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

How to start a private practice in Utah

The steps are the same everywhere. Utah'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$18 renewal

Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way

AI note toolsUtah has a law that touches AI in health care (see below)

By license

Starting a private practice in Utah, by license

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

Counselors · CMHC

Starting a private practice in Utah as a CMHC

License: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC). Board: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Behavioral Health Board (Mental Health Professional Practice Act, Utah Code 58-60, rule chapter R156-60c, Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensing Act Rule).

Title in ads: Use the title "Clinical Mental Health Counselor" or "CMHC" only while you hold that license.
Continuing education: 40 hours every 2 years, including 6 in ethics or law and 2 in suicide prevention.
Renewal: Renew every 2 years, by September 30 of each even-numbered year.

Before full licensure: Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC)

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

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Behavioral Health Board (Mental Health Professional Practice Act, Utah Code 58-60, rule chapter R156-60b, Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Act Rule).

Title in ads: Use "MFT" or "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" only while you hold that license.
Continuing education: 40 hours every 2 years, including 6 in ethics or law, 2 in suicide prevention, and 15 in marriage and family therapy.
Renewal: Renew every 2 years, by September 30 of each even-numbered year.

Before full licensure: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)

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

License: Psychologist. Board: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Behavioral Health Board (Psychologist Licensing Act, Utah Code 58-61, rule chapter R156-61).

Title in ads: Call yourself a "Licensed Psychologist" only while your license is current.
Continuing education: 48 hours every 2 years, with at least 6 in ethics and law.
Renewal: Renew every 2 years, by September 30 of each even-numbered year.

If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Utah 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 Utah

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

License	Board	Continuing education	Renewal
Counselors	Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Behavioral Health Board (Mental Health Professional Practice Act, Utah Code 58-60, rule chapter R156-60c, Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensing Act Rule)	40 hours every 2 years, including 6 in ethics or law and 2 in suicide prevention.	Renew every 2 years, by September 30 of each even-numbered year.
Marriage and family therapists	Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Behavioral Health Board (Mental Health Professional Practice Act, Utah Code 58-60, rule chapter R156-60b, Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Act Rule)	40 hours every 2 years, including 6 in ethics or law, 2 in suicide prevention, and 15 in marriage and family therapy.	Renew every 2 years, by September 30 of each even-numbered year.
Clinical social workers	Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Behavioral Health Board (Mental Health Professional Practice Act, Utah Code 58-60, rule chapter R156-60a, Social Worker Licensing Act Rule)	40 hours every 2 years, including 6 in ethics, law or technology and 2 in suicide prevention.	Renew every 2 years, by September 30 of each even-numbered year.
Psychologists	Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Behavioral Health Board (Psychologist Licensing Act, Utah Code 58-61, rule chapter R156-61)	48 hours every 2 years, with at least 6 in ethics and law.	Renew every 2 years, by September 30 of each even-numbered year.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Utah

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

Counselors

Your title

Use the title "Clinical Mental Health Counselor" or "CMHC" only while you hold that license.

Don't use ACMHC or CMHC for a license you don't hold.
Put your license number in client paperwork, not necessarily ads.

Not yet confirmed: No rule says ads must show your license number. Check with DOPL if you want to be sure.

R156-60c-502(1); Utah Code 58-60-109

What you can't say

Keep every ad truthful and not misleading, and don't promise results.

False, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent advertising is unprofessional conduct.
Use a business name only if it's registered with the Division of Corporations and licensed with DOPL where required.
Never put a clause in a contract that stops clients from complaining to the board.

Not yet confirmed: No Utah rule on testimonials, "specialist," or guarantees was found. Check with DOPL before using them.

Utah Code 58-1-501(2)(a)(viii); R156-60c-502(5)

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use "MFT" or "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" only while you hold that license.

Don't use AMFT or MFT for a license you don't hold.
Put your license number in client paperwork.

Not yet confirmed: No rule says ads must show your license number. Check with DOPL if you want to be sure.

R156-60b-502(1); Utah Code 58-60-109

What you can't say

Keep every ad truthful and not misleading, and don't promise results.

False, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent advertising is unprofessional conduct.
Use a business name only if it's registered with the Division of Corporations and licensed with DOPL where required.
Never put a clause in a contract that stops clients from complaining to the board.

Not yet confirmed: No Utah rule on testimonials, "specialist," or guarantees was found. Check with DOPL before using them.

Utah Code 58-1-501(2)(a)(viii); R156-60b-502(5)

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use "LCSW" or "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" only while you hold that license.

Don't use CSW or SSW if you aren't licensed at that level.
Put your license number in client paperwork.

Not yet confirmed: No rule says ads must show your license number. Check with DOPL if you want to be sure.

R156-60a-502(1); Utah Code 58-60-109

What you can't say

Keep every ad truthful and not misleading, and don't promise results.

False, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent advertising is unprofessional conduct.
Use a business name only if it's registered with the Division of Corporations and licensed with DOPL where required.
Never put a clause in a contract that stops clients from complaining to the board.

Not yet confirmed: No Utah rule on testimonials, "specialist," or guarantees was found. Check with DOPL before using them.

Utah Code 58-1-501(2)(a)(viii); R156-60a-502(5)

Psychologists

Your title

Call yourself a "Licensed Psychologist" only while your license is current.

Using the title without a license is unlawful conduct.
Put your license number in client paperwork.

Not yet confirmed: No rule says ads must show your license number. Check with DOPL if you want to be sure.

Utah Code 58-61-501(3)

What you can't say

Keep every ad truthful and not misleading, and don't promise results.

False, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent advertising is unprofessional conduct.
Use a business name only if it's registered with the Division of Corporations and licensed with DOPL where required.
Never put a clause in a contract that stops clients from complaining to the board.

Not yet confirmed: No Utah rule on testimonials, "specialist," or guarantees was found. Check with DOPL before using them.

Utah Code 58-1-501(2)(a)(viii); R156-61-502(4)

Your business

Forming your practice in Utah

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?

What	Utah
Usual entity	PLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing	$18 renewal
When it's due	By your anniversary date
Where to file	corporations.utah.gov

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Utah

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 every client your license details, their rights, and DOPL's complaint contact at the start of care.

Your name, license type, license number and contact information.
Their right to a second opinion, to ask for more information, and to end treatment at any time.
A plain statement that a romantic, sexual or financially motivated relationship with you is never appropriate.
On request: your qualifications, the treatment method, expected length, fees, and who can see their records.

Not yet confirmed: The statute lists these as items you must not 'pattern fail' to give. It doesn't say they must be in writing. A signed intake form is the safest proof. Also get consent before recording or letting anyone observe a session.

Utah Code 58-60-110(1)(e)-(f); R156-60c-502(9)(f)

Records

Keep records at least 10 years after your last session with a client.

This covers assessment, treatment, progress notes and billing.
Give a client or legal guardian their records in a reasonable time after a written request.
No different rule for minors was found. Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't set a longer period for minors. Check with DOPL if you see children.

R156-60c-502(9)(d)-(e)

Complaints

Give every client DOPL's contact information and how to file a complaint.

Put it in your intake paperwork so you can show you did it.
Never discourage a complaint or add a contract clause that limits one.

Not yet confirmed: The law doesn't say where the notice must go or give exact wording. Copy DOPL's current phone number and complaint steps from dopl.utah.gov.

Utah Code 58-60-110(1)(e)(v)

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Give every client your license details, their rights, and DOPL's complaint contact at the start of care.

Your name, license type, license number and contact information.
Their right to a second opinion, to ask for more information, and to end treatment at any time.
A plain statement that a romantic, sexual or financially motivated relationship with you is never appropriate.
On request: your qualifications, the treatment method, expected length, fees, and who can see their records.

Not yet confirmed: The statute lists these as items you must not 'pattern fail' to give. It doesn't say they must be in writing. A signed intake form is the safest proof. Also get consent before recording or letting anyone observe a session.

Utah Code 58-60-110(1)(e)-(f); R156-60b-502(9)(f)

Records

Keep records at least 10 years after your last session with a client.

This covers assessment, treatment, progress notes and billing.
Give a client or legal guardian their records in a reasonable time after a written request.
No different rule for minors was found. Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't set a longer period for minors. Check with DOPL if you see children.

R156-60b-502(9)(d)-(e)

Complaints

Give every client DOPL's contact information and how to file a complaint.

Put it in your intake paperwork so you can show you did it.
Never discourage a complaint or add a contract clause that limits one.

Not yet confirmed: The law doesn't say where the notice must go or give exact wording. Copy DOPL's current phone number and complaint steps from dopl.utah.gov.

Utah Code 58-60-110(1)(e)(v)

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Give every client your license details, their rights, and DOPL's complaint contact at the start of care.

Your name, license type, license number and contact information.
Their right to a second opinion, to ask for more information, and to end treatment at any time.
A plain statement that a romantic, sexual or financially motivated relationship with you is never appropriate.
On request: your qualifications, the treatment method, expected length, fees, and who can see their records.

Not yet confirmed: The statute lists these as items you must not 'pattern fail' to give. It doesn't say they must be in writing. A signed intake form is the safest proof. Also get consent before recording or letting anyone observe a session.

Utah Code 58-60-110(1)(e)-(f); R156-60a-502(9)(f)

Records

Keep records at least 10 years after your last session with a client.

This covers assessment, treatment, progress notes and billing.
Give a client or legal guardian their records in a reasonable time after a written request.
No different rule for minors was found. Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't set a longer period for minors. Check with DOPL if you see children.

R156-60a-502(9)(d)-(e)

Complaints

Give every client DOPL's contact information and how to file a complaint.

Put it in your intake paperwork so you can show you did it.
Never discourage a complaint or add a contract clause that limits one.

Not yet confirmed: The law doesn't say where the notice must go or give exact wording. Copy DOPL's current phone number and complaint steps from dopl.utah.gov.

Utah Code 58-60-110(1)(e)(v)

Psychologists

Informed consent

Give every client your license details, their rights, and DOPL's complaint contact at the start of care.

Your name, license type, license number and contact information.
Their right to a second opinion, to ask for more information, and to end treatment at any time.
A plain statement that a romantic, sexual or financially motivated relationship with you is never appropriate.
On request: your qualifications, treatment method, expected length, fees, and who can see their records.

Not yet confirmed: The statute lists these as items you must not 'pattern fail' to give. It doesn't say they must be in writing. A signed intake form is the safest proof. Also get consent before recording or letting anyone observe a session.

Utah Code 58-61-502(1)(d)-(e); R156-61-502(18)

Records

Keep records at least 10 years after your last session with a client.

No different rule for minors was found.
Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't set a longer period for minors. Check with DOPL if you see children.

R156-61-502(17)

Complaints

Give every client DOPL's contact information and how to file a complaint.

Put it in your intake paperwork so you can show you did it.
Never discourage a complaint or add a contract clause that limits one.

Not yet confirmed: The law doesn't say where the notice must go or give exact wording. Copy DOPL's current phone number and complaint steps from dopl.utah.gov.

Utah Code 58-61-502(1)(d)(v)

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Utah

Telehealth consent

No extra Utah 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

Utah is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Utah Code 77-23a-4). Whatever the law, get written consent before recording a session or using an AI tool that listens to one.

AI note tools

HB 452 (2025), Utah Code Title 13 ch. 72a, effective May 7, 2025 (amended 2026). Regulates suppliers of consumer mental health chatbots (disclosure that the user is talking to AI, no sale of health data, ad limits). It is not aimed at a clinician using a note tool. No consent form requirement for therapists found.

More in AI scribe consent for therapists.

Your consent should

Say plainly that AI is software used only for notes, not a chatbot talking with the client
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 suspected child abuse or neglect right away, to Utah DCFS or to law enforcement.

Call the DCFS Intake Hotline at 1-855-323-3237 (1-855-323-DCFS), open 24 hours.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
The duty applies to every person in Utah, not only licensees.

Not yet confirmed: The statute doesn't set a written follow-up step that we could find. Ask DCFS if they want anything in writing after your call.

Utah Code 80-2-602

The order

The order to do it in

The same steps as anywhere, with Utah's rules above plugged in. The full walk-through, with costs and a timeline, is in how to start a private practice.

01.

Get found, early

Your Utah checklist, done for youThe free checklist fits every step to your license and Utah: your board's rules, your entity steps with filing links, and starter intake forms filled in with Utah's requirements.

Get your Utah checklist →

Next steps

Guides for your Utah practice

Free, and written for therapists. Start with the free private practice checklist for Utah: 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 Colorado · How to start a private practice in Idaho · How to start a private practice in Nevada · How to start a private practice in Arizona

Frequently asked questions

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

Not always, but most Utah 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 Utah?

Counselors: 40 hours every 2 years, including 6 in ethics or law and 2 in suicide prevention. Marriage and family therapists: 40 hours every 2 years, including 6 in ethics or law, 2 in suicide prevention, and 15 in marriage and family therapy. Clinical social workers: 40 hours every 2 years, including 6 in ethics, law or technology and 2 in suicide prevention. Psychologists: 48 hours every 2 years, with at least 6 in ethics and law.

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

Counselors: Keep records at least 10 years after your last session with a client. Marriage and family therapists: Keep records at least 10 years after your last session with a client. Clinical social workers: Keep records at least 10 years after your last session with a client. Psychologists: Keep records at least 10 years after your last session with a client.

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

Utah is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Utah Code 77-23a-4). 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 CMHC open a private practice in Utah?

The Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) is Utah's full license for counselors, issued by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Behavioral Health Board (Mental Health Professional Practice Act, Utah Code 58-60, rule chapter R156-60c, Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensing Act Rule). The level before it is Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC). On your website and ads: use the title "Clinical Mental Health Counselor" or "CMHC" only while you hold that license. Then set up your business (in Utah, 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 Utah?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Utah's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Behavioral Health Board (Mental Health Professional Practice Act, Utah Code 58-60, rule chapter R156-60a, Social Worker Licensing Act Rule). The level before it is Certified Social Worker (CSW). On your website and ads: use "LCSW" or "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" only while you hold that license. Then set up your business (in Utah, 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 Utah?

Use "MFT" or "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" only while you hold that license. Don't use AMFT or MFT for a license you don't hold. Put your license number in client paperwork. Source: R156-60b-502(1); Utah Code 58-60-109.

Can associates see private-pay clients in Utah?

Utah's associate and pre-licensed levels include Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), and Certified Social Worker (CSW). Our research did not confirm whether Utah 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 Utah?

The Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Behavioral Health Board (Psychologist Licensing Act, Utah Code 58-61, rule chapter R156-61). Continuing education: 48 hours every 2 years, with at least 6 in ethics and law. Renewal: renew every 2 years, by September 30 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.

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 · Tennessee · Texas · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming

How to start a private practice in Utah

Starting a private practice in Utah, by license

Starting a private practice in Utah as a CMHC

Starting a private practice in Utah as an LMFT

Starting a private practice in Utah as an LCSW

Starting a private practice in Utah as a psychologist

Your licensing board in Utah

Advertising rules for therapists in Utah

Counselors

Marriage and family therapists

Clinical social workers

Psychologists

Forming your practice in Utah

Informed consent and records in Utah

Counselors

Marriage and family therapists

Clinical social workers

Psychologists

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Utah

Telehealth consent

Recording

AI note tools

Reporting abuse

The order to do it in

Read your board's rules

Decide who you help and how clients pay

Name it and set up the business

Get malpractice insurance

Set up HIPAA-ready systems

Write your paperwork with these rules

Set your fee

Get found, early

Guides for your Utah practice

Frequently asked questions

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

How many CE hours do therapists need in Utah?

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

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

Can a CMHC open a private practice in Utah?

Can an LCSW open a private practice in Utah?

What title do LMFTs use on their website in Utah?

Can associates see private-pay clients in Utah?

Which board licenses psychologists in Utah?