Over 58,900 individuals are employed across a range of counseling careers in the Lone Star State, with growth projected through 2034 across every counseling occupation.1-6 If you are interested in pursuing a career as a professional counselor in Texas, there are several types of licensure available depending on your interests. The counseling licensure process in Texas typically includes a probationary internship stage followed by full licensure, as with the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) designation. Many opportunities are open to those capable of completing these rigorous requirements. Keep reading to learn more about how to earn a Texas counseling license.

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How to Become a Counselor in Texas

In Texas, professional counselors are required to be licensed in order to practice. To start your career as a counselor, you must fulfill academic requirements, including graduate-level study and a supervised practicum. There are a wide variety of Texas counseling schools from which to choose in order to meet this requirement. In most cases, you will then need to apply for a temporary or probationary license before you are able to complete the final requirements for full licensure. If you already hold a license in another state and are looking to practice in Texas, visit our Counseling License Reciprocity Guide.

1. Decide which area of counseling to pursue.

Counseling is a broad field and can involve working with different individuals, families, or groups. First, you should decide what populations or issues you would like to work with, as this can impact the education and training you will need to earn licensure.

2. Earn the degree(s) required for your counseling practice area.

Each type of licensure has different requirements, so it is important to research the requirements beforehand. Most pathways to professional counseling licensure in Texas require at least a master’s degree. If you are seeking to become an LPC or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), you must complete an advanced degree in a counseling-related field, whereas if you are a prospective school counselor, you must complete a master’s degree approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Licensure as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) only requires an associate’s degree, although the clinical internship requirements are longer for this type of licensure, and a related 48-hour master’s or doctoral degree can waive the supervised work requirement.

3. Get licensed to practice counseling in Texas.

When you are close to completing the necessary education, you can apply to take any required exams and send your file for licensure review. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors oversees LPC licensure, while the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (the Board) oversees the licensure of LMFTs. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is responsible for LCDC licensure, and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is responsible for certifying school counselors. With the exception of school counselor certification, you will need to complete further clinical training with approved supervision before you can finally submit your completed application for full counselor licensure in Texas.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensing Process

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (the Board), which is part of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, oversees the licensure process of professional counselors. In Texas, Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) are trained to assess individuals, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and consult or make referrals on a variety of mental health and therapeutic issues.

To become a professional counselor in Texas, you must complete either a counseling-related master’s degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The degree must comprise at least 60 credit hours of study (if begun on or after August 2017) and cover a specific range of topics, including normal and abnormal human behavior, assessment, and counseling theory. You must also complete at least 300 hours of supervised practicum with individuals or families with a minimum of 100 direct contact hours.

To learn more about a career in professional counseling, read our mental health counselor career guide. The best and most affordable programs in the state that prepare graduates to become LPCs are featured on our mental health counseling programs in Texas page. In addition to obtaining a qualifying degree, applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Pass the required exams.

You must pass either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) before applying for licensure. The Texas Jurisprudence Examination must be passed no more than six months before you submit your application. Study resources are available online through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) for both exams, including the NCE Handbook. The Texas Jurisprudence Exam tests your knowledge of ethical and legal issues related to counseling.

2. Complete the required security check.

A self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) is required. This report identifies any disciplinary actions taken against the applicant. Either a certified report sent by email or a sealed mailed copy is accepted.

3. Submit an application as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC Associate).

Temporary licensure will enable you to complete the final training necessary to become a competent professional in your chosen field. You will be able to apply for LPC Associate status once your graduate degree is complete and you have a signed supervisory agreement with an approved supervisor. Applications must be completed through the online licensing system. Current application fees are listed on the BHEC fee schedule. The LPC Associate license is non-renewable and expires in 60 months. Candidates who do not finish within the 60 months must reapply for licensure.

4. Complete a fingerprint check and receive your LPC Associate license.

Once you have submitted your LPC Associate license application online, you will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the required fingerprint and criminal record checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Once these checks have been received, your license application will be approved.

5. Accrue supervised experience.

Individuals granted an LPC Associate license must then complete 3,000 hours of supervised counseling internship. At least 1,500 hours must be spent in direct contact with clients. The internship must take at least 18 months to complete but must be completed within 60 months before the LPC Associate license expires.

6. Apply for LPC licensure and receive your license.

Once you have completed your internship hours, you can apply online to upgrade your license from LPC Associate to LPC. There is no additional fee, as the upgrade fee is included in the LPC Associate application. You will need to upload your supervised experience verification form(s), unless your supervisor submitted them through the online system, and a Texas Jurisprudence Exam certificate dated within the last six months. You may only start practicing independently once you receive your new license.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensure by Reciprocity in Texas

Texas does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, and it does not offer a provisional or temporary LPC license. Counselors licensed in another state must meet the same requirements as all other applicants, including passing the Texas Jurisprudence Exam. Applicants must also have a Verification of Licensure form completed by each state where they hold or have held a license. Current processing fees are listed on the BHEC fee schedule. You must submit your transcripts, exam results, supervised experience documentation form, and other supporting documents for review. The Board provides a checklist to help you ensure your application is complete.

Counselor License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

LPC licensure must be renewed every two years in Texas and can be completed through the online portal. Licensees are mailed a reminder at least 30 days prior to expiry. During every two-year period, LPCs must complete 24 hours of continuing education, including six hours in ethics and three hours in serving distinct populations. Board-approved supervisors must complete a further six hours in supervision. Current requirements are listed on the Board’s renewal page. The Texas Jurisprudence Exam must be passed each renewal period and may be counted as one hour of ethics training. Proof of completion of these requirements must be kept by licensees in the event of a randomized CE hours audit. Current renewal fees are listed on the BHEC fee schedule.

The Counseling Compact in Texas

The Counseling Compact allows counselors licensed in one member state to practice in other member states without applying for a separate license in each. It began issuing privileges to practice in late 2025. Most US states have now enacted it, though not all are issuing privileges yet.6

Texas is not a member. Legislation to join has been introduced in successive sessions and has not passed. For counselors licensed elsewhere, this means a Compact privilege does not authorize practice in Texas, and for Texas licensees it means a Texas license does not carry Compact privileges into member states. Counselors moving to Texas should apply through the Board’s out-of-state route instead, described above. Check the Counseling Compact member state map for current membership before relying on a privilege.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Licensing Process

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) have a wide scope of practice in Texas and can provide a diverse range of individual, couple, and group therapies to help clients manage and maintain relationships with others. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (the Board) issues licenses for both Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associates (LMFT Associates). Associate licensure is issued first and allows candidates to fulfill the requirements for full licensure that have not yet been met. For both types of licensure, a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy or closely related mental health field comprising at least 60 semester hours and with coursework in specific areas is required. The LMFT licensure process requires candidates to:

  1. Pass the Texas Jurisprudence Exam.
  2. Pass the Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) National Examination from the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) or the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Exam.
  3. Apply to the Board for an MFT Associate license.
  4. Complete fingerprint checks and receive your license.
  5. Complete two years of experience in MFT, including at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice (of which at least 1,500 hours must be direct client contact including 500 hours with couples and families) and 200 hours of supervision by a Board-approved supervisor.
  6. Request to upgrade your license and receive your LMFT license in approximately six weeks.

For more information about LMFT careers, see the LMFT career guide.

School Counselor Licensing Process

Unlike other types of counseling in Texas, school counseling falls under the Student Services Certificate umbrella. The credential is the School Counselor: Early Childhood-Grade 12 certificate, issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) under standards set by the State Board for Educator Certification. Candidates must hold at least a 48-hour master’s degree in counseling from an accredited institution and complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) in school counseling. In Texas, school counselors help students with academic concerns, such as academic progress and improvement, as well as personal concerns, such as behavioral issues and mental health needs. To become a school counselor in Texas, follow these steps:

  1. Complete an approved school counselor preparation program.
  2. Pass the TExES School Counselor EC-12 (252) examination.
  3. Apply for certification through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) online.
  4. Receive your school counseling certificate.

Classroom teaching experience is no longer required. Texas removed the two-year classroom teaching requirement for school counselor certification in 2023.

The standard certificate is renewed every five years, and school counselors must complete 200 continuing professional education hours per renewal period. At least a quarter of those hours must cover graduation planning, dropout prevention, college and career advising, mental health and substance use, and the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs. Current requirements are listed on the TEA certificate renewal page.

To learn more about the path to becoming a school counselor, visit our school counseling career guide.

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) Licensing Process

In Texas, counselors specifically trained to address substance abuse issues are licensed as Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDCs) through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). You must first register as a Counselor Intern to work towards full licensure. Current fees are listed on the HHSC registration page. Although only a high school diploma or equivalent is required to register as a Counselor Intern, you will need to complete at least an associate’s degree and a significant clinical internship to earn full licensure. Supervised work experience may be waived for applicants with a graduate-level degree in a counseling-related field. As an LCDC, you will be able to work with people who have a substance use disorder to help them address the impact of substance use in their daily lives, but more complex cases may need to be referred to other types of counseling professionals. To become an LCDC:

  1. Complete 270 classroom hours of chemical dependency coursework and 300 hours of supervised practicum, or an approved degree.
  2. Apply to HHSC to register as a Counselor Intern and receive approval.
  3. Complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, if not already completed, and a 4,000-hour internship under the supervision of an approved supervisor.
  4. Pass the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Examination, administered in Texas by the Texas Certification Board (TCB).
  5. Submit the application, current fee, and two letters of reference from other LCDCs.
  6. Receive your LCDC license.

Optional Substance Abuse Counseling Credentials Offered in Texas

In addition to administering the LCDC exam, the Texas Certification Board (TCB) offers optional credentials for substance abuse counseling professionals. Optional credentials can help you gain skills in different areas that can be added to your resume. These certifications may help you stand out while job searching but are not required to practice in the state.

  • Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC)
  • Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)
  • Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS)

More information about substance abuse counseling careers can be found in our substance abuse counseling career guide.

Other Professional Counseling Careers

The roles below follow more varied pathways. Some are not licensed as counselors in every state, and credentials can differ by employer, setting, or specialty, so we don’t present a single set of steps here. Examples of other counseling career pathways include:

  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Gambling Counselor
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Youth Counselor
  • Guidance Counselor
  • Pastoral Counselor
  • Recreational Therapist

Texas Counseling Career and Salary Information

There are 58,900 counselors working in Texas, with over half employed as educational, guidance, and career counselors (31,730), making Texas the second-highest-ranked state in this category for the total number of people employed.1-5 Two Texas metropolitan areas rank in the top 10 nationally for employment in this category: Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ranks fifth (7,980), and Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands ranks ninth (6,480).3 Educational, guidance, and career counselors also report the highest annual mean salary ($69,940) among the counseling occupations in Texas.3 Texas ranks fifth in the nation for employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (21,400) and second for counselors, all other (2,550).1,5

Job prospects for counselors in Texas are good, as every counseling occupation in the state is projected to grow faster than its national average through 2034.7 Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are projected to see both the largest percentage growth (24.7%) and the largest total growth (5,040 new positions), with 2,270 average annual openings.7 Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors follow with 4,780 new positions and 3,380 average annual openings.7 Marriage and family therapists are projected to grow 22.4%, counselors, all other 20.2%, and rehabilitation counselors 10.4%.7

OccupationNumber Employed1-5Average Annual Salary1-5US Average Annual Salary1-5
Counselors, All Other2,550$55,250$58,210
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors31,730$69,940$71,430
Marriage and Family Therapists1,380$59,350$76,960
Rehabilitation Counselors1,840$51,980$51,820
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors21,400$65,180$64,440

See Table Notes at bottom of page.

Counseling Associations in Texas

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas?

The time required to earn licensure depends on many factors, including your educational background and how quickly you complete the mandatory clinical training. Typically, you will need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree, at least one to two years of graduate study, and 18 months of clinical internship. You should also consider any breaks in your degree plan, exam study preparation, and application processing times, which may vary.

Do I need to complete a degree at an approved program or school to work as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas?

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors does not provide a list of approved programs or schools for LPC licensure. Any program will be considered if it is counseling-related and includes a minimum of 60 credit hours. It must also include 300 hours of supervised practicum and course content from 10 core areas, such as human behaviors and professional development.

Who can supervise my internship hours while I am an LPC Associate?

Supervisors must be Board-approved to supervise an LPC Associate. In order to apply for Board approval, the individual must maintain LPC licensure in good standing for at least five years and then complete a 40-hour training course on supervision. Current fees are listed on the BHEC fee schedule.

Can I work as a school counselor if I don’t have an education degree?

Prospective school counselors must complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and a master’s degree. Admission requirements for EPPs and master’s degree programs vary and you may not need to complete an education-focused degree if all other requirements are met. Classroom teaching experience is not required; Texas removed the two-year teaching requirement under Senate Bill 798, effective September 1, 2023.

Where can I complete my LCDC internship once I am approved as a Counselor Intern?

You may choose to complete your internship in a number of different settings, including a hospital, detoxification facility, or community mental health center. Regardless of the type of setting, the organization must be authorized as a Clinical Training Institute (CTI) by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The process of becoming an approved CTI is rigorous to ensure the internship meets professional standards.

What is the average salary range for counselors in Texas?

Average salaries can vary based on the type of counselor and the geographic area. At the statewide level, the average salary for counselors ranges between $51,980 for rehabilitation counselors and $69,940 for educational, guidance, and career counselors.3,4

What is the typical school counselor salary in Texas?

School counselors are included in the educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors category by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which reports an annual mean salary of $69,940.3 This is above the average annual salary in Texas across all occupations ($65,750) and slightly below the national average for the educational, guidance, and career counselors category ($71,430).3

Table Notes:
Employment and wage figures are BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics estimates for May 2025. Projections are Projections Central long-term projections for 2024-2034. Base-year employment in the projections series is produced by a different program than the BLS wage survey and is not directly comparable to the employment column above.

References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oessrcst.htm
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Marriage and Family Therapists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oessrcst.htm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oessrcst.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Rehabilitation Counselors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oessrcst.htm
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Counselors, All Other: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oessrcst.htm
6. Counseling Compact, member states and privilege status: https://counselingcompact.gov/
7. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections, 2024-2034: https://projectionscentral.org/longterm