Requirements to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas

Educational Requirements
To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, you must earn a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution. The program must include 60 semester hours of coursework in areas such as counseling theory, ethics, human development, and assessment. I studied at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), which offers a CACREP-accredited program, and those 60 credit hours felt like an eternity!

Exams
You must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or an equivalent exam approved by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. This is one of the most difficult exams I’ve ever taken. To be honest, my husband had to take the wheel because it’s such a long exam that you start questioning everything! Haha!

Additionally, you must pass the Texas Jurisprudence Exam, which tests your knowledge of Texas laws and regulations related to professional counseling.

Application Process
The next step is to submit an application to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, which includes proof of your education, supervised experience, and exam results. You must also complete a criminal background check. Be prepared to pay any required application and licensing fees.

Supervised Experience
You are required to complete 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience after graduation. This must be under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or another approved mental health professional. Of these 3,000 hours, at least 1,500 hours must be direct client contact. I had the honor and privilege of receiving supervision from a licensed psychologist, who empowered me and took me under her wing. It’s easier said than done. I remember starting my master's program in 2016 and not receiving my full license until 2023.

Continuing Education
Once you obtain your LPC license, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 6 hours of ethics and 3 hours of diversity/cultural competency to maintain your license. This is an essential part of the ongoing professional development and quality of service. More information can be found on the Texas Health and Human Services Continuing Education page.

Important Note
While these are the key requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, there may be additional requirements or updates. It’s important to consult the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors for the most current and comprehensive information.

Counseling is an essential profession that requires extensive education, rigorous training, and unwavering dedication, often accompanied by a significant financial investment. My preparation and commitment underscore the critical role I play and the profound impact I have on each client's life. It is clear to me how vital it is to advocate for the recognition and value that counselors provide to individuals and communities. Just like fields such as medicine or law, counseling requires specialized skills and experience. Although we may not always receive equivalent compensation, I find immense satisfaction in my work and in serving my community. This profession, though often underestimated, is as essential and deserving of respect as any other.

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