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

How to start a private practice in Vermont

The steps are the same everywhere. Vermont'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$45
Recording sessionsOne-party consent state; get written consent either way
AI note toolsVermont has a law that touches AI in health care (see below)

By license

Starting a private practice in Vermont, by license

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

Counselors · LCMHC

Starting a private practice in Vermont as an LCMHC

License: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). Board: Vermont Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners, within the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR).

  • Title in ads: Use the title "Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor" (LCMHC) in your ads.
  • Continuing education: Complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years, including 4 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice.
  • Renewal: Renew online every 2 years, by the expiration date printed on your license.
Before full licensure: Rostered psychotherapist (supervised)

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

License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Board: Vermont Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners, within the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR).

  • Title in ads: Use the full title "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" (LMFT) in your ads.
  • Continuing education: Complete 20 hours of CE every 2 years, including 4 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice.
  • Renewal: Renew online every 2 years, by the expiration date printed on your license.
Before full licensure: Rostered psychotherapist (supervised)

Our research didn't find a Vermont 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 Vermont as an LICSW

License: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Board: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), Secretary of State.

  • Title in ads: Use your correct title, "Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker" (LICSW), in your ads.
  • Continuing education: Complete 20 hours of CE every 2 years, including 1.5 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice.
  • Renewal: Renew online every 2 years, by the expiration date printed on your license.
Before full licensure: Rostered psychotherapist (supervised) or LMSW

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

License: Psychologist. Board: Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners, within the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR).

  • Title in ads: Use your complete title, "psychologist-doctorate" or "psychologist-master," on all ads, signs and cards.
  • Continuing education: Complete 60 hours of CE every 2 years, including 6 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice.
  • Renewal: Renew online every 2 years, before the expiration date OPR sets for you.
If you're not fully licensed yet

Our research didn't find a Vermont 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 Vermont

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

LicenseBoardContinuing educationRenewal
CounselorsVermont Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners, within the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR)Complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years, including 4 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice.Renew online every 2 years, by the expiration date printed on your license.
Marriage and family therapistsVermont Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners, within the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR)Complete 20 hours of CE every 2 years, including 4 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice.Renew online every 2 years, by the expiration date printed on your license.
Clinical social workersVermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), Secretary of StateComplete 20 hours of CE every 2 years, including 1.5 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice.Renew online every 2 years, by the expiration date printed on your license.
PsychologistsVermont Board of Psychological Examiners, within the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR)Complete 60 hours of CE every 2 years, including 6 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice.Renew online every 2 years, before the expiration date OPR sets for you.

Advertising

Advertising rules for therapists in Vermont

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

Counselors

Your title

Use the title "Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor" (LCMHC) in your ads.

  • Only licensees may use words or letters implying they are a clinical mental health counselor.
  • Misusing a title is unprofessional conduct.

Not yet confirmed: No rule we found requires your license number in ads or sets an exact title format. Check with OPR if you want to be sure.

26 V.S.A. 3262 and 3271(a)(2)

What you can't say

Keep ads honest, because misleading advertising is unprofessional conduct.

  • Don't make claims that could deceive or mislead.
  • Avoid guarantees of results and unsupported 'specialist' claims.
  • If you use a business name, don't let it imply a credential you don't hold.

Not yet confirmed: Vermont has no rule we could find that names testimonials, 'specialist' or guarantees. Those would likely count as misleading, so avoid them or ask OPR.

3 V.S.A. 129a(a)(2)

Marriage and family therapists

Your title

Use the full title "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" (LMFT) in your ads.

  • Only licensees may use words or letters implying they are a licensed marriage and family therapist.
  • Not using a complete title in your work is unprofessional conduct.

Not yet confirmed: No rule we found requires your license number in ads. Check with OPR if you want to be sure.

26 V.S.A. 4033 and 4042(a)(1)

What you can't say

Keep ads honest, because misleading advertising is unprofessional conduct.

  • Don't make claims that could deceive or mislead.
  • Avoid guarantees of results and unsupported 'specialist' claims.

Not yet confirmed: Vermont has no rule we could find that names testimonials, 'specialist' or guarantees. Those would likely count as misleading, so avoid them or ask OPR.

3 V.S.A. 129a(a)(2)

Clinical social workers

Your title

Use your correct title, "Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker" (LICSW), in your ads.

  • Only licensees may use words or letters implying they are a licensed independent clinical social worker.
  • Not using a correct title in your work is unprofessional conduct.

Not yet confirmed: No rule we found requires your license number in ads. Check with OPR if you want to be sure.

26 V.S.A. 3202 and 3210(a)(1)

What you can't say

Keep ads honest, because misleading advertising is unprofessional conduct.

  • Don't make claims that could deceive or mislead.
  • Avoid guarantees of results and unsupported 'specialist' claims.

Not yet confirmed: Vermont has no rule we could find that names testimonials, 'specialist' or guarantees. Those would likely count as misleading, so avoid them or ask OPR.

3 V.S.A. 129a(a)(2)

Psychologists

Your title

Use your complete title, "psychologist-doctorate" or "psychologist-master," on all ads, signs and cards.

  • Vermont's license title carries the degree level, so "Licensed Psychologist" alone isn't the full title.
  • If you're listed in a group practice ad, your full title must appear in the listing.
  • Only licensees may use the word "psychologist."

Not yet confirmed: No rule we found requires your license number in ads. Check with OPR if you want to be sure.

Rule 6.2 and 26 V.S.A. 3002 and 3016(2)

What you can't say

Keep ads honest, because misleading advertising is unprofessional conduct.

  • Don't make claims that could deceive or mislead.
  • Avoid guarantees of results and unsupported 'specialist' claims.
  • Follow the APA ethics code, because violating it is also unprofessional conduct.

Not yet confirmed: Vermont has no rule we could find that names testimonials, 'specialist' or guarantees. Those would likely count as misleading, so avoid them or ask OPR.

3 V.S.A. 129a(a)(2)

Your business

Forming your practice in Vermont

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

Vermont charges a $250 minimum business entity tax to LLCs taxed as partnerships or S-corps. A single-owner PLLC taxed on your personal return usually doesn't owe it.

If you elect S-corp later: Vermont S-corps pay a $250 minimum business entity 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?

WhatVermont
Usual entityPLLC (professional LLC)
Yearly state filing$45
When it's dueWithin 3 months after your fiscal year ends (March 31 for most)
Where to filesos.vermont.gov

Paperwork

Informed consent and records in Vermont

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 a written disclosure statement, and have them sign that they received it by the third visit.

  • Include your degrees and schools, special qualifications and areas of practice.
  • Include the legal definition of unprofessional conduct and how to file a complaint with the Board.
  • Include the statement that your practice is also governed by the Board's rules.
  • Keep the signed original. If they won't sign, write and keep a signed note explaining why.

Not yet confirmed: We found no separate informed-consent rule covering fees, confidentiality limits or telehealth. Add those to your own consent form as good practice.

Rules 2.2-2.5 and 3.25

Records

Keep client records for at least 7 years.

  • Give clients or their new provider a copy of their records promptly when they ask in writing.
  • If you close your practice, tell clients how to get their records.
  • Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer, and then the longer period applies.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't say when the seven years start or give a different period for minors. Counting from your last contact with the client is the safe choice, and ask your insurer or the board about minors.

3 V.S.A. 129a(a)(8)-(9)

Complaints

Yes, tell clients in your disclosure statement how to file a complaint with the Board or ask a consumer question.

  • Complaints go to the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), online or by phone at 802-828-1505.

Rule 3.25(d)

Marriage and family therapists

Informed consent

Give every client a written disclosure statement, and have them sign that they received it by the third visit.

  • Include your degrees and schools, special qualifications and areas of practice.
  • Include the legal definition of unprofessional conduct, the Board-rules statement, and how to file a complaint.
  • Keep the signed original. If they won't sign, write and keep a signed note explaining why.
  • For a minor, give it to a parent or guardian.

Not yet confirmed: We found no separate informed-consent rule covering fees, confidentiality limits or telehealth. Add those to your own consent form as good practice.

Rules 2.2-2.5 and 4.27

Records

Keep client records for at least 7 years.

  • Give clients or their new provider a copy of their records promptly when they ask in writing.
  • If you close your practice, tell clients how to get their records.
  • Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer, and then the longer period applies.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't say when the seven years start or give a different period for minors. Counting from your last contact with the client is the safe choice, and ask your insurer or the board about minors.

3 V.S.A. 129a(a)(8)-(9)

Complaints

Yes, tell clients in your disclosure statement how to file a complaint with the Board or ask a consumer question.

  • Complaints go to the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), online or by phone at 802-828-1505.

Rule 4.27(b)(4)

Clinical social workers

Informed consent

Give every client a written disclosure statement, and have them sign that they received it by the third visit.

  • Include your degrees and schools, special qualifications and areas of practice.
  • Include the legal definitions of unprofessional conduct and how to file a complaint with OPR.
  • Keep the signed original. If they won't sign, write and keep a signed note explaining why.
  • For a minor, give it to a parent or guardian.

Not yet confirmed: We found no separate informed-consent rule covering fees, confidentiality limits or telehealth. Add those to your own consent form as good practice.

Rules 7.1-7.3

Records

Keep client records for at least 7 years.

  • Give clients or their new provider a copy of their records promptly when they ask in writing.
  • If you close your practice, tell clients how to get their records.
  • Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer, and then the longer period applies.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't say when the seven years start or give a different period for minors. Counting from your last contact with the client is the safe choice, and ask your insurer or the board about minors.

3 V.S.A. 129a(a)(8)-(9)

Complaints

Yes, tell clients in your disclosure statement how to file a complaint or ask a consumer question.

  • Complaints go to the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), online or by phone at 802-828-1505.

Rule 7.1(b)(3)

Psychologists

Informed consent

Give every client a written disclosure, and have them sign that they received it by the third contact.

  • Include your degrees and schools, special qualifications and areas of practice.
  • Include the legal definitions of unprofessional conduct and how to file a complaint with OPR.
  • Using a new technique? Also explain what is new and the known risks, and send the Board a copy.
  • Keep the signed original. For a minor, give it to a parent or guardian.

Not yet confirmed: We found no separate informed-consent rule covering fees, confidentiality limits or telehealth. Add those to your own consent form as good practice.

Rule 6.8 and 26 V.S.A. 3017

Records

Keep client records for at least 7 years.

  • Give clients or their new provider a copy of their records promptly when they ask in writing.
  • If you close your practice, tell clients how to get their records.
  • Other laws (HIPAA, insurers) may require longer, and then the longer period applies.

Not yet confirmed: The rule doesn't say when the seven years start or give a different period for minors. Counting from your last contact with the client is the safe choice, and ask your insurer or the board about minors.

3 V.S.A. 129a(a)(8)-(9)

Complaints

Yes, tell every client in your disclosure how to file a complaint with OPR or ask a consumer question.

  • Complaints go to the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), online or by phone at 802-828-1505.

Rule 6.8(a)(3)

Practice

Telehealth, recording, AI notes, and reporting in Vermont

Telehealth consent

  • Say who else may be in the room with each of you
  • Say recording requires consent from both client and therapist
  • If using phone only, explain the choice and billing

Recording

Vermont is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (No wiretap statute; 13 V.S.A. ch. 205 does not cover participant recording). Whatever the law, get written consent before recording a session or using an AI tool that listens to one.

AI note tools

H. 816 (Act 156, 18 V.S.A. 7115), approved Jun 17, 2026: professionals may not rely solely on AI for therapeutic decisions, diagnoses, treatment plans, or therapeutic communications; administrative AI that supports human judgment is allowed. Full enacted text not retrieved; no consent requirement for notes confirmed.

More in AI scribe consent for therapists.

Your consent should
  • AI supports the therapist's notes only
  • clinical judgment stays with the therapist
  • 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 yourself, within 24 hours, by calling the DCF Child Protection Line at 1-800-649-5285.

  • The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
  • A written report isn't required by Vermont law, but DCF may ask you for one afterward.
  • Privilege and confidentiality are not a reason to skip the report.
  • Fines apply for not reporting, and jail time is possible if you hide abuse on purpose.

33 V.S.A. 4913 and 4914

The order

The order to do it in

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

Next steps

Guides for your Vermont practice

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Not always, but most Vermont 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 Vermont?

Counselors: Complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years, including 4 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice. Marriage and family therapists: Complete 20 hours of CE every 2 years, including 4 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice. Clinical social workers: Complete 20 hours of CE every 2 years, including 1.5 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice. Psychologists: Complete 60 hours of CE every 2 years, including 6 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice.

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

Counselors: Keep client records for at least 7 years. Marriage and family therapists: Keep client records for at least 7 years. Clinical social workers: Keep client records for at least 7 years. Psychologists: Keep client records for at least 7 years.

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

Vermont is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (No wiretap statute; 13 V.S.A. ch. 205 does not cover participant recording). 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 LCMHC open a private practice in Vermont?

The Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) is Vermont's full license for counselors, issued by the Vermont Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners, within the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). The level before it is Rostered psychotherapist (supervised). On your website and ads: use the title "Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor" (LCMHC) in your ads. Then set up your business (in Vermont, 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 LICSW open a private practice in Vermont?

The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) is Vermont's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), Secretary of State. The level before it is Rostered psychotherapist (supervised) or LMSW. On your website and ads: use your correct title, "Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker" (LICSW), in your ads. Then set up your business (in Vermont, 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 Vermont?

Use the full title "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" (LMFT) in your ads. Only licensees may use words or letters implying they are a licensed marriage and family therapist. Not using a complete title in your work is unprofessional conduct. Source: 26 V.S.A. 4033 and 4042(a)(1).

Can associates see private-pay clients in Vermont?

Vermont's associate and pre-licensed levels include Rostered psychotherapist (supervised), Rostered psychotherapist (supervised), and Rostered psychotherapist (supervised) or LMSW. Our research did not confirm whether Vermont 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 Vermont?

The Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners, within the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). Continuing education: complete 60 hours of CE every 2 years, including 6 hours of ethics and 1 hour on systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice. Renewal: renew online every 2 years, before the expiration date OPR sets for you. 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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