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

How to start a private practice in Pennsylvania

The steps are the same everywhere. Pennsylvania'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 regular LLC (there's no separate PLLC)
Yearly state filing$7
Recording sessionsAll-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo Pennsylvania-specific AI note law found as of October 25, 2026
MinorsA minor 14 or older can agree to outpatient therapy on their own, and a parent or guardian can also consent for them.

By license

Starting a private practice in Pennsylvania, by license

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

Counselors · LPC

Starting a private practice in Pennsylvania as an LPC

License: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Board: PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

  • Title in ads: Use the title "Licensed Professional Counselor" only while your license is active.
  • Continuing education: Earn 30 hours every 2-year renewal from approved providers.
  • Renewal: Renew online at PALS (pals.pa.gov) every 2 years. Licenses expire February 28 of odd-numbered years.
Who can open a private practice
  • Independent practice as a counselor requires the license (Act 76 of 2018). (49 Pa. Code 49.80)
Before full licensure: Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC)

Our research didn't find a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

  • Title in ads: Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" only while your license is active.
  • Continuing education: 30 hours every 2-year renewal, from approved providers.
  • Renewal: Renew online at PALS (pals.pa.gov) every 2 years. Licenses expire February 28 of odd-numbered years, so the next date is February 28, 2027.
Who can open a private practice
Before full licensure: Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT)

Our research didn't find a Pennsylvania 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 · LCSW

Starting a private practice in Pennsylvania as an LCSW

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Board: PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

  • Title in ads: Use the title "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" only while your license is active.
  • Continuing education: 30 hours every 2-year renewal, from approved providers.
  • Renewal: Renew online at PALS (pals.pa.gov) every 2 years, by February 28 of odd-numbered years.
Before full licensure: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

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

License: Psychologist. Board: PA State Board of Psychology.

  • Title in ads: Use the title "psychologist" only if you're licensed, and state your title and credentials accurately.
  • Continuing education: Earn 30 hours every 2-year renewal.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years. Licenses expire November 30 of odd-numbered years.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsPA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional CounselorsEarn 30 hours every 2-year renewal from approved providers.Renew online at PALS (pals.pa.gov) every 2 years. Licenses expire February 28 of odd-numbered years.
Marriage and family therapistsPA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors30 hours every 2-year renewal, from approved providers.Renew online at PALS (pals.pa.gov) every 2 years. Licenses expire February 28 of odd-numbered years, so the next date is February 28, 2027.
Clinical social workersPA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors30 hours every 2-year renewal, from approved providers.Renew online at PALS (pals.pa.gov) every 2 years, by February 28 of odd-numbered years.
PsychologistsPA State Board of PsychologyEarn 30 hours every 2-year renewal.Renew every 2 years. Licenses expire November 30 of odd-numbered years.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Pennsylvania

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

Counselors

Your title

Use the title "Licensed Professional Counselor" only while your license is active.

  • Independent practice as a counselor requires the license (Act 76 of 2018).
  • You may list degrees and licenses in ads. A license number isn't required.

Not yet confirmed: A license number requirement wasn't found. Check with the board.

49 Pa. Code 49.80

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate, and don't claim specialized services without the education, training or supervised experience.

  • No false, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent statements.
  • List only degrees from regionally accredited schools or equivalent.
  • Don't imply you're partners with a firm you're not part of. Correct false statements others make about you when you can.
  • The rule doesn't mention testimonials or guarantees. Avoid both anyway.

Not yet confirmed: Confirm testimonials and guarantees with the board.

49 Pa. Code 49.80

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" only while your license is active.

  • Under Act 76 of 2018, independent practice as an MFT requires the license.
  • The advertising rule lets you list degrees and licenses but doesn't require a license number in ads.
  • An expired license means you must stop using the title.

Not yet confirmed: We found no license number requirement on the board's site. Check with the board.

49 Pa. Code 48.80 and 47.15

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate, and not false, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent.

  • Don't claim specialized services unless you have the education, training or supervised experience for them.
  • List only degrees from regionally accredited schools (or equivalent).
  • Don't imply you're partners with a firm you're not part of. Correct false statements others make about you when you can.
  • The rule doesn't mention testimonials or guarantees. Avoid both anyway, since either can be read as misleading.

Not yet confirmed: Confirm with the board.

49 Pa. Code 48.80

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use the title "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" only while your license is active.

  • An expired license means you must stop using the title.
  • You may list degrees and licenses in ads.

Not yet confirmed: The advertising rule doesn't require a license number, and we found none on the board's site. Check with the board.

49 Pa. Code 47.15 and 47.80

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate, and never false, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent.

  • Don't claim specialized services without the education, training or supervised experience.
  • List only degrees from regionally accredited schools or equivalent.
  • Don't imply you're partners with a firm you're not part of. Correct false statements others make about you when you can.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't mention testimonials or guarantees. Avoid both anyway, since either can read as misleading, and confirm with the board.

49 Pa. Code 47.80

Psychologists

Your title

Use the title "psychologist" only if you're licensed, and state your title and credentials accurately.

  • Ads may list earned degrees and licenses.

Not yet confirmed: Whether a license number must appear in ads wasn't found. Check with the board.

49 Pa. Code 41.11 and 41.61 (Principle 4)

What you can't say

Don't make statements likely to create false or unjustified expectations of results, which covers guarantees.

  • No false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or unfair statements, no claims of unusual or one-of-a-kind abilities, and no appeals to a client's fears.
  • No comparisons with other psychologists unless you can prove them. Don't use membership or fellow status to suggest special competence.
  • Identify paid ads as paid. No face-to-face solicitation of clients.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't mention testimonials or "specialist." Avoid both and confirm with the board.

49 Pa. Code 41.61, Principle 4(f), 4(p)

Your business

Forming your practice in Pennsylvania

Counselors, MFTs and social workers generally form a regular LLC, and psychologists form theirs as a restricted professional company, because psychology is a restricted professional service in Pennsylvania. A restricted professional company files a Certificate of Annual Registration by April 15 each year with a fee of $700 for each licensed member who lives in Pennsylvania. Check what your licensing board allows.

Local taxes: Pennsylvania cities and school districts tax earned income, and Philadelphia adds business income and receipts 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?

WhatPennsylvania
Usual entityregular LLC (there's no separate PLLC)
Yearly state filing$7
When it's dueBy September 30 each year
Where to filewww.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Pennsylvania

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 written information in plain language before services begin.

  • Cover the purpose of services, known risks and limits, reasonable alternatives, costs, billing and collection policies, and the right to refuse or withdraw consent.
  • Help clients who can't read the form or aren't fluent in English, such as with a verbal explanation or interpreter.
  • For a minor or a client without capacity, get consent from a parent, guardian, court-appointed representative or power of attorney.
  • Explain confidentiality and its limits early and again as needed. For couple, family or group work, get agreement on confidentiality and say you can't guarantee others keep it. For electronic services, explain the limits and risks.

49 Pa. Code 49.72(b), (d)

Records

Keep records at least 5 years from the date of the last entry.

  • Show service dates, type of service, termination and billing.
  • There is no separate rule for minors. HIPAA and other laws may require longer.
  • If you move or close your practice, arrange secure storage or transfer. Clients must have reasonable access to their records.

49 Pa. Code 49.78(b)

Complaints

Your board's ethics rules don't require you to tell clients how to file a complaint or give them the board's contact information.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board whether a notice is expected.

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Give clients written information in plain language before services begin.

  • Cover the purpose of services, known risks and limits, reasonable alternatives, costs and billing and collection policies, and the right to refuse or withdraw consent.
  • Help clients who can't read the form or aren't fluent in English, such as with a verbal explanation or interpreter. For a minor or a client without capacity, get consent from a parent, guardian, court-appointed representative or power of attorney.
  • Explain confidentiality and its limits early and again as needed. In couple, family or group work, get agreement on confidentiality and say you can't guarantee others will keep it.
  • If you offer services electronically, explain the foreseeable limits and risks.

49 Pa. Code 48.72(b) and (d)

Records

Keep records at least 5 years from the date of the last entry.

  • Show service dates, type of service, termination and billing.
  • The rule has no separate period for minors. HIPAA and other laws may require longer.
  • If you move or close, arrange secure storage or transfer. Clients must have reasonable access to their records.

49 Pa. Code 48.78(b)

Complaints

The board's ethics rules don't require you to tell clients how to file a complaint or give them the board's contact information.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board whether a notice is expected.

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Give clients written information in plain language before services begin.

  • Cover the purpose of services, known risks and limits, reasonable alternatives, costs and billing and collection policies, and the right to refuse or withdraw consent.
  • Help clients who can't read the form or aren't fluent in English, such as with a verbal explanation or interpreter.
  • For a minor or a client without capacity, get consent from a parent, guardian, court-appointed representative or power of attorney.
  • Explain confidentiality and its limits early and again as needed. In couple, family or group work, get agreement on confidentiality and say you can't guarantee others will keep it.

Not yet confirmed: If you offer services electronically, explain the foreseeable limits and risks.

49 Pa. Code 47.72(b) and (d)

Records

Keep records at least 5 years from the date of the last entry.

  • Records must show service dates, type of service, termination and billing.
  • The rule has no separate period for minors. HIPAA or other laws may require longer.
  • If you move or close, arrange secure storage or transfer. Clients must have reasonable access to their records.

49 Pa. Code 47.78(b)

Complaints

Your board's ethics rules don't require a complaint notice.

  • They don't require you to give clients the board's contact information either.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board whether a notice is expected.

Psychologists

Informed consent

Fully inform clients of the purpose and nature of evaluation, treatment or training procedures, and that they are free to choose whether to take part.

  • Explain the limits of confidentiality. You may disclose without consent when there is clear and imminent danger to a person or society.
  • Take special care with minors and others who can't give informed consent.
  • Make fees clear before billing. Get written authorization before releasing assessment results to a third party.

Not yet confirmed: The regulation doesn't set a required form or list of items. Check with the board for more.

49 Pa. Code 41.61, Principles 5, 6, 8(b)

Records

Keep all entries at least 5 years after the last date of service, or longer if another law requires.

  • Include name and address, presenting problem or diagnosis, fee arrangement, date and substance of each contact, test results, consultation notes, reports and release authorizations.
  • For minors, record the parents' or guardian's names, and the custody arrangement if parents are separated.
  • Store and dispose of records confidentially. Plan for records if you withdraw, become incapacitated or die.

49 Pa. Code 41.57

Complaints

Your board's Code of Ethics doesn't require you to tell clients how to file a complaint.

Not yet confirmed: Not found on the board's site. Check with the board.

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Pennsylvania

Telehealth consent

No extra Pennsylvania 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

Pennsylvania is an all-party consent state: everyone must agree before a conversation is recorded (18 Pa.C.S. 5704). 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 right away if you have reasonable cause to suspect a child is a victim of abuse. You don't need proof.

  • Call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313, then send a written report within 48 hours, or file electronically through the state's Child Welfare Information Solution portal. Once the state confirms receipt, nothing more is needed.
  • If you work for an institution or agency, also tell the person in charge right away.
  • Complete at least 2 hours of approved child abuse training at renewal. The board won't grant an exemption just because you don't see children.

23 Pa.C.S. 6311

Seeing minors

In Pennsylvania, a minor 14 or older can agree to outpatient therapy on their own, and a parent or guardian can also consent for them. Custody orders, parent access to records, and medication consent are separate questions, so confirm the details before you see minors.

The order

The order to do it in

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

Next steps

Guides for your Pennsylvania practice

Free, and written for therapists. Start with the free private practice checklist for Pennsylvania: 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 New York · How to start a private practice in New Jersey · How to start a private practice in Ohio · How to start a private practice in Maryland

Frequently asked questions

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

In Pennsylvania, plan on a regular LLC (there's no separate PLLC). Counselors, MFTs and social workers generally form a regular LLC, and psychologists form theirs as a restricted professional company, because psychology is a restricted professional service in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania?

Counselors: Earn 30 hours every 2-year renewal from approved providers. Marriage and family therapists: 30 hours every 2-year renewal, from approved providers. Clinical social workers: 30 hours every 2-year renewal, from approved providers. Psychologists: Earn 30 hours every 2-year renewal.

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

Counselors: Keep records at least 5 years from the date of the last entry. Marriage and family therapists: Keep records at least 5 years from the date of the last entry. Clinical social workers: Keep records at least 5 years from the date of the last entry. Psychologists: Keep all entries at least 5 years after the last date of service, or longer if another law requires.

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

Pennsylvania is an all-party (two-party) consent state: everyone in the conversation must agree to a recording (18 Pa.C.S. 5704). 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 LPC open a private practice in Pennsylvania?

The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is Pennsylvania's full license for counselors, issued by the PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. The level before it is Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC). Independent practice as a counselor requires the license (Act 76 of 2018). On your website and ads: use the title "Licensed Professional Counselor" only while your license is active. Then set up your business (in Pennsylvania, usually a regular LLC, there's no separate PLLC) 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 Pennsylvania?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Pennsylvania's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. The level before it is Licensed Social Worker (LSW). On your website and ads: use the title "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" only while your license is active. Then set up your business (in Pennsylvania, usually a regular LLC, there's no separate PLLC) 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 Pennsylvania?

Use "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" only while your license is active. Under Act 76 of 2018, independent practice as an MFT requires the license. The advertising rule lets you list degrees and licenses but doesn't require a license number in ads. Source: 49 Pa. Code 48.80 and 47.15.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's associate and pre-licensed levels include Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT), and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). Our research did not confirm whether Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

The PA State Board of Psychology. Continuing education: earn 30 hours every 2-year renewal. Renewal: renew every 2 years. Licenses expire November 30 of odd-numbered years. 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 Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming