Comments on: Can I Open a Counseling Practice without a License?

By: Sandy

Sandy — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 12:23:09 +0000

I’m in currently living in Florida, after acquiring my MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN COUNSELING from an ACCREDITED university in the State of Tennessee. After moving to Florida, I took five more classes at the graduate level to comply with Florida requirements and I am finishing all my post master intern hours (1500) plus my 100 supervision hours this upcoming December 2020. BUT! I have taken the MFT national test four times already and did not passed…. Question: IF the worse comes to the worse, can I open a private practice in the STATE OF FLORIDA with just my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee plus my Master of Science Degree in Counselor from Carson Newman University also from Tennessee and be very honest with clients that I’m an UNLICENSED COUNSELOR or UNLICENSED PSYCHOTHERAPIST and accept SELF PAY? Do it WITHOUT DIAGNOSING clients. Can I run a private practice that way in Florida without getting in trouble with the law of this state for being unlicensed?
I know that I’m so close, but IF I don’t pass this non-sense test, I will have nothing! And that’s not fair given all the years I put on, just because of this test, solely.

By: ann

ann — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 23:48:48 +0000

I practiced in New Mexico as an LPCC for at least 15 years, but after that dropped my license because I was doing more creative work with clients (consulting on book writing and art) and didn’t want the expense of CEUs and insurance. Now someone has come to me wanting therapy and I’m in doubt as to whether I can work with her without legal ramifications. I no longer have malpractice insurance.

By: Lorraine Berger

Lorraine Berger — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 15:11:32 +0000

Hello:

I am an integrative psychotherapist living in London, UK. Registered and certified with several organizations ( UKCP< HCPC

By: Kirra

Kirra — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 16:37:50 +0000

Hello. I have been told as an intern, of which now I have since obtained my M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, that with me living in the state of Missouri I do not have to have a license to have a private practice. My real question is can I have the word “Therapist” on my business cards? I have called certain Missouri legislators and also the American Counseling Association and they have not gotten back to me. I have created my cards and want to know will it be okay to hand these out. I only ordered a very small number in case I found out that this was not okay. But being aware that you can have a practice in the state of Missouri without a license, I did not see the harm. I was told this information by a licensed therapist. I did a little research on my own but have not found a straight answer. Are you able to answer this question for me? Thank you so much for your time I enjoy your site.

By: CMHC Student

CMHC Student — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 15:12:29 +0000

Hello Dr. Centore,

I am currently in school working on my MA in CMHC . I have 1 year left, I want to start my private practice in GA When I graduate. I know I need to wait until I am fully licensed in GA. However I wanted to know if possible for my practicum/internship will I be able to split my hours half under LPC supervision and the other half under LMFT supervision. I this possible? I also would like to obtain my STC , however I see I need to wait until I graduate to recover this certification. I love this field and want to do so much. Just need some guides nice and a way to connect with a mentor. I appreciate your time.

Thank you