Do I need a PLLC to start a private practice in Virginia?
Not always, but most Virginia 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 Virginia?
Counselors: 20 hours every year. Marriage and family therapists: 20 hours every year. Clinical social workers: 30 hours of continuing education for LCSWs. Psychologists: 14 board-approved hours every year.
How long do I have to keep therapy records in Virginia?
Counselors: Keep adult client records at least 5 years after counseling ends. Marriage and family therapists: Keep adult client records at least 5 years after counseling ends. Clinical social workers: Keep adult client records at least 6 years after your last session. Psychologists: Keep adult client records at least 5 years after your last date of service.
Is Virginia a one-party or all-party consent state for recording sessions?
Virginia is a one-party consent state under its general recording law (Va. Code 19.2-62). 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 open a private practice in Virginia?
The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is Virginia's full license for counselors, issued by the Virginia Board of Counseling (18VAC115-20), Department of Health Professions. The level before it is Resident in Counseling. On your website and ads: use only counseling-related degrees and titles you earned, and describe your training accurately. Then set up your business (in Virginia, 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 Virginia?
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Virginia's full license for clinical social workers, issued by the Virginia Board of Social Work (18VAC140-20), Department of Health Professions. The level before it is Supervisee in Social Work (LMSW). On your website and ads: use your credential accurately, since the rule has no specific title or license number requirement. Then set up your business (in Virginia, 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 Virginia?
Use only counseling-related degrees and titles you earned, and describe your training accurately. Degrees must come from an accredited school, or be credentials from a national certifying agency. Describe your education, training and experience accurately to clients. Source: 18VAC115-50-110(B).
Can associates see private-pay clients in Virginia?
Virginia's associate and pre-licensed levels include Resident in Counseling, Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy, and Supervisee in Social Work (LMSW). Our research did not confirm whether Virginia 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 Virginia?
The Virginia Board of Psychology (18VAC125-20), Department of Health Professions. Continuing education: 14 board-approved hours every year. Renewal: renew every year on or before June 30. Confirm current requirements on the board's site.
