Licensing
LCSW, LPC, or MFT through your state board. Each state requires 2–3 years of supervised practice post-graduation.
Insurance acceptance
Decide whether to take insurance. Insurance pays $60–$100/session vs $120–$180 cash-pay. Insurance opens you to many clients; cash-pay gives you more control.
Office or remote
Telehealth has democratized therapy. Office overhead runs $1,500–$3,000/month in major Southern cities. Remote is far cheaper.
Marketing
Psychology Today, Therapy for Black Girls / Black Men directories, and word-of-mouth referrals from Black-owned restaurants, salons, and churches.