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board30 hours every 2 years, including 6 hours of ethics.Renew every 2 years, with your application postmarked by December 31 of each odd-numbered year.
Clinical social workersNorth Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners30 hours every 2 years, including 2 hours of social work ethics.Renew every 2 years. Your license expires December 31 of each odd-numbered year.
PsychologistsNorth Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners40 credits every 2 years, with at least 3 in ethics, law or jurisprudence.Renew your license every year, before November 15.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in North Dakota

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

Counselors

Your title

Use the title "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC", and "LPCC" only if you hold the clinical license.

  • Display your license prominently where you practice.
  • North Dakota issues LPC and a clinical specialty, LPCC.

Not yet confirmed: We did not find a rule requiring your license number in ads. Check with the board.

N.D.C.C. 43-47-04 and N.D.A.C. 97-02-01.1-07

What you can't say

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

  • The board has no ad rule of its own. It adopts the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics.
  • The ACA Code asks for accurate ads and limits testimonials.

Not yet confirmed: We did not find rules on the word "specialist" or on guarantees. Avoid both and ask the board.

N.D.A.C. 97-02-03-01 and ACA Code C.3

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Call yourself a "Marriage and Family Therapist" or "MFT" in your ads.

  • Display your license prominently where you practice.
  • Use only academic degrees from regionally accredited schools that relate to MFT.
  • The statute calls the license "licensed marriage and family therapist."

Not yet confirmed: We did not find a rule requiring your license number in ads. Check with the board.

N.D.C.C. 43-53-02 and N.D.A.C. 111-02-01-05(4)(p)

What you can't say

Never run ads that are false, fraudulent or misleading.

  • Correct wrong information others publish about your qualifications or services.
  • Don't pay or accept payment for referrals.
  • Make sure any trainee or intern you employ is described accurately.

Not yet confirmed: We did not find a specific rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees. Avoid them and ask the board.

N.D.A.C. 111-02-01-05(4)(g), (o), (q), (r)

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" (LCSW) in your ads, since private practice requires the clinical level.

  • Display your license prominently where you practice.
  • North Dakota's clinical title is LCSW. We found no LICSW title.

Not yet confirmed: We did not find a rule requiring your license number in ads. Check with the board.

N.D.C.C. 43-41-03 and N.D.A.C. 75.5-02-04-01

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate and don't solicit testimonials from current clients.

  • The board has no ad rule of its own. It adopts the 2017 NASW Code of Ethics.
  • The Code requires accurate statements about your credentials.

Not yet confirmed: We did not find rules on "specialist" or on guarantees. Avoid both and ask the board.

N.D.A.C. 75.5-02-06.1-01 and NASW Code 4.06 and 4.07

Psychologists

Your title

Call yourself a "Licensed Psychologist" and show your license type in every ad that names you.

  • Only licensed psychologists may use the title "psychologist."
  • Post your license where you practice.
  • 2023 HB 1221 sets the ad and posting rules for psychologists.

Not yet confirmed: We did not find the chapter number HB 1221 was given in the Century Code. We also did not find a rule requiring your license number. Check with the board.

N.D.C.C. 43-32-17 and 2023 HB 1221

What you can't say

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

  • Don't misstate your training, expertise, board certification or licensure.
  • The board applies the APA Ethics Code, amended 2010.

Not yet confirmed: We did not find rules on "specialist" or guarantees. Avoid both and ask the board.

2023 HB 1221, N.D.A.C. 66-02-01-07 and APA 5.01 and 5.05

Your business

Forming your practice in North Dakota

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?

WhatNorth Dakota
Usual entityPLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$50
When it's dueNovember 15 each year
Where to filesos.nd.gov/business

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in North Dakota

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 the board adopts.

  • Explain your services, fees and the limits of confidentiality.
  • Clients can't be required to disclose counseling information without their consent, unless the law allows it.

Not yet confirmed: The board has no required consent form we could find. Ask the board if they expect specific items.

ACA Code A.2 and N.D.C.C. 43-47-09

Records

The board's rules don't set a retention period for your records that we could find.

  • Follow HIPAA, your insurers and your liability carrier's advice.

Not yet confirmed: Ask the board how long to keep records. Until you hear, keep adult records at least 7 years and minors' records longer.

ACA Code B.6

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file a written complaint with the Board of Counselor Examiners.

Not yet confirmed: Adding the board's name and phone (701) 667-5969 to your consent form is a good habit. Confirm with the board.

N.D.C.C. 43-47-08

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Explain fees, confidentiality and who the client is at the start, and get written consent to record.

  • Agree on fees and payment at the beginning.
  • Explain the limits of confidentiality.
  • For couples and families, define who the client is and how you handle individual confidences.
  • Get written consent before recording or letting a supervisor observe.

N.D.A.C. 111-02-01-05(5)(d) and (6)(b)-(e), (6)(i)

Records

Keep client records at least 10 years after the relationship ends.

  • Keep them private and dispose of them in ways that protect confidentiality.
  • Each record needs a treatment plan, contact log, termination statement, releases and a fee record.
  • No separate rule for minors was found.

Not yet confirmed: The rule has no separate period for minors. Ask the board, and check other laws that may require longer.

N.D.A.C. 111-02-01-05(6)(g) and (6)(l)

Complaints

Display or hand out the clients' bill of rights, which includes the right to complain to the board.

  • Post it prominently in your practice or make it available as a handout.
  • Give the complaint procedure to any client who asks.

Not yet confirmed: Copy the current bill of rights from the board's website. The rule lists nine rights the notice must state.

N.D.A.C. 111-02-01-05(5)(n) and (5)(o)

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Get informed consent in plain language before you start, following the NASW Code.

  • Cover the purpose of services, risks, limits, costs and alternatives.
  • Tell clients about their right to refuse or withdraw.
  • Explain confidentiality and its limits.

Not yet confirmed: The board has no required consent form we could find. Ask the board if they expect specific items.

NASW Code 1.03 and 1.07

Records

The board's rules don't set a retention period for your records that we could find.

  • The NASW Code says keep records as long as state law or contracts require.
  • Follow HIPAA and your insurers.

Not yet confirmed: Ask the board how long to keep records. Until you hear, keep adult records at least 7 years and minors' records longer.

NASW Code 3.04

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file a signed written complaint with the Board of Social Work Examiners.
  • The board does not accept complaints by phone.

Not yet confirmed: Adding the board's address to your consent paperwork is a good habit. Confirm with the board.

N.D.C.C. 43-41-11

Psychologists

Informed consent

Get informed consent early in therapy, following the APA Ethics Code the board applies.

  • Cover the nature of therapy, fees, third-party involvement and the limits of confidentiality.
  • Discuss fees as early as possible.

Not yet confirmed: The board has no required consent form we could find. Ask the board if they expect specific items.

N.D.A.C. 66-02-01-07 and APA 10.01, 4.02, 6.04

Records

The board's rules don't set a retention period for your records that we could find.

  • The APA Ethics Code the board applies says to keep records as long as law requires.
  • Follow HIPAA and your insurers.

Not yet confirmed: Ask the board how long to keep records. Until you hear, keep adult records at least 7 years and minors' records longer.

APA Ethics Code 6.02

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file a signed complaint using the board's online form.
  • The board gives you twenty days to respond in writing.

Not yet confirmed: Adding the board's address to your consent paperwork is a good habit. Confirm with the board.

N.D.C.C. 43-32-27.1

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in North Dakota

Telehealth consent

  • Add what happens if the connection drops

Recording

North Dakota is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (N.D.C.C. 12.1-15-02). 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 immediately by calling 1-833-958-3500.

  • If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
  • If the department asks, follow an oral report with a written one within 48 hours.
  • Client privilege does not stop you from reporting. Only attorney-client privilege is excepted.
  • The hotline is staffed weekday business hours. For after-hours emergencies, contact local law enforcement.

Not yet confirmed: The reporting line's hours come from the HHS website and may change. Confirm at hhs.nd.gov/cps.

N.D.C.C. 50-25.1-03, 50-25.1-04 and 50-25.1-10

The order

The order to do it in

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

Next steps

Guides for your North Dakota practice

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

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PLLC to start a private practice in North Dakota?

Not always, but most North Dakota 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 North Dakota?

Counselors: 30 hours every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics. Marriage and family therapists: 30 hours every 2 years, including 6 hours of ethics. Clinical social workers: 30 hours every 2 years, including 2 hours of social work ethics. Psychologists: 40 credits every 2 years, with at least 3 in ethics, law or jurisprudence.

How long do I have to keep therapy records in North Dakota?

Counselors: The board's rules don't set a retention period for your records that we could find. Marriage and family therapists: Keep client records at least 10 years after the relationship ends. Clinical social workers: The board's rules don't set a retention period for your records that we could find. Psychologists: The board's rules don't set a retention period for your records that we could find.

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

North Dakota is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (N.D.C.C. 12.1-15-02). 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 LPCC open a private practice in North Dakota?

The Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) is North Dakota's full license for counselors, issued by the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners. The level before it is Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). On your website and ads: use the title "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC", and "LPCC" only if you hold the clinical license. Then set up your business (in North Dakota, 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 North Dakota?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is North Dakota's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners. On your website and ads: use "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" (LCSW) in your ads, since private practice requires the clinical level. Then set up your business (in North Dakota, 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 North Dakota?

Call yourself a "Marriage and Family Therapist" or "MFT" in your ads. Display your license prominently where you practice. Use only academic degrees from regionally accredited schools that relate to MFT. Source: N.D.C.C. 43-53-02 and N.D.A.C. 111-02-01-05(4)(p).

Can associates see private-pay clients in North Dakota?

North Dakota's associate and pre-licensed levels include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT). What the board rules say: Make sure any trainee or intern you employ is described accurately. Our research did not confirm whether North Dakota 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 North Dakota?

The North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners. Continuing education: 40 credits every 2 years, with at least 3 in ethics, law or jurisprudence. Renewal: renew your license every year, before November 15. 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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