Updated for 2025: This guide reflects the most current Texas LPC Supervisor requirements and best practices.
To meet Texas LPC supervisor requirements and become a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in Texas, you must hold your full LPC license for five years, complete a 40-hour supervisor training course within 90 days, and submit your application to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC).
For a full list of topics that a 40 hour LPC supervisor training course must teach in Texas, see my article here.
Once approved, your LPC-S designation renews with your license. For a complete step-by-step guide, check out my article: How to Become an LPC Supervisor in Texas.
But meeting the requirements is only the beginning. In this episode of Badass Therapists Building Practices That Thrive (Episode #59), I break down what it really means to navigate licensing boards, supervision challenges, and the sometimes messy reality of being a supervisor in Texas.
Badass Therapists Building Practices That Thrive #59 Texas LPC Supervisor Requirements Explained
The Reality of Licensing Boards and Texas LPC Supervisor Requirements
The first thing to understand is that the folks on the Texas LPC board are volunteers. They devote their time to reading extensive documents, attending meetings, and participating in subcommittees. Their commitment is what upholds the integrity of our licenses. Our license is more than a formal permission; it's a seal of professionalism, backed by a board, a set of rules, and a complaint process to protect the public. Unlike a mere certification, a license is a testament to your credibility and skill. And it is the duty of our licensing board to uphold the integrity of our licenses and ensure we remain committed to preserving the profession.
The rules review process is another aspect that's less intimidating than it seems. It is an opportunity to have our voices heard. When new rules are proposed, they often originate from licensees themselves. Plus, there's a 30-day period for us, the licensees, to comment. Rest assured; every comment is considered before the board finalizes a rule.
Our boards also provide real-time engagement. The board's ‘Lunch and Learns' are a fantastic way to stay connected. They're virtual sessions where you can earn CE credits, ask questions, and receive answers in real-time. It's a collaborative environment involving board members, staff, and attorneys.
The Rules Review Process
As a supervisor, you will need to go over the rules with your supervisees. That means keeping up with all of the rules updates. Rules reviews often sound intimidating, but they’re actually a chance to be heard.
-
New rules often originate from licensees.
-
There’s a 30-day public comment period for all licensees.
-
Every comment is reviewed before rules are finalized.
Pro tip: Don’t ignore those public comment periods — they’re one of the best ways for us to influence supervision rules in real time.
Our boards do more than handle complaints. They also provide learning opportunities like Lunch and Learns — virtual sessions where you can:
-
Earn CE credits
-
Ask questions directly
-
Interact with board members, staff, and attorneys
It’s a reminder that boards aren’t just regulators — they’re also educators.
Supervisor best practices and things to avoid
A good supervisor training will go beyond the state mandated requirements, it will also teach you the things to do that are best practices, and things to avoid (see my article about that here). One troubling practice I call “holding hours hostage” has surfaced: supervisors refusing to sign off on accrued hours unless certain demands are met.
-
This is unfair and unethical.
-
Supervisors are like notaries — we verify that supervision occurred.
-
Withholding signatures can trigger complaints and consequences.
Supervision should be about fairness and integrity, not power plays.
Remediation and the Problem of “Supervisor Hopping”
Another challenge is supervisees switching supervisors frequently to avoid remediation plans — what I call “supervisor hopping.”
-
This disrupts professional development.
-
It undermines the purpose of remediation.
-
It creates conflict between supervisors and supervisees.
Remediation isn’t punishment — it’s a teaching tool. When done well, it:
-
Identifies growth areas.
-
Provides measurable objectives.
-
Reinforces a culture of continuous development.
Orientation, Evaluation, Remediation: The Triad of Success
The most effective supervisors use what I call the Orientation, Evaluation, Remediation triad:
-
Orientation → Set clear expectations from the beginning.
-
Evaluation → Provide ongoing feedback.
-
Remediation → Create a formal plan before termination is even considered.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I faced a complaint after terminating a supervisee. It was a tough process — but it taught me the importance of documenting remediation and maintaining communication every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
The rules and regulations around LPC supervision may feel daunting, but they aren’t insurmountable. By understanding how boards work, engaging in dialogue, and implementing structured supervision practices, you can confidently navigate both the requirements and the realities of being a supervisor in Texas.
Remember: becoming an LPC-S isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s about multiplying your impact, shaping the profession, and building ethical supervisory relationships that last.
Action items:
Grab the LPC Supervisor Requirements Checklist and make sure you're ready to apply.
Ready to take the next step? Enroll in Texas’s first fully online 40-hour LPC Supervisor Training Course here.
Blog post by Kate Walker, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT-S — creator of the first completely online 40-hour LPC/LMFT Supervisor Training Course in Texas