NEWLY LICENSED IN FLORIDA
You passed. Now what? Most new LMHCs, LMFTs and LCSWs have the same questions in the first few months: how to get on insurance, where clients come from, and whether an offer is any good. This page is the order I would do things in.
By Gabriel Benaim, LMHC | Last reviewed September 29, 2026
Some links on this page are referral links. If you sign up through one, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only link to services I use, and each review lists the downsides too.
Choose your next step
- Comparing a job or contract? Get the free Clinician Pay Guide.
- Choosing a platform? Compare Headway and Grow Therapy.
- Starting your own practice? Follow the Florida practice roadmap.
Still waiting for your license? Start with the licensure steps and tools.
Keep your first 90 days in one place
The First 90 Days Planner gives newly licensed Florida LMHCs, LCSWs and LMFTs 20 tasks with status, target dates and notes. It costs $15 USD once, with no subscription. This guide remains free.
1. Finish the last required course
Florida gives you six months after licensure to finish a 2-hour domestic violence course. It is easy to forget once the big exam is behind you. Put it on your calendar now.
2. Get your own liability insurance
Your employer’s policy covers you at that job. It does not follow you to a side practice or an insurance platform. Some platforms also set a minimum. Grow Therapy, for example, asks for at least $1 million per claim and $3 million total.
CM&F provided Degree to License with this trackable quote link. Degree to License receives no commission or financial compensation if you use it.
3. Set up your CAQH profile
Insurance companies and platforms pull your details from CAQH. A complete, up to date profile makes every application after this one faster. How insurance credentialing works.
4. Check any job offer with real math
A high session rate can hide unpaid notes, no show losses and missing benefits. Run the numbers before you sign. Get the free Clinician Pay Guide, or read how to evaluate a therapist job offer.
5. List yourself on Psychology Today
It has been my strongest source of new clients. It costs about $30 a month and has no contract. Try Psychology Today or read my full review first.
6. Pick one insurance platform to start
Now that you are fully licensed, insurance platforms are open to you. Start with one, not five.
- Need referrals? Grow Therapy paneled me in about a week and sends me more clients. Explore Grow Therapy
- Already have clients? Headway has paid me higher rates. Explore Headway
Not sure? Read Headway vs. Grow Therapy.
7. Choose where your notes will live
If you see clients outside a platform, you need your own EHR. How to choose an EHR.
8. Plan your continuing education
Your license renews every two years, and you need CE hours to renew. An unlimited plan can be cheaper than buying courses one at a time. Get 20% off CE4Less or read my CE4Less review.
When you are ready for more
Thinking about your own practice? Start with the Florida private practice roadmap.
Already settled into licensed work, or considering supervision? Explore the post-licensed and supervisor paths.
Informational disclaimer: This page is educational. It is not legal, tax, billing or licensure advice. Rules, fees and platform terms change. Check the current requirements with the Florida Board and each company before you act.