Jordan Fields built an impressive career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California, focusing on mental health therapy services. After years of working with clients, Jordan envisioned a more holistic approach by expanding into fitness coaching and personal training offered by her practice.

The idea was simple yet exceptional: to help her patients grow not only mentally, but physically and emotionally too. But this vision sparked a critical question: how to create an integrated practice as a licensed clinical social worker?

Keep reading to see how our team helped Jordan’s corporation stay compliant with state law and the Board of Behavioral Sciences while turning her holistic vision into reality.

What Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Corporation: It’s Legal Scope and Limits

Licensed professionals in California, including clinical social workers, must operate under a professional corporation (PC). Unlike a general corporation, PCs are business entities are governed and regulated by:

• Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act, under the California Corporations Code (CORP)
• California Business and Professions Code (BPC), specifically BPC § 4998 – 4998.5
• Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

They set firm boundaries—formation to operation and maintaining compliance—on what an LCSW professional corporation in California may do. That includes a specific scope of what kinds of professional services it can provide.

Under BPC § 4998, a California LCSW corporation is authorized only to provide “professional services” that fall within the scope of practice of a licensed clinical social worker, such as psychotherapy, assessment, and case management.

If you’re also wondering how to create an integrated practice as a licensed clinical social worker, you need to understand how far you can expand into wellness while staying compliant.

What Count as ‘Professional Services’ for California LCSW Corporations?

BPC § 4996.9 specifies further the full spectrum of clinical and psychotherapeutic work an LCSW may perform, including, but not limited to:

• Psychotherapy and counseling of a nonmedical nature with individuals, families, or groups
• Clinical assessments; interpreting and addressing psychosocial aspects of a client’s life or environment
• Case management and treatment planning
• Community-based mental health services by providing information, referral, and social services

This distinction becomes important when exploring what is integrative social work or what is a holistic approach in social work.

Services That California LCSW Professional Corporations CANNOT Offer

Going by the legal definition of clinical social workers’ scope of practice, an LCSW corporation cannot offer services, such as:

• Yoga instruction, physical training, or massage therapy
• Nutritional or dietary counseling (unless separately licensed)
• Reiki, energy work, or wellness retreats
• Life or wellness coaching that’s non-clinical in nature

So even though Jordan’s goal was to deliver holistic treatment with services that complement therapy practice, they cannot be offered under the same structure. Doing so through an LCSW corporation violates BPC §4998.5 and may be deemed unprofessional conduct by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.

These limitations affect any LCSW hoping to operate or combine services within a therapist and wellness center model without breaking compliance.

Can LCSW Corporations in California Hire Wellness and Fitness Coaches?

You might be thinking, “Okay, I’m a licensed clinical social worker and cannot offer wellness and fitness services. But what if my corporation hires coaches to do that?”

You’re not alone. This is a common issue for LCSWs exploring how to set up a holistic therapy business or expand into alternative services.

Jordan’s initial plan included hiring both licensed therapists and fitness professionals to work under the same corporate umbrella. While it is generally permissible for an LCSW Corporation to employ or contract with other licensed therapists—provided they are appropriately supervised and licensed—employing non-licensed individuals such as personal trainers is problematic.

Bottom Line: That is still something an LCSW corporation cannot do. Remember, according to CORP § 13401, a professional corporation—as a business entity—can only render professional services within your licensed profession’s scope of practice.

Simply put, an LCSW professional corporation in California can only employ or contract with individuals who are licensed or certified to perform services within its professional scope.

Hiring a personal trainer, yoga instructor, or life coach directly under an LCSW corporation would be risking:

• Violating corporate practice restrictions by blurring professional boundaries
• Losing malpractice coverage for non-clinical activities
• Triggering financial or tax reporting complications
• Facing disciplinary action from the BBS (Board of Behavioral Sciences)

Who Can Work in an LCSW Professional Corporation in California?

According to CORP § 13405: “A professional corporation may lawfully render professional services in this state, but only through employees who are licensed persons.”

This, along with the legal definition of scope of practice, means that an LCSW corporation may hire or contract:

• LCSWs
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
• Licensed Psychologists
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs)

These professionals may legally collaborate within the same corporation, provided their work remains within clinical boundaries.

Dual-Entity Structure Solution: How to Create an Integrated Practice as an LCSW

We’ve made it clear with Jordan that offering wellness services and hiring coaches were simply not an option through her LCSW professional corporation. But that does not mean she can’t expand her business to provide holistic therapy and wellness services.

This is one of the only compliant paths for LCSWs who want to build a brand as a health and wellness therapist without risking their license.

Jordan’s case highlights a common challenge for mental health professionals looking to expand into holistic care. And the solution we came up with—to protect Jordan’s practice and corporate compliance—was to form two distinct legal business structures:

• LCSW professional corporation, where they will offer therapy, assessment, and clinical services.
• Form a separate LLC entity, where they will provide fitness coaching, group exercise, and non-clinical wellness services.

This dual-entity strategy offers key advantages:

• Legal Compliance: Each business operates strictly within its allowed scope.
• Risk Management: Liability is contained within the appropriate entity.
• Tax & Accounting Clarity: Each entity maintains its own income, expenses, and insurance.

Importance of Maintaining Clear Boundaries Between Business Entities

As integrative care grows, more professionals have started to explore what are alternative practices in social work—and how they can apply it within California’s legal structure.

To stay compliant and protect both sides of the business, we emphasized the need to:

• Maintain separate bank accounts, payrolls, and contracts.
• Provide distinct client agreements that specify which entity offers which service.
• Disclose both entities clearly on all websites, marketing materials, and invoices.

These boundaries protect both your clinical work and the wellness side of your business. It is especially important for any LCSW transitioning into a therapist and wellness center structure.

How to Ensure Naming, Branding, and DBA Compliance for LCSW Corporations

Jordan was essentially setting up two separate business entities. But the goal was to promote both the therapy and wellness services under a unified, consumer-friendly brand: Harmony Therapy and Wellness.

Branding is where many LCSWs unknowingly cross legal lines. But pursuing the brand you want while being compliant with state laws is possible.

Naming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Professional Corporation in CA

We made sure that the California naming rules for LCSW corporations were clear to Jordan. Additionally, we emphasized the legal option to use a fictitious name or a DBA (Doing Business As), which would allow for more creative branding.

BPC § 4998.2 lays out the licensed clinical social worker requirements for California professional corporations. The name must:

1. Contain the words “licensed clinical social worker”, and
2. Include a corporate designation (Inc., Corp., or Corporation).

The same statute allows LCSW corporations to use a fictitious name or DBA, but they are still required to comply with existing namestyle rules. Additionally, the name must not be false, misleading, or deceptive.

Creating a Unified Brand Legally for Therapy and Wellness Business Structures

In practice, what BPC § 4998.2 means is that any DBA used in connection with clinical or psychotherapy services must clearly indicate the entity’s professional status.

That means “Harmony Therapy and Wellness” alone would not meet statutory naming standards. A compliant form would be:

“Harmony Therapy and Wellness, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Corporation.”

In contrast the separate LLC that will provide wellness and fitness services (e.g., coaching, mindfulness workshops, or nutrition programs) is not subject to these naming restrictions. It can be registered with a DBA such as “Harmony Wellness Group” or “Harmony Wellness Services” for this entity.

This strategy allowed Jordan to promote these separate entities under a unified brand. But we also emphasized that transparency is key for both regulatory compliance and client trust. So it’s important to have clear disclaimers in place, for example:

“Therapy services are provided by Harmony Mental Health & Wellness, Inc., a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Corporation. Wellness services are provided by Harmony Wellness Group LLC.”

Both entities share a consistent visual identity, but all materials include disclaimers specifying which business provides which service. This protects clients and upholds professional integrity.

FAQs About LCSW Professional Corporations in California

Can a Licensed Clinical Social Worker own more than one business in California?

Yes. An LCSW can own both a professional corporation and a separate LLC or sole proprietorship, provided that each entity operates within its legal scope.

How to create an integrated practice as a licensed clinical social worker to provide holistic treatment?

California law prohibits LCSWs from practicing beyond their professional scope, which does not include wellness and fitness services. But you can establish a unified therapist and wellness center—without breaking the law—by creating two separate legal entities. 

You can practice as an LCSW through a professional corporation and form a separate LLC where non-clinical services will be provided.

What are the licensed clinical social worker requirements in California for forming a corporation?

You must hold an active LCSW license, file Articles of Incorporation that identify the entity as a “Licensed Clinical Social Worker Corporation,” and receive certification from the BBS confirming your professional status.

Read our guide on how to start an LCSW private practice in California.

Can I add ‘wellness’ or ‘therapy’ to my LCSW corporation’s name?

Yes, as long as the name is not misleading and includes the required phrase “licensed clinical social worker” plus a corporate designation.

What happens if I offer non-clinical services through my LCSW professional corporation?

You may be found in violation of California’s professional corporation laws. This could lead to disciplinary action, insurance issues, or loss of license. Always separate non-clinical services into their own entity. 

You can review California LCSW laws in the Board of Behavioral Sciences’ Statutes and Regulations publication (Jan 2025). 

Do I need a lawyer to form an LCSW professional corporation in California?

While not required, legal guidance is highly recommended. An attorney familiar with setting up professional corporations and filing correct names or DBAs can ensure compliance, draft bylaws, and advise on entity structure and branding. This helps you avoid risks and serious trouble from potential errors in the process.

Building Holistic LCSW Private Practice with Compliant Structure and Branding

Jordan Fields’ story shows that growth doesn’t have to mean compromise. By carefully structuring two legal entities — one for clinical therapy, one for wellness — she built a practice that honors both the letter of the law and the spirit of holistic care.

If you’re trying to understand how to create an integrated practice as a licensed clinical social worker, this proves the dual-entity model can be the most effective path forward. And our team will ensure your business structure and branding strategy are legally sound and built for growth.

Call Incorporation Attorney today at +1 (714) 634-4838 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation!

With thoughtful planning, you can expand your impact while protecting your license and offer clients the integrated support they need.