Do I need a PLLC to start a private practice in South Dakota?
Not always, but most South 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 South Dakota?
Counselors: 40 hours every two years, with at least 4 in counseling ethics. Marriage and family therapists: 40 hours every two years, with at least 4 in marriage and family ethics. Clinical social workers: 30 hours every two years, with at least 6 in social work ethics. Psychologists: 15 hours every year, with no required topics that we found.
How long do I have to keep therapy records in South Dakota?
Counselors: South Dakota doesn't set a record retention period for you that we could find, so keep records at least 7 years as a safe habit. Marriage and family therapists: South Dakota doesn't set a record retention period for you that we could find, so keep records at least 7 years as a safe habit. Clinical social workers: South Dakota doesn't set a record retention period for you that we could find, so keep records at least 7 years as a safe habit. Psychologists: South Dakota doesn't set a record retention period for you that we could find, so keep records at least 7 years as a safe habit.
Is South Dakota a one-party or all-party consent state for recording sessions?
South Dakota is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (SDCL 23A-35A-20). 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 LPC-MH open a private practice in South Dakota?
The Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health (LPC-MH) is South Dakota's full license for counselors, issued by the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists (SDCL chapter 36-32; ARSD articles 20:68 and 20:73). The level before it is Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). On your website and ads: call yourself a "Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health" and never use counselor titles unless you are licensed. Then set up your business (in South 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 a CSW-PIP open a private practice in South Dakota?
The Certified Social Worker, Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP) is South Dakota's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (SDCL chapter 36-26; ARSD article 20:59). The level before it is Certified Social Worker (CSW). Private practice needs the CSW license, two years of supervised experience and the board's exam. On your website and ads: use "Certified Social Worker" and show your private practice approval (CSW-PIP). Then set up your business (in South 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 South Dakota?
Call yourself a "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" and don't use therapist or counselor titles unless you are licensed. Titles like "family therapist" and "marriage counselor" are also reserved for licensees. Keep your license displayed where you practice. Source: SDCL 36-33-37 and 36-33-35.
Can associates see private-pay clients in South Dakota?
South Dakota's associate and pre-licensed levels include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (MFT Associate), and Certified Social Worker (CSW). Our research did not confirm whether South 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 South Dakota?
The South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists (SDCL chapter 36-27A; ARSD article 20:60). Continuing education: 15 hours every year, with no required topics that we found. Renewal: renew every year, by June 30. Confirm current requirements on the board's site.
