Licensure and Ethics for Texas Counselors,

Licensure and Ethics for Texas Counselors,

presentation

start

Index

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Counseling in the Workforce

• Summary

• Understanding the Role of the Board

• Section 4.1

• Section 1.1

• section 4.2

• How to Achieve Licensure/Certification in Texas

• Public Policy & Credentialing Impact

• Section 5.1

• Section 2.1

• Ethical Standards & Professional Organizations

• Texas Licensure Tiers

• Section 6.1

• Complaint Process & Common Violations

• Interactive Question

• Conclusions

• Section 3.1

• References

• Section 3.2

summary

This presentation outlines the licensure and ethical standards for professional counselors in Texas, providing a clear roadmap for aspiring LPCs and school counselors. It covers the role of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, the steps to achieve certification, tiered licensure levels, the complaint process, workforce statistics, public policy impacts, and key ethical guidelines. Designed to support clarity, structure, and faith-integrated professionalism, the slides offer both practical guidance and visual suggestions to enhance understanding and engagement. ---

01

Understanding the Role of the Board

Key Functions: LLicenses and regulates Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) to ensure they meet educational and ethical standards. Establishes qualifications for licensure, including education, supervised experience, and examination requirements. Investigates complaints against counselors and enforces disciplinary actions when violations occur. Protects public welfare by ensuring counselors practice ethically and competently. Provides public access to license verification and disciplinary history to promote transparency.

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The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors operates under the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC).

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02

How to Achieve Licensure/Certification in Texas

For School Counselors:

• Obtain a master’s degree from an approved educator preparation program focused on school counseling.
• Hold a valid Texas teaching certificate.
• Complete at least two years of classroom teaching experience.
• Pass the TExES School Counselor exam, which evaluates knowledge of counseling practices in educational settings.
• Apply through the Texas Education Agency (TEA), including fingerprinting and background check.

For LPCs:

• Earn a master’s degree in counseling or a related field with at least 60 graduate credit hours.
• Complete a 300-hour practicum, including a minimum of 100 hours of direct client contact.
• Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE), which assesses knowledge and skills in counseling.
• Accumulate 3,000 post-graduate supervised hours under a board-approved LPC-Supervisor.
• Submit an application through BHEC, including a background check and payment of required fees.
• Maintain licensure through continuing education, including ethics and cultural competency training

Texas Licensure Tiers:

Texas Licensure Tiers:LPC-Associate (formerly LPC-Intern): This is the initial licensure level for graduates who have completed their degree and passed the NCE. They must practice under supervision. LPC: Full licensure is granted after completing the required supervised hours and meeting all board requirements. LPCs can practice independently. LPC-S: This is a supervisor credential for experienced LPCs who wish to mentor LPC-Associates.

03

Complaint Process & Common Violations

Complaint Process & Common Violations

Complaint Handling by BHEC:

Common Violations:

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) manages complaints against licensed counselors, including the prioritization of serious violations and the steps involved in investigations. It also outlines common ethical breaches and the range of disciplinary actions that may be imposed.

Sanctions:

4. We are digital beings

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) manages complaints against licensed counselors, including the prioritization of serious violations and the steps involved in investigations. It also outlines common ethical breaches and the range of disciplinary actions that may be imposed.

• Breach of confidentiality, such as sharing client information without consent.

• Dual relationships, where a counselor has another relationship with a client that could impair objectivity.

• Sexual misconduct, including inappropriate behavior or relationships with clients.

• Substance abuse that affects professional performance.

• Misrepresentation of credentials, such as claiming unearned qualifications.

• Failure to maintain accurate and timely records.

Level 1: License revocation for severe violations. Level 2: Suspension of license. Level 3: Probated suspension, allowing continued practice under conditions. Level 4: Reprimand, a formal warning. Fines up to $5,000 per violation.

• Complaints are prioritized based on severity. For example, sexual misconduct is treated as a high-priority issue.

• Investigations may take six months or longer depending on complexity.

• Jurisdictional complaints (those within BHEC’s authority) proceed to enforcement; others are dismissed.

• Respondents are notified and given an opportunity to respond to allegations.

Complaint Handling by BHEC:

Common Violations:

Sanctions:

04

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Counseling in the Workforce

Mental Health Counselors (2023):

National and Texas-specific data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to help counselors understand employment trends, salary expectations, and areas of growth.

Employment: Approximately 449,800 professionals nationwide. Projected growth (2023–2033): 19%, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Median salary: Around $54,104 nationally.

Texas Snapshot:

Strong demand in outpatient centers, schools, and family services. Salary range: Approximately $46,000–$55,000 depending on setting and location. Urban areas such as Dallas, Houston, and Austin may offer higher compensation. Rural areas may have fewer opportunities but offer unique community-based roles.

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05

Public Policy & Credentialing Impact

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Public Policy Effects:

• Licensure portability and reciprocity challenges make it difficult to practice across state lines.

• Telehealth regulations are evolving, affecting how counselors deliver services remotely.

• Increased scrutiny on ethical violations has led to stricter enforcement and reporting requirements.

• Advocacy efforts aim to increase mental health funding and improve access to care. Legislative initiatives support the expansion of school-based mental health services.

Credentialing Considerations:

• National certification (e.g., National Certified Counselor or NCC) may support licensure portability.

• State-specific laws determine scope of practice and insurance reimbursement eligibility.

06

Ethical Standards & Professional Organizations

Key Bodies:

• NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors): Offers national certification and promotes ethical standards.

• ACA (American Counseling Association): Provides the ACA Code of Ethics and professional development resources.

• TCA (Texas Counseling Association): Supports counselors in Texas through advocacy, training, and networking.

Ethical Codes:

• Confidentiality: Protecting client information.

• Informed consent: Ensuring clients understand the counseling process.

• Cultural competence: Respecting diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• Avoiding harm and dual relationships: Maintaining professional boundaries.

• Record keeping and documentation: Keeping accurate and secure client records.

• Professional boundaries and self-care: Preventing burnout and maintaining ethical practice.

interactive question

Final Thoughts:

As a student preparing to enter the counseling profession, this presentation has helped me understand the essential components of licensure and ethics in Texas. Learning about the role of the board, the steps to certification, and the ethical standards that guide our work has deepened my appreciation for the responsibilities we carry as future counselors. I now feel more equipped to pursue licensure, advocate for ethical care, and serve diverse communities with compassion and integrity. The insights into public policy, workforce trends, and professional organizations have shown me how interconnected our field is with broader societal needs. This journey is not just about meeting requirements—it’s about becoming a counselor who leads with empathy, cultural humility, and a commitment to justice. I’m inspired to continue growing, learning, and preparing to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those I will serve.

Thank You!

Info

• Breach of confidentiality, such as sharing client information without consent.
• Dual relationships, where a counselor has another relationship with a client that could impair objectivity.
• Sexual misconduct, including inappropriate behavior or relationships with clients.
• Substance abuse that affects professional performance.
• Misrepresentation of credentials, such as claiming unearned qualifications.
• Failure to maintain accurate and timely records.

Level 1: License revocation for severe violations. Level 2: Suspension of license. Level 3: Probated suspension, allowing continued practice under conditions. Level 4: Reprimand, a formal warning. Fines up to $5,000 per violation.

We avoid being part of the content saturation in the digital world.

• Complaints are prioritized based on severity. For example, sexual misconduct is treated as a high-priority issue.
• Investigations may take six months or longer depending on complexity.
• Jurisdictional complaints (those within BHEC’s authority) proceed to enforcement; others are dismissed.
• Respondents are notified and given an opportunity to respond to allegations.

Additional Notes:

• LPC-Associates must have a supervision agreement filed with BHEC before beginning practice.
• LPC-Supervisors must complete a 40-hour training course and renew their supervisor status periodically.

Additional Insights:

• BLS data can inform career planning and specialization choices.
• Consider trends in telehealth, integrated care models, and the growing need for trauma-informed services.
• The demand for bilingual counselors is increasing, especially in diverse communities.
• School counselors are in high demand due to rising mental health needs among youth.
• Veterans and military families represent a growing population in need of specialized counseling services.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Mental health counselors. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/mental-health-counselors.htm
• National Board for Certified Counselors. (n.d.). Ethics. https://www.nbcc.org/Ethics
• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf
• Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. (n.d.). Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. https://bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-professional-counselors/
• Texas Education Agency. (n.d.). School counselor certification. https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/certification-types/school-counselor-certification
• • Neukrug, E., & Fawcett, R. C. (2015). The essentials of counseling ethics: A reflection on best practices. Journal of Counseling & Development, 93(3), 270–276. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12026

• • Borders, L. D., & Brown, L. L. (2020). Supervision for licensed professional counselors: Ethical and developmental considerations. The Clinical Supervisor, 39(1), 1–18.
• McMinn, M. R., & Campbell, C. D. (2007). Integrative psychotherapy: Toward a comprehensive Christian approach. InterVarsity Press. (Provides theological and clinical insights for spiritually sensitive counseling practice.)

• Texas Administrative Code. (2024). Title 22, Part 30 – Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Texas Secretary of State. https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=22&pt=30

• Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. (2024). Rules and regulations for licensed professional counselors. https://bhec.texas.gov/rules-and-laws/