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

How to start a private practice in Tennessee

The steps are the same everywhere. Tennessee'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 per member, $300 minimum
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsTennessee has a law that touches AI in health care (see below)
MinorsA minor 16 or older can agree to outpatient therapy on their own.

By license

Starting a private practice in Tennessee, by license

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

Counselors · LPC-MHSP

Starting a private practice in Tennessee as an LPC-MHSP

License: Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP). Board: Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists, Tennessee Department of Health.

  • Title in ads: Use "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC" every time you advertise.
  • Continuing education: Complete 20 hours every 2 calendar years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, by the last day of your birth month.
Before full licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

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

License: Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists, Tennessee Department of Health.

  • Title in ads: Use "Licensed Marital and Family Therapist" every time you advertise.
  • Continuing education: Complete 10 hours every calendar year.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, by the last day of your birth month.
Before full licensure: Marital and family therapist with a temporary license

Our research didn't find a Tennessee 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 Tennessee as an LCSW

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Board: Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure, Tennessee Department of Health.

  • Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or "L.C.S.W." in your ads, and put your name, address and phone number in them.
  • Continuing education: Complete 30 hours every 2 calendar years.
  • Renewal: Renew every 2 years, by the last day of your birth month.
Who can open a private practice
Before full licensure: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

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

License: Psychologist. Board: Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology, Tennessee Department of Health.

  • Title in ads: Use the title "Psychologist" and hold the HSP designation if you provide health services.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 hours every 2 years.
  • Renewal: Renew on or before the expiration date on your license, online at tennesseeanytime.org.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Tennessee 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 Tennessee

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsTennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists, Tennessee Department of HealthComplete 20 hours every 2 calendar years.Renew every 2 years, by the last day of your birth month.
Marriage and family therapistsTennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists, Tennessee Department of HealthComplete 10 hours every calendar year.Renew every 2 years, by the last day of your birth month.
Clinical social workersTennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure, Tennessee Department of HealthComplete 30 hours every 2 calendar years.Renew every 2 years, by the last day of your birth month.
PsychologistsTennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology, Tennessee Department of HealthComplete 40 hours every 2 years.Renew on or before the expiration date on your license, online at tennesseeanytime.org.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Tennessee

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

Counselors

Your title

Use "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC" every time you advertise.

  • Leaving your title out can make an ad misleading and lead to discipline.
  • Put your name, address and phone number in each ad.

Not yet confirmed: The rules we read don't mention the MHSP designation or a license number in ads. Ask the board how to show LPC-MHSP.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0450-01-.03 and 0450-01-.21

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate and provable, and don't use testimonials you can't verify.

  • Don't claim your services, staff or equipment are better than others without proof.
  • Don't use testimonials that can't be verified.
  • Don't use past results in a way that creates unjustified expectations.
  • Don't use an unearned degree or misstate credentials, training or experience.
  • Keep a copy of every ad for 2 years.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't mention "specialist" or "guarantee." Check with the board before using either.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0450-01-.21

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use "Licensed Marital and Family Therapist" every time you advertise.

  • Leaving your title out can make an ad misleading and lead to discipline.
  • Put your name, address and phone number in each ad.

Not yet confirmed: The rules we read don't require a license number in ads. Ask the board if you want to be sure.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0450-02-.03 and 0450-02-.21

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate and provable, and don't use testimonials you can't verify.

  • Don't claim your services, staff or equipment are better than others without proof.
  • Don't use testimonials that can't be verified.
  • Don't use past results in a way that creates unjustified expectations.
  • Don't use an unearned degree or misstate credentials, training or experience.
  • Keep a copy of every ad for 2 years.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't mention "specialist" or "guarantee." Check with the board before using either.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0450-02-.21

Clinical social workers

Your title

Call yourself a "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or "L.C.S.W." in your ads, and put your name, address and phone number in them.

  • Only people with a current LCSW license may do clinical private practice.

Not yet confirmed: The rules we read don't say whether your license number must appear in ads. Ask the board.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1365-01-.03 and 1365-01-.10(4)

What you can't say

Keep ads accurate and provable, and don't use testimonials you can't verify.

  • No unsubstantiated claims of superiority, and no implied results from past performance.
  • Don't pay or accept a fee for a referral.
  • Tell clients your costs before you provide services.
  • Keep a copy of every ad (including web and social) for 2 years.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't mention "specialist" or "guarantee." Check with the board before using either.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1365-01-.10(4)

Psychologists

Your title

Use the title "Psychologist" and hold the HSP designation if you provide health services.

  • Presenting yourself as practicing psychology on signs, stationery or listings requires a license.

Not yet confirmed: The ad rule doesn't say which title or license number an ad must show. Ask the board.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1180-01-.02

What you can't say

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

  • No false, deceptive or misleading claims about training, degrees, fees or success rates.
  • No uninvited in-person solicitation.
  • Label paid ads as ads.
  • You're responsible for ads others write for you, and should correct deceptive statements others make.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't mention "specialist" or "guarantee." Avoid both unless the board says otherwise.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1180-01-.15

Your business

Forming your practice in Tennessee

Most therapists form a PLLC (professional LLC). Check what your licensing board allows.

Tennessee's franchise and excise taxes apply to most LLCs and PLLCs: franchise tax ($100 minimum) plus 6.5% excise tax on net earnings, due April 15. Some single-member LLCs owned by one person are exempt but still file; confirm with a CPA.

If you elect S-corp later: S-corps pay franchise and excise taxes too.

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

WhatTennessee
Usual entityPLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$50 per member, $300 minimum
When it's dueApril 1 each year (the first day of the 4th month after your fiscal year)
Where to filesos.tn.gov/businesses

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Tennessee

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 the ACA Code of Ethics on informed consent and confidentiality, since Tennessee adopts it.

  • Tennessee adopts the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics unless it conflicts with state law or board rules.
  • Counselor-client talks are privileged, with an exception for child abuse reports.

Not yet confirmed: We found no standalone informed consent rule in the board's chapter. Ask the board if any extra disclosures are required.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0450-01-.13

Records

Give clients a copy or summary of their records when they ask, in a timely way.

  • You can charge a reasonable copying and mailing fee.
  • The choice between a full copy and a summary is yours.

Not yet confirmed: We couldn't find how long counselors must keep records. Ask the board, and keep records at least as long as your insurer and HIPAA require.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0450-01-.18

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Health Office of Investigations at 800-852-2187, or online.

Not yet confirmed: No rule for your license that we could find requires you to tell clients how to file a complaint. Ask the board whether that has changed.

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Follow the AAMFT Code of Ethics on informed consent and confidentiality, since Tennessee adopts it.

  • Tennessee adopts the AAMFT Code (July 1, 2012 version) unless it conflicts with state law or board rules.

Not yet confirmed: We found no standalone informed consent rule in the board's chapter. Ask the board if any extra disclosures are required.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0450-02-.13

Records

Give clients their records when they ask, as a full copy or a summary.

  • Release of records to clients is covered by the board's rule.

Not yet confirmed: We couldn't find how long MFTs must keep records, and we only read a summary of the release rule. Ask the board, and keep records at least as long as your insurer and HIPAA require.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0450-02-.18

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Health Office of Investigations at 800-852-2187, or online.

Not yet confirmed: No rule for your license that we could find requires you to tell clients how to file a complaint. Ask the board whether that has changed.

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Tell clients the limits of confidentiality and get informed consent before recording or observation.

  • Explain the purpose and nature of treatment and that participation is voluntary.
  • Get informed consent before taping, recording or letting others observe.
  • Disclose conflicts of interest.
  • Tennessee adopts the NASW Code of Ethics.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1365-01-.10

Records

Give clients a full copy or a summary of their record when they ask in writing.

  • The choice between a copy and a summary is yours, unless other law prohibits release.

Not yet confirmed: We couldn't find how long social workers must keep records. Ask the board, and keep records at least as long as your insurer and HIPAA require.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1365-01-.10(3)

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Health Office of Investigations at 800-852-2187, or online.

Not yet confirmed: No rule for your license that we could find requires you to tell clients how to file a complaint. Ask the board whether that has changed.

Psychologists

Informed consent

Follow the APA Ethics Code on informed consent, which Tennessee adopts as its standard.

  • The board adopts the APA Ethical Standards effective January 1, 2017.
  • State law and board rules win if they conflict.

Not yet confirmed: The board's rules don't spell out consent details. Ask the board if any extra disclosures apply.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1180-01-.09

Records

Keep records at least 7 years after your last session with a client.

  • For a minor: at least 1 year after they reach the age of majority, or 7 years, whichever is longer.
  • For an incompetent patient: keep them indefinitely.
  • Don't destroy records of a disputed service until the dispute is resolved.
  • Raw test data and separate psychotherapy notes aren't part of this rule.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1180-01-.06

Complaints

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

  • Clients can file a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Health Office of Investigations at 800-852-2187, or online.

Not yet confirmed: No rule for your license that we could find requires you to tell clients how to file a complaint. Ask the board whether that has changed.

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Tennessee

Telehealth consent

  • Say who you are, your license and how the client can verify it

Recording

Tennessee is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Tenn. Code 39-13-601). Whatever the law, get written consent before recording a session or using an AI tool that listens to one.

AI note tools

HB 1470 / SB 1580 (Public Ch. 647), effective Jul 1, 2026: bars advertising or representing AI as a qualified mental health professional. Aimed at AI developers, not note tools. No consent rule for notes found.

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, yourself, to DCS.

  • Call the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-237-0004 (24 hours a day), or report online at apps.tn.gov/carat.
  • If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
  • Privileges other than attorney-client don't excuse you from reporting suspected child sexual abuse.
  • If you suspect a child died from abuse or neglect, the medical examiner must be told too.

Not yet confirmed: We couldn't confirm from an official page whether a written follow-up report is required or whether there is an exact hour deadline. Ask DCS when you call.

Tenn. Code Ann. 37-1-403 and 37-1-605

Seeing minors

In Tennessee, a minor 16 or older can agree to outpatient therapy on their own. 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 Tennessee'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 Tennessee checklist, done for youThe free checklist fits every step to your license and Tennessee: your board's rules, your entity steps with filing links, and starter intake forms filled in with Tennessee's requirements.
Get your Tennessee checklist →

Next steps

Guides for your Tennessee practice

Free, and written for therapists. Start with the free private practice checklist for Tennessee: 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 Kentucky · How to start a private practice in Georgia · How to start a private practice in Alabama · How to start a private practice in North Carolina

Frequently asked questions

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

Not always, but most Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

Counselors: Complete 20 hours every 2 calendar years. Marriage and family therapists: Complete 10 hours every calendar year. Clinical social workers: Complete 30 hours every 2 calendar years. Psychologists: Complete 40 hours every 2 years.

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

Counselors: Give clients a copy or summary of their records when they ask, in a timely way. Marriage and family therapists: Give clients their records when they ask, as a full copy or a summary. Clinical social workers: Give clients a full copy or a summary of their record when they ask in writing. Psychologists: Keep records at least 7 years after your last session with a client.

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

Tennessee is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Tenn. Code 39-13-601). 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-MHSP open a private practice in Tennessee?

The Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP) is Tennessee's full license for counselors, issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists, Tennessee Department of Health. The level before it is Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). On your website and ads: use "Licensed Professional Counselor" or "LPC" every time you advertise. Then set up your business (in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Tennessee's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure, Tennessee Department of Health. The level before it is Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Only people with a current LCSW license may do clinical private practice. On your website and ads: call yourself a "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" or "L.C.S.W." in your ads, and put your name, address and phone number in them. Then set up your business (in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee?

Use "Licensed Marital and Family Therapist" every time you advertise. Leaving your title out can make an ad misleading and lead to discipline. Put your name, address and phone number in each ad. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0450-02-.03 and 0450-02-.21.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Tennessee?

Tennessee's associate and pre-licensed levels include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Marital and family therapist with a temporary license, and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Our research did not confirm whether Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

The Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology, Tennessee Department of Health. Continuing education: complete 40 hours every 2 years. Renewal: renew on or before the expiration date on your license, online at tennesseeanytime.org. 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 · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming