Basic Requirement
The professional disclosure statement (PDS) is a document that an LPC, LMFT, or registered associate gives to each client that provides information about the licensee/registered associate and their practice.
Who must have a PDS?
- Every applicant for licensure must submit a PDS as part of his or her application.
- Every LPC, LMFT, and registered associate practicing in Oregon must have, maintain and distribute a PDS unless granted a waiver from the Board.
- The Board must approve all PDSs.
PDS Content
- Name, business address and telephone number (place or places of practice);
- Philosophy and approach, including codes of ethics followed and list of the Client Bill of Rights;
- Formal education and training, including name of highest degree, school, and major coursework;
- Continuing education requirements (licensees only);
- Supervision requirements and registered associate status, including name of supervisor (registered associates only);
- Fee schedule a dollar amount or dollar range;
- Name, address, phone number, email, and website address of the Board; and
- A statement that additional information about licensee or registered associate is available on the Board's website.
Please refer to OAR 833-075-0050 (Licensees) or OAR 833-050-0031 (Registered Associates).
Sample PDS Documents
PDS Distribution
- To the Board office for approval. Upload the document via the Licensee Portal (or for new applicants, the initial PDS is submitted via the Applicant Portal). Click here for more information about the portals.
- To all clients at the onset of counseling or therapy, prior to the actual performance or provision of service. This may mean presentation to parent, legal guardian, or an agency or custodial institution, or a supervisee.
- No PDS is required of those who have been granted a good cause waiver by the Board.
PDS Waiver Request Form
Questions & Answers
Q: I’m not in private practice, do I need to hand out disclosure statements?
A: Yes. If you are licensed and you are practicing, it’s a condition of licensure.
Q: Is it OK to use a PO Box as my business address?
A: Yes.
Q: I’m also licensed as an LCSW, psychologist, etc... and I practice under that license, do I need to be handing out a PDS?
A: Yes, if what you do falls within the definition of "professional counseling" or "marriage & family therapy".
Q: I’m on inactive status and practicing in another state. Do I need a PDS?
A: No, there is an exception to the PDS requirement for those on inactive status or not practicing in Oregon. You must still notify the Board of your practice.
Q: My agency does not want me to hand out my PDS. What should I do?
A: Send the Board a waiver request for a suggested format, content, or distribution requirement, or work with your agency to find a format that is acceptable to all (the agency, you, and the Board).
Q: Do I address the PDS to the Board?
A: No. These should be written for or to your client. Keep them simple and easy to understand.
Q: What should I do if some of the information on my PDS has changed?
A: You must revise the PDS appropriately and submit it to the Board for approval. Registered associates and licensees must upload their PDS via the
Licensee Portal.
Q: I have more than one practice, should I have more than one PDS?
A: No, they can be combined so both addresses, phone numbers, and fee schedules or differing information show on the one PDS. If your practices are separate or an employer objects to clients receiving information on your other practice, then you might want to consider separate PDSs.
Q: Should I have them printed before I send it for approval?
A: It might be better to start with photocopies and wait to see that no changes are required for approval.