How do I get my LPC in Texas? Dr. Tara Fox Talks to Counseling Graduate Students

As counseling graduate students near the end of their program, they often wonder, “How do I get my LPC in Texas?” Whether you are a student, clinical supervisor, or simply an interested professional, you need this information. My guest Dr. Tara Fox is Assistant Professor, Program Coordinator, and Graduate Coordinator within the Clinical Mental Health graduate program at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX. Follow along with my interview with Dr. Fox as she explains the information counseling graduate students need to start the process to become LPCs in Texas.

TCCBB #26 How do I get my LPC in Texas? Dr. Tara Fox Talks to Counseling Graduate Students

How do I get my LPC in Texas?

In order to be a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas you must get your LPC Associate license and spend at least 18 months accruing 3000 direct hours under clinical supervision.

How do you get a LPC Associate license? Here are a few of the important steps Dr. Fox discusses in her interview:

• Graduate with a master’s degree in counseling (or a related field) from an accredited institution. 
• Pass the NCE (National Counselor Exam), or the CMHCE (Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam) which are the acceptable licensure exams in Texas.  
• Get fingerprinted 
• Complete a background check 
• Have a signed supervisor agreement
• Pass the jurisprudence exam
• Complete and sign the application (the application must include signed internship paperwork from your graduate program)
• Submit your application and include your fee

I passed the NCE/CMHCE now what?

Once you pass the NCE or the CMHE your next step is to look for potential supervisors. Set up interviews with supervisors proficient in the area you want to focus on, and ask them about supervision. It's important to know how they conduct supervision and what they look for in LPC Associates.

What are clinical supervisors looking for?

That depends on the supervisor. For that reason, you must do your part by making sure you have good references from your professors. Your potential supervisor will probably want to see those. Likewise, ask to see your potential supervisor's contract and have a frank discussion about expectations both for you AND for them. Pay close attention to scheduling, extra training, and limits on telehealth.

Can I take the NCE before I graduate?

Yes. A private company operates the National Counseling Exam so it's important that you understand the rules regarding taking that test. Equally important is to talk with your professors. The NCE is an exam designed to measure cumulative knowledge gained in a master's-level counseling program. How many times do you want to purchase a testing opportunity if you are not prepared?

LPC-Associate Licensure Application Checklist

Information changes constantly. Don't feel bad if your graduate program didn't have all the answers! I'm so happy Dr Fox shared her wisdom and advice. You can grab the resources she provided here. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council has a page dedicated to helping you understand everything you'll need to successfully apply for your initial license. Click the guide below to learn how to find the RIGHT clinical supervisor. You're on your way to becoming a fully licensed LPC in Texas!

Blog post by Dr. Kate Walker Ph.D., LPC/LMFT Supervisor