Start a counseling practice

Typically $2,000 to $10,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. It can start part-time, around another job.

Licenses and permits

Information, not legal advice

This is general information to help you research, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by location, so confirm with each issuing authority. Allpage doesn’t guarantee it’s complete or that your business is compliant.

The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients. What applies depends on your state and city. Pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page.

What it takes

To start: Typically $2,000 to $10,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Time: It can start part-time, around another job.
License to practice: The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients.
How it charges: Per session, sometimes on a sliding scale.

A state license to practice counseling or therapy
Malpractice insurance
A private office or a secure telehealth setup

What goes wrong early

The license takes a graduate degree and supervised hours
Insurance billing is slow and complex
Privacy rules on health information

Steps to start

Check the licenses and permits. The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.
Get what you need to start. A state license to practice counseling or therapy. Malpractice insurance. A private office or a secure telehealth setup. Typically $2,000 to $10,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Set your prices. Per session, sometimes on a sliding scale.
Set up your website and bookings. Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (a calm, private page with approaches, fees and a first call) and turns on booking reminders and unanswered message nudges. You approve anything that matters.

What Allpage sets up

Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (a calm, private page with approaches, fees and a first call) and turns on booking reminders and unanswered message nudges. You approve anything that matters.

Booking reminders. Reminds each customer before every session they’re booked into, including each one of a series.
Unanswered message nudges. Reminds you when a customer’s message hasn’t had a reply.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a counseling practice?

Typically $2,000 to $10,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. Costs vary by place, so check prices where you are.

Can I start a counseling practice part-time?

It can start part-time, around another job.

Does a counseling practice need a license?

The work itself usually needs a state license before you take clients. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.

How do businesses like it usually charge?

Per session, sometimes on a sliding scale.

What goes wrong early?

The license takes a graduate degree and supervised hours. Insurance billing is slow and complex. Privacy rules on health information.