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

How to start a private practice in Rhode Island

The steps are the same everywhere. Rhode Island'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 entityAn LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license
Yearly state filing$50
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsNo Rhode Island-specific AI note law found as of October 25, 2026

By license

Starting a private practice in Rhode Island, by license

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

Counselors

Starting a private practice in Rhode Island as a counselor

License: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Board: Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists.

  • Title in ads: Use only the title that matches your Rhode Island license: licensed clinical mental health counselor.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 CE credits every 2 years, with at least 20 from formal programs.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years. Your license expires July 1 of even-numbered years.
Before full licensure: Mental Health Counselor Associate

Our research didn't find a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island as an LMFT

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists.

  • Title in ads: Use the title "licensed marriage and family therapist" only if you hold that license.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 CE credits every 2 years, with at least 20 from formal programs.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years. Your license expires July 1 of even-numbered years.
Before full licensure: Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

Our research didn't find a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island as an LICSW

License: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Board: Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Social Work Examiners (also called Board of Examiners in Social Workers).

  • Title in ads: Use the title "licensed independent clinical social worker" or "L.I.C.S.W." in your ads.
  • Continuing education: Complete 30 CE contact hours every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew by May 1 of each odd-numbered year.
Before full licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Our research didn't find a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island as a psychologist

License: Psychologist. Board: Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Psychology.

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "licensed psychologist" only if you hold the Rhode Island license.
  • Continuing education: Complete 24 CE credits every 2 years, relevant to psychology.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, by July 1 of each even-numbered year.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsRhode Island Department of Health, Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family TherapistsComplete 40 CE credits every 2 years, with at least 20 from formal programs.Renew every 2 years. Your license expires July 1 of even-numbered years.
Marriage and family therapistsRhode Island Department of Health, Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family TherapistsComplete 40 CE credits every 2 years, with at least 20 from formal programs.Renew every 2 years. Your license expires July 1 of even-numbered years.
Clinical social workersRhode Island Department of Health, Board of Social Work Examiners (also called Board of Examiners in Social Workers)Complete 30 CE contact hours every 2 years.Renew by May 1 of each odd-numbered year.
PsychologistsRhode Island Department of Health, Board of PsychologyComplete 24 CE credits every 2 years, relevant to psychology.Renew every 2 years, by July 1 of each even-numbered year.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Rhode Island

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

Counselors

Your title

Use only the title that matches your Rhode Island license: licensed clinical mental health counselor.

  • Only licensees may advertise mental health counseling or use a title that says they are a counselor.
  • Rhode Island's title is "clinical mental health counselor," so check how the board wants "LMHC" shown.

Not yet confirmed: The exact credential wording and any license number requirement weren't found. Check with the board.

R.I. Gen. Laws 5-63.2-11

What you can't say

Keep ads truthful and don't guarantee results.

  • No specific ban on testimonials or "specialist" claims was found.
  • The board can discipline you for breaking the NBCC Code of Ethics, which it has adopted.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't spell out ad limits. Check with the board before using testimonials or specialty claims.

216-RICR-40-05-11.4.1

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use the title "licensed marriage and family therapist" only if you hold that license.

  • Only licensees may advertise marriage and family therapy or use a title that says they are a marriage therapist or family therapist.

Not yet confirmed: The exact credential wording and any license number requirement weren't found. Check with the board.

R.I. Gen. Laws 5-63.2-11

What you can't say

Keep ads truthful and don't guarantee results.

  • No specific ban on testimonials or "specialist" claims was found.
  • The board can discipline you for breaking the NBCC Code of Ethics, which it has adopted.

Not yet confirmed: The rules don't spell out ad limits. Check with the board before using testimonials or specialty claims.

216-RICR-40-05-11.4.1

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use the title "licensed independent clinical social worker" or "L.I.C.S.W." in your ads.

  • The title must match your license. LCSW and LICSW are different licenses.
  • Don't use "clinical social worker," "licensed social worker" or similar unless you hold the license.

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

R.I. Gen. Laws 5-39.1-3

What you can't say

Don't run false or misleading advertising.

  • It is grounds for discipline.
  • The board follows the NASW Code of Ethics, which has its own limits on testimonials and claims.
  • No specific rule on "specialist" or guarantees was found.

Not yet confirmed: Specific limits on testimonials weren't found in the rules. Check the NASW Code of Ethics and the board.

R.I. Gen. Laws 5-39.1-10(11)

Psychologists

Your title

Call yourself a "licensed psychologist" only if you hold the Rhode Island license.

  • Only licensees may use "psychologist," "psychology" or "psychological" to describe themselves or their services.

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

216-RICR-40-05-15.3

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate and within your area of competence.

  • The board can discipline you for breaking the ethical principles it has adopted and for practicing outside your competence.
  • No specific rule on testimonials, "specialist" or guarantees was found.

Not yet confirmed: Ad limits aren't spelled out in the rules. Follow the APA ethics code and check with the board.

R.I. Gen. Laws 5-44-18; 216-RICR-40-05-15.11

Your business

Forming your practice in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has no separate PLLC, and whether you can use a regular LLC or need a professional corporation (PC) depends on your licence. Ask your licensing board which entity is allowed before you file, and consider a short call with a local attorney or CPA.

Check: Rhode Island has charged LLCs a $400 minimum business tax. Confirm with the Division of Taxation or a CPA.

Then get your free EIN, open a business bank account, and get your free NPI. More in do therapists need a PLLC or LLC?

WhatRhode Island
Usual entityLLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license
Yearly state filing$50
When it's dueBetween February 1 and May 1 each year
Where to filewww.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Rhode Island

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

Follow your ethics code's informed consent requirements, since the board enforces it.

  • The board has adopted the NBCC Code of Ethics.
  • Confidentiality is covered by R.I. Gen. Laws 5-37.3 and the privilege in 9-17.

Not yet confirmed: No written informed consent rule was found in the board rules. Follow your profession's ethics code, which the board enforces.

216-RICR-40-05-11.3.13 and 11.4.1

Records

No retention period was found for Rhode Island, so ask the board and your insurer.

  • Keep CE documents for at least 4 years.

Not yet confirmed: No retention period was found in Rhode Island law or board rules. Ask the board, and follow your malpractice insurer's advice and HIPAA. Many practitioners keep records at least 7 years, and longer for minors.

216-RICR-40-05-11.3.12

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file complaints with the Department of Health, Licensing Unit, at 401-222-5960.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board whether you should add a complaint notice to your intake paperwork. The Department of Health takes complaints at 401-222-5960 (Licensing Unit).

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Follow your ethics code's informed consent requirements, since the board enforces it.

  • The board has adopted the NBCC Code of Ethics.
  • Confidentiality is covered by R.I. Gen. Laws 5-37.3 and the privilege in 9-17.

Not yet confirmed: No written informed consent rule was found in the board rules. Follow your profession's ethics code, which the board enforces.

216-RICR-40-05-11.3.13 and 11.4.1

Records

No retention period was found for Rhode Island, so ask the board and your insurer.

  • Keep CE documents for at least 4 years.

Not yet confirmed: No retention period was found in Rhode Island law or board rules. Ask the board, and follow your malpractice insurer's advice and HIPAA. Many practitioners keep records at least 7 years, and longer for minors.

216-RICR-40-05-11.3.12

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file complaints with the Department of Health, Licensing Unit, at 401-222-5960.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board whether you should add a complaint notice to your intake paperwork. The Department of Health takes complaints at 401-222-5960 (Licensing Unit).

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Follow the NASW Code of Ethics on informed consent, since the board has adopted it.

  • Social workers must keep client information confidential except as required or permitted by law.
  • Social work privilege is in R.I. Gen. Laws 5-39.1-4.

Not yet confirmed: No written informed consent rule was found in the board rules. Follow your profession's ethics code, which the board enforces.

216-RICR-40-05-7.4.1 and R.I. Gen. Laws 5-39.1-10(10)

Records

No retention period was found for Rhode Island, so ask the board and your insurer.

  • Keep CE documents at least 4 years.

Not yet confirmed: No retention period was found in Rhode Island law or board rules. Ask the board, and follow your malpractice insurer's advice and HIPAA. Many practitioners keep records at least 7 years, and longer for minors.

216-RICR-40-05-7.4.5(H)

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file complaints with the Department of Health, Licensing Unit, at 401-222-5960.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board whether you should add a complaint notice to your intake paperwork. The Department of Health takes complaints at 401-222-5960 (Licensing Unit).

Psychologists

Informed consent

Follow the ethics code the board has adopted for informed consent.

  • The board can discipline for violating the ethical principles it adopts.
  • Confidentiality is covered by R.I. Gen. Laws 5-37.3 and the privilege in 9-17.

Not yet confirmed: No written informed consent rule was found in the board rules. Follow your profession's ethics code, which the board enforces.

R.I. Gen. Laws 5-44-18(6)

Records

No retention period was found for Rhode Island, so ask the board and your insurer.

  • Keep CE documents at least 4 years.

Not yet confirmed: No retention period was found in Rhode Island law or board rules. Ask the board, and follow your malpractice insurer's advice and HIPAA. Many practitioners keep records at least 7 years, and longer for minors.

216-RICR-40-05-15.9.2(B)

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file complaints with the Department of Health, Licensing Unit, at 401-222-5960.

Not yet confirmed: Check with the board whether you should add a complaint notice to your intake paperwork. The Department of Health takes complaints at 401-222-5960 (Licensing Unit).

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Rhode Island

Telehealth consent

  • If you use email or text, explain the risks

Recording

Rhode Island is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (R.I. Gen. Laws 11-35-21). Whatever the law, get written consent before recording a session or using an AI tool that listens to one.

AI note tools

2026 laws (H 7349A, ch. 40.1-5.5; plus the Use of AI by Healthcare Providers Notification Act signed Jun 22, 2026). Mental health professionals must inform patients when AI is used to record or transcribe sessions, get written consent for the described AI uses, and review AI notes for accuracy. Secondary sources say patients may opt out. Effective on passage with no penalty section; exact text and signing dates for H 7349A are unconfirmed.

More in AI scribe consent for therapists.

Your consent should
  • Notify the client that AI records or transcribes or helps write notes, and get written consent for those uses
  • Client may opt out at any time
  • The therapist reviews every AI note for accuracy

Reporting abuse

Report suspected child abuse or neglect to DCYF within 24 hours by calling 1-800-RI-CHILD (1-800-742-4453).

  • Every person in Rhode Island is a mandated reporter, not only licensed professionals.
  • The hotline runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Healthcare providers must also send a written report to DCYF and law enforcement after the oral report (40-11-6).
  • Good-faith reports are protected.

Not yet confirmed: The law doesn't say whether a therapist counts as a "healthcare provider" for the written follow-up. Making a written report as well is the safe choice. Confirm with DCYF or your board.

R.I. Gen. Laws 40-11-3 and 40-11-6

The order

The order to do it in

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

Next steps

Guides for your Rhode Island practice

Free, and written for therapists. Start with the free private practice checklist for Rhode Island: 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 Massachusetts · How to start a private practice in Connecticut · How to start a private practice in New York

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PLLC to start a private practice in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, plan on an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license. Rhode Island has no separate PLLC, and whether you can use a regular LLC or need a professional corporation (PC) depends on your licence. 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 Rhode Island?

Counselors: Complete 40 CE credits every 2 years, with at least 20 from formal programs. Marriage and family therapists: Complete 40 CE credits every 2 years, with at least 20 from formal programs. Clinical social workers: Complete 30 CE contact hours every 2 years. Psychologists: Complete 24 CE credits every 2 years, relevant to psychology.

How long do I have to keep therapy records in Rhode Island?

Counselors: No retention period was found for Rhode Island, so ask the board and your insurer. Marriage and family therapists: No retention period was found for Rhode Island, so ask the board and your insurer. Clinical social workers: No retention period was found for Rhode Island, so ask the board and your insurer. Psychologists: No retention period was found for Rhode Island, so ask the board and your insurer.

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

Rhode Island is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (R.I. Gen. Laws 11-35-21). 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 a counselor open a private practice in Rhode Island?

The Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor is Rhode Island's full license for counselors, issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. The level before it is Mental Health Counselor Associate. On your website and ads: use only the title that matches your Rhode Island license: licensed clinical mental health counselor. Then set up your business (in Rhode Island, usually an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license) 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 Rhode Island?

The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) is Rhode Island's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Social Work Examiners (also called Board of Examiners in Social Workers). The level before it is Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). On your website and ads: use the title "licensed independent clinical social worker" or "L.I.C.S.W." in your ads. Then set up your business (in Rhode Island, usually an LLC or a professional corporation, depending on your license) 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 Rhode Island?

Use the title "licensed marriage and family therapist" only if you hold that license. Only licensees may advertise marriage and family therapy or use a title that says they are a marriage therapist or family therapist. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 5-63.2-11.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island's associate and pre-licensed levels include Mental Health Counselor Associate, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Our research did not confirm whether Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Psychology. Continuing education: complete 24 CE credits every 2 years, relevant to psychology. Renewal: renew every 2 years, by July 1 of each even-numbered year. 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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