Counselor Certification in Texas

An increased demand for mental health counselors in Texas will create more than 1,000 new jobs in the state from 2008 through 2018, predicts the Texas Workforce Commission. Prior to working in counseling in Texas, prospective counselors must obtain professional certification. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors is responsible for the counselor licensing program in Texas.

Education

Candidates for counselor licensing in Texas must hold a minimum of a master's or doctorate degree in a field related to counseling. Twenty-six colleges and universities in Texas offer degree programs in counseling, according to the "College Board's 2011 Book of Majors." Prospective counselors can also gain a degree in social work, clinical psychology and marriage and family therapy. As part of their degree programs, candidates for counselor licensing in Texas must take courses in human growth and development, abnormal behavior, assessments, research, family issues and counseling theories and methods.

Internship

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors requires all prospective counselors to participate in an internship. Typically, students complete this internship during the course of their graduate education. The internship must include a minimum of 100 hours of direct patient contact. The entire internship must consist of at least 300 hours of practical work, including the patient contact hours. To qualify for licensing, the internship must appear on an official academic transcript.

Examinations

After completing the necessary education and internship, prospective counselors in Texas must pass two examinations. The first test is the Texas Jurisprudence examination. This test focuses on Texas laws that govern the practice of counseling. Candidates take the examination online from a computer at their home or office. The second test is the National Counselor Examination, offered through the National Board for Certified Counselors. The test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and is taken using a computer at an NBCC-approved testing facility.

Experience

Candidates who pass the necessary examinations must apply for a temporary counseling license through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. An application for the temporary license is available on the board's website. Once candidates receive this temporary license, they must complete a supervised work experience, during which they provide direct counseling to clients. A minimum of 3,000 hours is necessary for the work experience; half of these hours must come from direct patient care. The work experience must last at least 18 months. After completing the experience, candidates apply to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors for their full counseling license.

References

• "College Board's 2011 Book of Majors, 5th edition"; 2010
• Texas Workforce Commission: Long-term Occupational Projections
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors: Licensing Requirements
• National Board for Certified Counselors: The National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification