Keeping records too briefly can break the rules, and keeping them forever creates risk. The right period depends on where you practice.
Find your requirements
Check your state licensing board, your professional association and any insurer contracts. Rules often differ for adults and for minors, and some are tied to the client reaching adulthood.
Create a schedule
Write a simple retention schedule that lists each type of record, how long it is kept and when it will be destroyed.
Dispose of records safely
Use secure shredding for paper and proper deletion for electronic files, and keep a log of what was destroyed and when.
Have a plan for your records if you close or retire.