Counseling License Requirements in Texas
- Licensure Requirements
- How Long Does it Take?
- Out-of-State Licensing
- Licensing Renewal
- Salary Expectations
- Professional Organizations
- FAQ
There has never been a better time to become a licensed counselor in Texas. The demand for mental health professionals of all kinds, including counselors, should continue to outpace supply through at least 2036. Explore this overview of the different types of Texas counseling licenses, education and application requirements, and relevant information about entering the field.
Texas Counselor Licensure Requirements
Texas offers several types of counseling licenses. If you plan to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), you must meet all requirements established by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC).
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers the application process for licensed school counselors in the state. Each license type has different regulations, but most pathways to a career in counseling require a master’s degree and supervised experience.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Texas counseling licensure requirements for licensed professional counselors include:
- Complete at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited program that includes 300 supervised practicum hours with a minimum of 100 direct contact hours.
- Pass the National Counseling exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
- Pass the Texas Jurisprudence exam.
- Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Submit the application and supporting documents via the TBHEC online system.
Once approved as an LPC-associate, you may advance to an LPC by fulfilling these requirements:
- Complete 3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate experience conducted over 18 months, including 1,500 hours of direct client counseling contact.
- Provide your board-approved supervisor with a completed Supervised Experience Documentation form to approve and submit to the TBHEC.
- Submit an application for upgrade along with supporting documents through the TBHEC online system.
The LPC-associate is a temporary license that allows you to begin accumulating the supervised clinical experience required for full licensure as an LPC. The scope of practice for LPCs does not include the authority to prescribe medication. Only licensed medical professionals, such as psychiatrists, can prescribe medication.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Texas licensure requirements for marriage and family therapists include:
- Complete an accredited master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field.
- Pass the national licensing exam administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
- Pass the Texas Jurisprudence Exam.
- Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Submit the application and supporting documents through the TBHEC online system.
Once approved as an LMFT-associate in Texas, you may advance to an LMFT by fulfilling these requirements:
- Complete 3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate experience within 24-72 months, including 1,500 hours of supervised direct counseling practice.
- Provide your board-approved supervisor with a completed Supervised Experience Documentation form to approve and submit to the TBHEC.
- Submit an application for upgrade along with supporting documents through the BHEC online system.
The LMFT-associate license allows you to begin accumulating the supervised clinical experience required for full licensure as an LMFT. The scope of practice for LMFTs in Texas does not authorize them to prescribe medication or perform psychological testing to measure or diagnose mental illness.
School Counselor
Texas licensure requirements for school counselors include:
- Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), including a supervised internship in a school setting.
- Complete a master’s degree in counseling, school counseling, educational psychology or a related field from an accredited school recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
- Pass the TExES School Counselor Exam (#252).
- Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Submit the application and supporting documentation through the TEA online system.
All school counselor candidates must complete an EPP in addition to a master’s degree. The EPP prepares teachers, school counselors, and other educational professionals for certification and provides the skills necessary to work in school environments.
As of September 2023, you no longer need two years of teaching experience to qualify for a school counselor license in Texas.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor in Texas?
The length of time needed to become a counselor in Texas depends on many factors, including desired license type and how long you need to complete clinical experience and exam preparation. The pathway to licensure can take eight or more years.
LPC and LMFT licenses both require a master’s degree, which typically takes two years to finish, followed by 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised experience. If you are pursuing the Texas school counselor certification, you need to complete a master’s degree and an approved EPP, which can take 1-2 more years if not included in your undergraduate training.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Texas
Because Texas does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, it is important for out-of-state applicants to check the TBHEC or TEA website for current regulations.
Licensed counselors may apply for the LPC-associate provisional license to practice in Texas while their full license application is reviewed. LMFTs must meet or exceed the requirements for Texas licensure with no record of disciplinary action.
School counselors who do not meet state regulations may have to complete additional coursework or pursue alternative credentialing requirements before they can practice in Texas.
How to Renew a Counseling License in Texas
If you are a counselor in Texas, you must maintain your license according to regulations established by the state licensing board issuing your credential. Requirements differ for each type of license.
LPCs and LMFTs renew their license every two years. All licensees must complete human trafficking prevention training approved by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. LPCs must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education during each period; LMFTs must complete 30 hours. For both licenses, at least six CE hours must be in ethics, and three in cultural diversity and competency.
School counselors must renew their certification through the TEA every five years. Renewal requires the accumulation of 200 CE hours during each period.
Salary Expectations for Counselors in Texas
Compensation for counselors in Texas varies by specialization and other factors, such as location, employer, and years of experience. Educational, guidance, and career counselors — including school counselors — earn the highest average counseling salaries in Texas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Counseling salaries in Texas generally align with nationwide averages. Texas marriage and family therapists see the starkest difference, with an average state salary of $61,780, compared to the national average salary of $68,730.
The employment outlook for counselors in Texas is promising. The BLS projects employment for substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Texas to grow by 27% between 2023 and 2033, compared to 19% nationwide.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $30.66 | $63,770 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $29.70 | $61,780 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $24.02 | $49,950 |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $26.82 | $55,780 |
| Counselors, All Other | $23.07 | $47,980 |
Professional Organizations for Counselors in Texas
Texas Counseling Association
TCA, the largest state branch of the American Counseling Association, promotes the counseling profession in Texas and represents both licensed professional counselors and school counselors. Members benefit from legal consultation services, professional development and continuing education events, and a subscription to the Journal of Professional Counseling.
Texas Mental Health Counselors Association
This division of the Texas Counseling Association advances the profession of mental health counseling in Texas by promoting advocacy, education, ethical standards, and professional development. TMHCA offers its members benefits, such as newsletters, continuing education seminars, and malpractice insurance. TMHCA also maintains a website of mental health resources for the general public.
Texas School Counselor Association
TSCA addresses the needs of professional school counselors and promotes comprehensive school guidance and counseling programs throughout the state. As one of twelve sections of the Texas Counseling Association, TSCA provides professional development, publications, and other resources for school counselors and awards scholarships to students preparing to enter the field.
Lone Star State School Counselor Association
LSSSCA is the recognized state affiliate of the American School Counselor Association in Texas. The association provides several resources to support school counselors, including the SCUTA technology platform, designed specifically to help school counselors and school counseling programs develop data-driven, evidence-based programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Licensure
No, you cannot engage in counseling activities in Texas without a state-issued license. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors administers the application and renewal process. You cannot work in an educational setting as a school counselor without obtaining certification through the Texas Education Agency. Licensure ensures that counselors are trained and competent.
