How to Get an LPC in Texas

Obtaining Licensed Professional Counselor certification in Texas is essential for professional practitioners throughout the state. The LPC certifies that you meet Texas state requirements for professional practice and that your skills fit the general obligations for meeting national standards. The Texas Department of State Health Services remains your go-to institution for questions, concerns and guidance on this matter. Remain in contact with the TDSHS during your LPC certification to ensure an expedited and successful process.

Things You'll Need

• Master's or doctoral degree in counseling or related field
• Academic transcripts
• National Counselor Exam certification
• Texas Jurisprudence Exam certification
• LPC Intern license

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Instructions

• 1

  Obtain a master's degree or doctorate in counseling, psychiatry, psychology or other counseling-related area of study. Take classes in human growth and development, abnormal psychology, psychological appraisal; counseling theories; sociology and anthropology; death and dying; and professional conduct. Prove you undertook a supervised practicum in your graduate or postgraduate program with at least 100 hours of direct counselor-to-patient experience. Skip to Step 4 if you are already licensed in another state and applying for an LPC in Texas.

• 2

  Take and pass the National Counselor Exam and the Texas Jurisprudence Exam. Supply copies of your academic transcripts to Texas Licensure Examination Registration and National Board for Certified Counselors administrators, proving your degree prior to scheduling an exam. Contact the TDSHS for up-to-date details and Veteran's fee reimbursement information on both exams at Texas Department of State Health Services, Mail Code 1982, P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347 or 512-834-6658.

• 3

  Get an LPC Intern or Temporary license with the TDSHS. Contact the TDSHS about current licensing fees and application processes. Set up a supervised internship program with the TDSHS. Obtain 3,000 internship hours, with a minimum of 1,500 direct counselor-to-client hours, over at least an 18-month period.

• 4

  Complete the TDSHS provisional license application. Contact the TDSHS or the National Credentials Registry if you currently practice in another state to submit your current licensing file to proper TDSHS authorities. Submit copies of both your National Counselor Examination certification and official academic transcripts as well. Include two separate fees -- the $98 processing and $106 licensure fees -- via certified checks or money orders payable to the TDSHS.