If you're starting a private practice, professional liability insurance is one of the first things to get in order. It protects you against malpractice claims, misconduct allegations, and — importantly — licensing board complaints, which can happen even without any patient harm.
An LLC alone doesn't protect you here. As a sole-member LLC, both you and your business entity can face liability claims, which means you either need to insure both or keep things simple and avoid a separate business entity until it makes sense.
What to look for
Coverage amounts should reflect your personal assets and risk profile. If you work in specialized areas — sex therapy, high-risk populations, forensic work — consider carriers that offer enhanced board defense coverage. That said, don't let the decision stall you. You can switch carriers later, and getting covered matters more than picking the perfect provider on your first try.
Avoid general insurance carriers for this. They typically charge double what mental health-specific companies charge, and they know the space less well.
The three main providers
Business structure and insurance
If you operate as a sole proprietor, one policy covering you personally is straightforward. If you've formed an LLC, be aware that both the individual and the entity can be named in a claim — meaning you may need to insure both. Many solo practitioners find it simplest to skip the LLC until their practice grows to the point where the added complexity is worth it.
My recommendation
Start with CPH & Associates. Their pricing is reasonable, their customer service is responsive, and their newsletters are genuinely useful for staying current on practice issues. You can always reassess at renewal.