To obtain a license as a licensed professional counselor in Texas, you must complete a graduate-level program, which is typically at the master’s or doctoral level, with coursework focusing on counseling theory and skills.
Counseling-related fields can be of immense help to people who are struggling with mental health issues. Counselors and therapists work with a variety of people, including children and adolescents, adults, couples and/or families.
Decide which area of LPC counseling to pursue.
LPC counselors have a wide variety of options for their career. They can choose to work in different settings, with different populations, and with different approaches to counseling.
The first step is to decide which area of LPC counseling you would like to pursue. Some people might know from the beginning what they want to do and others might need time to explore the options before making a decision.
There are many factors that can influence your decision about what type of LPC counselor you want to be. For instance, some people prefer working in schools or hospitals because they enjoy interacting with children or patients on a regular basis. Others may prefer private practice because they like having more control over their schedule and being able to work independently.
Earn the degree required for your LPC counseling practice area.
The LPC counseling degree programs are designed to prepare you for the profession of professional counseling. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad-based education that will allow you to practice in any of the five major practice areas.
Earn your degree required for your LPC counseling practice area with a graduate program from an accredited university.
Get licensed to practice counseling in Texas.
Texas Counseling Association (TCA) is a professional organization that promotes and protects the counseling profession. It provides resources for counselors and their clients, as well as for those who want to become counselors themselves.
In order to get a license, one must first complete a Master’s degree in Counseling or Social Work from an accredited university and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE). To be eligible for the exam, one must have completed at least 2 years of supervised experience in clinical settings or 3 years of supervised experience in school settings.
The TCA offers information on how one can go about getting licensed and what steps they need to take in order to do so.
How long does it take to get an Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas?
It takes about 18 months to get an LPC in Texas.
The process of getting licensed as a counselor in Texas is outlined on the Texas Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors website. The steps to getting a license are:
-Complete the required degree program
-Pass the Examination for Licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor
-Complete supervised clinical experience hours
-Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE)
-Pass the Jurisprudence Exam and submit an application for licensure.
How much do LPC make an hour in Texas?
The average annual salary for a LPC in Texas is $47,000.
