How to become a Counselor in Texas

Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Texas. Most of these requirements, such as earning your Master’s degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling examination, are likely to continue to be mandatory in the Texas counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors at (512) 834-6658 to make sure you are on the right track.

I’m a High School Graduate

Becoming a successful and helpful counselor often depends on the counselor’s level of motivation. It takes time and energy to develop an appropriate knowledge base and the ability to apply one’s knowledge to help each individual client with techniques specific to each case.

As a high school graduate already researching Texas counseling certification requirements, you are displaying early signs of great motivation. Hold on to that motivation and frequently revisit the reasons that are drawing you toward a profession in counseling.

In the meantime, you should be advancing your education. Texas counseling certification requirements state all applicants must possess at least a master’s level of education. You can either begin with enrolling in an associate’s degree program or enroll immediately in a four year bachelor’s degree program.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering psychology and counseling degree programs!

Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school’s career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.

Already Received Bachelor’s Degree

Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you can start looking for schools that offer a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling. Request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in Texas to get started.

Make sure the schools you contact provide the appropriate experience requirements for Texas counseling licensure. Information regarding supervision requirements can be found on the following Texas Administrative Code webpage.

Step One:

Complete 3000 hours of supervised professional experience. At least 1500 of these hours should be in direct client contact. More information and supervisor qualifications can be found on the following Texas Administrative Code webpage.

Step Two:

Before applying for licensure, pass the National Counselor Examination and the state administered Jurisprudence Exam. Information about the national exam and registration can be found on the NBCC website.

You can begin taking your Texas State Board Jurisprudence Examination by clicking here, or contact the Texas State Board for more information about the exam (click here for contact information).

Step Three:

Now, you can submit an application to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Along with the application, include a practicum documentation form, a supervisory agreement form, any additionally required documents, transcripts sent directly from your educational institution to the Texas Board of Examiners, and required application fees. Also make sure your final exam scores were sent directly to the Texas Board.

You can download the application and instructions for all the additionally necessary materials by clicking here.

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