Alexander BuCher

Written by Alexander BuCher

Licensed Professional Counselor | Youngstown State University

Updated & Fact Checked: 7/31/26

In the Southern United States, Texas is the second-largest state in size and population. As a result of the large population and area of the state, Texas is projected to need 28% more mental health counselors by 2030, according to O*Net Online. Part of this need for mental health counselors in the state results from a rapidly growing population. Another reason is the ever-changing and controversial political landscape, which has created a mental strain for certain populations due to a number of complex factors. The need for more professionals in the state has led to many mental health counseling degree programs emerging.

CACREP-Accredited Programs28 clinical mental health counseling programs (CACREP directory)
Median Annual Salary (National)$59,350 per year (BLS, May 2025)
Licensing BoardTexas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)
Supervised Experience3,000 hours post-degree under an LPC-Supervisor
Job Growth (National)19% projected growth (2023-2033, BLS OOH)
Texas Employment21,400 counselors (5th highest state nationally, BLS OES May 2025)

2026 Texas Counseling Updates

If you’re planning to enter the counseling field in Texas this year, here’s what’s changed recently. These updates affect licensure, continuing education, and interstate practice.

  • CE Broker tracking became mandatory January 1, 2026. Every Texas-licensed counselor now has to have a CE Broker account and log CE hours through it before renewing a license. The Basic account is free. If you’re graduating soon, set up your account when you get your LPC-Associate license so you’re not scrambling at renewal time.
  • BHEC adopted a substantial set of new LPC rules effective March 13, 2026. The updates rewrote §681.91 (LPC Associate License) and §681.93 (Supervisor Requirements) in plainer language and added new obligations: LPC Associates now have to notify BHEC and their supervisors when changing supervisors, share any remediation plan with all current and future supervisors, and disclose pending complaints. The requirement that supervisors keep documentation of your professional liability insurance was removed. Details are in the BHEC recently adopted rules section.
  • Counseling Compact bills are still pending in Texas. As of mid-2026, 39 states plus DC have joined the Counseling Compact, which lets LPCs practice across member states without applying for individual state licenses. Texas has HB 1537 and SB 498 filed but hasn’t enacted yet. If interstate telehealth practice matters to you long-term, this is the piece of legislation to watch.
  • Texas telehealth rules haven’t changed for in-state practice. If your client is physically located in Texas at the time of the session, you need a Texas LPC license, regardless of where you’re sitting. If you’re licensed in Texas and want to see a client located elsewhere, you’re subject to that jurisdiction’s rules.

Master of Counseling Programs in Texas

In Texas, there are many mental health counseling master’s programs that allow you to purse licensure as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). According to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, one must graduate from a CACREP-accredited counseling program to become a Mental Health Counselor or licensed professional counselor. Programs in Texas that are CACREP-Accredited also fit into the categories of online programs and no GRE-required programs. That leaves many options for potential counseling students in Texas.

Featured Accredited Counseling Programs


Additional Counseling Programs

Online Master of Counseling Programs in Texas

There are many benefits to online learning. Some benefits include flexibility in scheduling, consistent access to course materials, and the ability to enjoy some Texas barbecue while attending class. Besides that, some students simply thrive better in an online environment, and find it easier to concentrate and complete coursework. Four programs in Texas offer the flexibility of an online program. There are also programs listed in the below categories that are on-campus or hybrid courses, with parts of the program being online.

  • Program: Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • Online Program
  • Tuition: $4,321.15 tuition and fees for Texas residents based on a 9-credit hour semester
  • Tuition: $8,101.15 tuition and fees for non-Texas residents based on a 9-credit hour semester

CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Texas

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits counseling programs that meet consistent educational standards nationwide. Choosing a CACREP-accredited program is the simplest way to make sure your coursework satisfies Texas LPC requirements and stays portable if you ever move out of state. Below are the 28 CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling programs based in Texas. Most are on-campus or hybrid; fully online options based in Texas are rare, though several out-of-state programs offer online delivery for Texas students.

Hardin-Simmons University

DegreeMaster of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationAbilene, TX
Tuition$995 per credit hour + fees
Program pageView program details →

Hardin-Simmons teaches this program in small cohorts with a faith-informed approach to training. It meets Texas LPC coursework standards and prepares you for licensure after your supervised hours. Tuition puts it in the mid-range for private Texas programs.

Sam Houston State University

DegreeMaster of Arts in Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationHuntsville, TX
In-state tuition$413.25 per credit hour incl. fees
Out-of-state tuitionContact program
Program pageView program details →

Sam Houston State’s counseling program is one of the strongest values in Texas — the per-credit rate for in-state students is well below most public and private alternatives. The program offers concentrations that let you specialize in clinical mental health, school counseling, or marriage and family work.

Seminary of the Southwest

DegreeMaster of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationAustin, TX
Tuition$738/credit hour (part-time); $17,692/year (full-time) + fees
Program pageView program details →

Seminary of the Southwest is a strong fit if you want clinical training paired with reflection on meaning-making and spiritual care. Small cohorts and close faculty relationships come up consistently in student feedback.

Southern Methodist University

DegreeMaster of Science in Counseling
Credits63
ModalityOn-campus
LocationDallas, TX
Tuition$725 per credit hour + fees
Program pageView program details →

SMU’s Simmons School program gives you access to clinical placements across the DFW metro area. The extra three credit hours (compared to most Texas programs) reflect additional specialization coursework built into the curriculum.

St. Edward’s University

DegreeMaster of Arts in Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationAustin, TX
Tuition$1,610 per credit hour + fees
Program pageView program details →

St. Edward’s pairs clinical training with the Holy Cross values that shape the university. Tuition is at the higher end of Texas programs, but the Austin-area clinical partnerships and the program’s focus on serving underserved populations draw students who want that combination.

St. Mary’s University

DegreeMaster of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationSan Antonio, TX
Tuition$1,068 per credit hour + fees
Program pageView program details →

St. Mary’s counseling program is shaped by the university’s Marianist tradition. It’s a solid choice if you want a South Texas program with a service-orientation.

Stephen F. Austin State University

DegreeMaster of Arts in Professional Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationNacogdoches, TX
In-state tuitionVariable — contact graduate school
Out-of-state tuitionVariable — contact graduate school
Program pageView program details →

Tuition at SFA is variable based on your credit load and residency status, so requesting a cost estimate before you apply is worth doing. The East Texas location gives you access to clinical sites you won’t find at bigger metro programs.

Tarleton State University

DegreeMaster of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus (multi-site)
LocationStephenville, Fort Worth, and Waco, TX
In-state tuition~$7,467/year + fees
Out-of-state tuition~$14,829/year + fees
Program pageView program details →

Tarleton delivers the program across three campuses, so you can attend near where you already live. It’s a well-established public program with a strong foothold in North and Central Texas.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

DegreeMaster of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationKilleen, TX
In-state tuitionVariable — contact graduate school
Out-of-state tuitionVariable — contact graduate school
Program pageView program details →

TAMU-Central Texas serves the Fort Hood/Killeen region and has strong ties to community mental health providers there. Tuition is variable by credit load and residency, so reach out for a current cost breakdown.

Texas A&M University-Commerce

DegreeMaster of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Focus
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus/hybrid (multi-site)
LocationCommerce, Dallas, McKinney, and Mesquite, TX
In-state tuition$3,669 per 9-credit semester + fees
Out-of-state tuition$7,341 per 9-credit semester + fees
Program pageView program details →

TAMU-Commerce runs across four locations, which makes it one of the more accessible programs for the DFW metroplex. In-state tuition sits at a strong value for a public university option.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

DegreeMaster of Science in Professional Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationCorpus Christi, TX
In-state tuition$4,884 per 18-credit academic year + fees
Out-of-state tuition$10,652 per 18-credit academic year + fees
Program pageView program details →

TAMU-Corpus Christi is the primary CACREP-accredited option along the Coastal Bend. Students who want to train and eventually practice in that region often start here.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

DegreeMaster of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationSan Antonio, TX
In-state tuition$6,438 per 9 credit hours + fees
Out-of-state tuition$6,438 per 9 credit hours + non-resident fee
Program pageView program details →

TAMU-San Antonio serves the growing San Antonio and South Texas market. Practicum placements are strong across the metro area.

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

DegreeMaster of Science in Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationTexarkana, TX
In-state tuition$3,007.99 per 9 credit hours + fees
Out-of-state tuition$3,007.99 + non-resident fee
Program pageView program details →

TAMU-Texarkana is one of the more affordable options in East Texas. Small class sizes and the university’s regional focus make it a good fit if you plan to serve the four-state Texarkana region.

Texas Christian University

DegreeMaster of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationFort Worth, TX
Tuition$1,982 per credit hour + fees
Program pageView program details →

TCU’s counseling program sits at the higher end of Texas tuition, but you gain access to TCU’s Fort Worth clinical partnerships and a program that’s been placing graduates into Texas practice for years.

Texas State University

DegreeMaster of Arts in Professional Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus/hybrid
LocationSan Marcos, TX
In-state tuition~$9,000 for 9 months + fees
Out-of-state tuition~$16,560 for 9 months + fees
Program pageView program details →

The San Marcos location gives you a mid-size university experience within easy reach of both Austin and San Antonio for practicum placements. Hybrid delivery adds scheduling flexibility.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

DegreeMaster of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationLubbock, TX
Tuition$3,466.50 per 9 credit hours incl. fees
Program pageView program details →

The Health Sciences Center runs this program in a medical environment with exposure to integrated behavioral health and interprofessional teams. It’s one of the few Texas options built that way.

Texas Tech University

DegreeMaster of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationLubbock, TX
In-state tuition~$8,504/year + fees
Out-of-state tuition~$16,180/year + fees
Program pageView program details →

Alongside the Health Sciences Center program above, Texas Tech’s College of Education runs its own version. Two tracks at Texas Tech means you can pick the framing (education-side or health-sciences-side) that fits how you want to practice.

Texas Woman’s University

DegreeMaster of Science in Counseling & Development
Credits61
ModalityOn-campus
LocationDenton, TX
In-state tuition$5,196 per 9 credit hours + fees
Out-of-state tuition$5,196 + $7,344 non-resident fee
Program pageView program details →

Despite the name, TWU has been coeducational since 1972 and its programs enroll students of all genders. The program’s strength is its integration of counseling coursework with human development research.

University of Houston-Clear Lake

DegreeMaster of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityHybrid
LocationHouston, TX
In-state tuition~$9,902 tuition + fees
Out-of-state tuition~$19,082 tuition + fees
Program pageView program details →

UH-Clear Lake pulls from the Houston/Bay Area’s diverse clinical population and places students at a wide range of practicum sites.

University of Houston-Victoria

DegreeMaster of Science in Professional Counseling (CMHC specialty)
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationVictoria, TX
In-state tuition$3,309.12 per 9-credit semester + fees
Out-of-state tuition$6,981.12 per 9-credit semester + fees
Program pageView program details →

UH-Victoria is a smaller-campus option that serves the Coastal Bend and central Gulf Coast region.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

DegreeMaster of Arts in Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationBelton, TX
Tuition$1,040 per credit hour
Program pageView program details →

UMHB is a private Christian option in the central Texas corridor between Austin and Waco. The smaller cohort size and faith-integrative approach draw students who want that particular fit.

University of North Texas at Dallas

DegreeMaster of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationDallas, TX
In-state tuition~$26,134/year at 9 credits/semester (avg)
Out-of-state tuition~$33,694/year at 9 credits/semester (avg)
Program pageView program details →

UNT Dallas puts you in the heart of one of the country’s largest clinical training markets. Published costs are on the higher end for public options, so worth confirming with the graduate school.

University of North Texas

DegreeMaster of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60 semester hours
ModalityOn-campus
LocationDenton, TX
In-state tuition~$4,610 per 9-hour semester + fees
Out-of-state tuition~$8,386 per 9-hour semester + fees
Program pageView program details →

UNT is one of the largest and best-established counseling programs in the state. The program has a national reputation and graduates are visible across Texas clinical settings.

University of St. Thomas-Houston

DegreeMaster of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationHouston, TX
Tuition$676 per unit + fees
Program pageView program details →

St. Thomas is a Catholic university option in Houston that emphasizes ethical formation alongside clinical skills. The per-credit tuition sits between public and top-tier private options.

The University of Texas at El Paso

DegreeMaster of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60 semester hours
ModalityOn-campus/hybrid
LocationEl Paso, TX
In-state tuition~$7,696/year + fees
Out-of-state tuition~$17,530/year + fees
Program pageView program details →

UTEP is the primary CACREP-accredited option in far West Texas. The program’s bilingual clinical training reflects the El Paso border region it serves.

The University of Texas at San Antonio

DegreeMaster of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationSan Antonio, TX
In-state tuition~$9,362 per 9-credit term + fees
Out-of-state tuition~$27,310 per 9-credit term + fees
Program pageView program details →

UT San Antonio is one of the flagship counseling programs in South Texas with clinical placements across the San Antonio market and beyond.

The University of Texas at Tyler

DegreeMaster of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationTyler, TX
In-state tuition~$4,222 per 9-credit term + fees
Out-of-state tuition~$8,704 per 9-credit term + fees
Program pageView program details →

UT Tyler is a well-regarded public university option in East Texas. It gives students access to clinical sites you can’t find at bigger metropolitan programs.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

DegreeMaster of Education in Counseling
Credits60
ModalityOn-campus
LocationEdinburg, TX
In-state tuition~$4,286.55 per 9-credit term + fees
Out-of-state tuition~$8,066.55 per 9-credit term + fees
Program pageView program details →

UTRGV is the primary CACREP-accredited option in the Rio Grande Valley. The program offers bilingual clinical training to serve the region.

Compare CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Texas

Here’s a side-by-side view of all 28 CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Texas, so you can compare credit hours, location, modality, and tuition at a glance.

InstitutionLocationCreditsModalityTuition Posture
Hardin-Simmons UniversityAbilene60On-campus$995/credit
Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville60On-campus$413/credit in-state
Seminary of the SouthwestAustin60On-campus$738/credit part-time; $17,692/yr full-time
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas63On-campus$725/credit
St. Edward’s UniversityAustin60On-campus$1,610/credit
St. Mary’s UniversitySan Antonio60On-campus$1,068/credit
Stephen F. Austin State UniversityNacogdoches60On-campusVariable
Tarleton State UniversityStephenville/Fort Worth/Waco60On-campus (multi-site)$7,467/yr in-state; $14,829/yr OOS
Texas A&M-Central TexasKilleen60On-campusVariable
Texas A&M-CommerceCommerce/Dallas/McKinney/Mesquite60Hybrid (multi-site)$3,669/9-credit sem in-state
Texas A&M-Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi60On-campus$4,884/18-credit yr in-state
Texas A&M-San AntonioSan Antonio60On-campus$6,438/9-credit hrs in-state
Texas A&M-TexarkanaTexarkana60On-campus$3,008/9 credits
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth60On-campus$1,982/credit
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos60On-campus/hybrid$9,000/9 mos in-state
Texas Tech University HSCLubbock60On-campus$3,467/9 credits
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock60On-campus$8,504/yr in-state; $16,180/yr OOS
Texas Woman’s UniversityDenton61On-campus$5,196/9 credits + $7,344 OOS fee
University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston60Hybrid$9,902 in-state; $19,082 OOS
University of Houston-VictoriaVictoria60On-campus$3,309/9-credit sem in-state
University of Mary Hardin-BaylorBelton60On-campus$1,040/credit
University of North Texas at DallasDallas60On-campus$26,134/yr in-state avg
University of North TexasDenton60On-campus$4,610/9-hr sem in-state
University of St. Thomas-HoustonHouston60On-campus$676/unit
UT El PasoEl Paso60Hybrid$7,696/yr in-state; $17,530/yr OOS
UT San AntonioSan Antonio60On-campus$9,362/9-credit term in-state
UT TylerTyler60On-campus$4,222/9-credit term in-state
UT Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg60On-campus$4,287/9-credit term in-state

Featured Accredited Counseling Programs


No GRE Required Master in Counseling Programs

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used by graduate schools to determine aptitude for applicants. If you are not a fan of standardized tests, you are in luck. There are many programs located in Texas that do not require this test and still meet the requirements for licensure in Texas. 

Under the “online programs category, two programs do not require the GRE at all, and one is dependent on an undergraduate GPA. The two programs that do not require the GRE at all are Midwestern State University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville. LeTourneau University does not require the GRE for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher. 

Under the CACREP-Accredited programs category, 15 programs do not require the GRE at all, and six are dependent on undergraduate GPA. The 15 programs that do not require the GRE at all are :
-Seminary of the Southwest
-St. Edwards University
-Stephen F. Austin State University
-Texas A&M University
-Central University
-Texas A&M University-Commerce
-Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
-Texas A&M University-San Antonio
-Texas Christian University
-Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
-Texas Woman’s University
-University of North Texas at Dallas
-University of North Texas College of Education
-The University of Texas at El Paso,
-University of Texas at San Antonio
-University of Texas at Tyler

The six programs that do not require the GRE depending on undergraduate GPA are:
-Sam Houston University
-Southern Methodist University
-University of Houston-Clear Lake
-University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
-University of Saint Thomas Houston
-University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley College of Education

  • Program: Master of Education in Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • On-campus program located in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas
  • Tuition: $3,987-4,917.69 tuition and fees per semester based on a 9 credit hour semester for Texas residents
  • Tuition: $8,667-9,597.69 tuition and fees per semester based on a 9 credit hour semester for non-Texas residents

Most Affordable Master in Counseling Programs in Texas

After breaking down each program by cost per credit hour, the most affordable Texas counseling program on the lists above is at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The price per credit is $271.33 plus fees which is by far the lowest on the list. The program is also CACREP-Accredited and therefore meets all requirements for licensure in Texas. Affordability can be subjective, and depends on several complex factors. However, one strategy to apply if you are looking for an affordable program is to start with state schools. These schools are also usually accredited, offering the same high-quality education, but have a lower tuition because the schools receive tax dollars towards the costs. So, if you apply for a state university within Texas, and that is your home state, you will likely be paying a lower tuition than you would with other universities, because you have already paid taxes towards the cost.

Accelerated Master in Counseling Programs in Texas

While there are not any programs that are explicitly “accelerated” in Texas, there are many that require only 60 credit hours, while other programs may require more. To meet the requirements for licensure in Texas programs must be accredited. To be accredited a program must meet a minimum credit hour requirement of 60 credit hours. The following programs are 60 credit hours:

  • Midwestern State University
  • Texas A&M University-Kingsville
  • Lamar University
  • Hardin-Simmons University
  • Sam Houston State University
  • Seminary of the Southwest
  • St. Edward’s University
  • St. Mary’s University
  • Stephen F. Austin State University
  • Tarleton University
  • Texas A&M University-Central University
  • Texas A&M University-Commerce
  • Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
  • Texas A&M University-Texarkana
  • Texas Christian University
  • Texas State University
  • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
  • Texas Tech University-College of Education
  • University of Houston-Clear Lake
  • University of Houston-Victoria
  • University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
  • University of North Texas at Dallas
  • University of North Texas College of Education
  • University of Saint Thomas Houston
  • The University of Texas at El Paso
  • University of Texas at San Antonio
  • University of Texas at Tyler
  • University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley College of Education
  • Abilene Christian University
  • University of Houston

Required Courses for Licensure in Texas

According to the Texas State statute, certain course requirements must be met to obtain licensure as a Professional Counselor. The courses that are required are as follows:

  • Normal Human Growth and Development
  • Abnormal Human Behavior
  • Appraisal and Assessment Techniques
  • Counseling Theories
  • Counseling Methods or Techniques
  • Research
  • Lifestyle and Career Development
  • Social, Cultural, and Family Issues
  • Professional Orientation
  • Practicum (Internship)
    • At least 300 clock hours of which 100 must be direct client contact
  • Addictions Counseling
  • Counselor Ethics
  • Couples, Marriage, or Family Counseling
  • Psychopathology

Featured Online Master’s in Counseling Programs

Counseling Licensure Requirements in Texas

In Texas, there are three levels of licensure according to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. Those two stages are Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and Licensed Professional Counselor. One may also obtain a designation as a supervisor. The licenses are obtained in the order they are listed. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and the Texas State Statute list the requirements to obtain each license. 

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate:

To obtain licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, one must submit the following documentation to the Board for approval: 

  • Practicum Documentation Form
  • Jurisprudence Examination Completion Certificate
  • Supervisory Agreement Form (to be done by you and a state-approved supervisor)
  • National Counselor Exam (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE) submitted from the National Board of Certified Counselors
  • National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report
  • Fingerprinting
  • Official counseling program transcripts

Licensed Professional Counselor

To obtain licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor, one must submit the following documentation to the Board for approval: 

  • Jurisprudence Examination Completion Certificate
  • Supervised Experience Documentation Form
  • Fingerprinting

Career Outlook for Counselors in Texas

According to O*Net Online, the need for Mental Health Counselors in Texas is expected to increase by 28% by 2030. The current number of counselors in Texas is 14,010 and a 28% increase means there will be a need for 17,960. The current national number of Mental Health Counselors is 351,000 and is expected to increase by 22% by 2030. This means the need for Mental Health Counselors in Texas is expected to grow faster than the national average.

Texas Counseling FAQs

What are the best CACREP-accredited counseling master’s programs in Texas?

There isn’t a single “best” program — the right fit depends on where you live, whether you need an on-campus or hybrid format, and how you plan to pay. That said, the largest and most established Texas programs sit at UT San Antonio, University of North Texas, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Texas State University, and Sam Houston State. If cost matters most, in-state tuition at any of the public Texas A&M campuses is hard to beat. Our roundup of the cheapest CACREP-accredited counseling programs also breaks down the most affordable options nationwide.

Are there fully online CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Texas?

Yes, but the list is short. Most Texas programs are on-campus or on-campus/hybrid, which lets students complete practicum and internship placements close to home. Fully online programs based in Texas are rare, and the majority of online options students consider are from out-of-state institutions like Capella, Walden, or Liberty. If you’re specifically looking for a Texas-based online program, verify each program’s CACREP status against the CACREP directory and confirm the program meets Texas LPC coursework requirements before you enroll.

How do I become a licensed counselor in Texas?

The path is: earn a 60-credit master’s degree in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program (or a program that meets equivalent Texas coursework requirements), pass the National Counselor Examination and the Texas Jurisprudence Exam, apply for your LPC-Associate license through BHEC, complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience under an LPC-Supervisor, and then apply for full LPC licensure. If your career direction is more relational/family-systems focused, our how to become an LMFT in Texas guide walks through the marriage and family therapy licensure route instead.

How long does it take to get an LPC license in Texas?

Plan on about five to six years total. That’s roughly two years for your master’s (some programs run three), then two to three years to complete the 3,000 supervised hours as an LPC-Associate. Most Associates work full time and log about 1,500 hours a year. After that, BHEC’s application review adds several more weeks. The exact timeline depends on how many hours you can log per week and how quickly you complete each application step.

What’s the difference between an LPC and an LMFT in Texas?

An LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) is trained to address a broad range of mental health concerns — anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, life transitions — with individuals, couples, or groups. An LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) works from a systems-oriented framework focused on relational and family dynamics. Both are master’s-level licenses regulated by BHEC, both can practice psychotherapy, and both can bill insurance. The main differences are the graduate coursework focus and the theoretical lens each brings to the work.

How many continuing education credits do Texas LPCs need each renewal?

LPCs need 24 continuing education hours per renewal period, with at least 6 hours in ethics-related topics. As of January 1, 2026, all CE completions must be reported through CE Broker. You can maintain a free Basic account or upgrade to a paid version for extra features.

How do I find an LPC-Supervisor in Texas?

BHEC maintains a searchable list of active LPC-Supervisors on the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council website. Most Texas counseling agencies, group practices, and community mental health organizations also offer supervision to their LPC-Associates as part of employment.

Is a CACREP-accredited program required to become an LPC in Texas?

No. Texas doesn’t require a CACREP-accredited degree specifically. But the program does have to meet Texas’s counseling coursework standards, and choosing a CACREP program is the simplest way to guarantee that. CACREP accreditation also carries more portability if you ever move to another state, since most state boards accept CACREP graduates without additional coursework review.

How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in Texas

According to O*Net Online, a Mental Health Counselor is expected to make an average of $47,140 per year. This number is less than the national average of $49,710.

How to Become a School Counselor in Texas

The Texas Education Agency lists the requirements to become a School Counselor. The first step is to complete an approved Educator Preparation Program for the specific certificate desired, hold a master’s degree from an accredited university, and complete the required test. The past requirement for a School Counselor to have two years of teaching experience has been waived starting in September of 2023.

How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Texas

According to O*Net Online, it is expected that a School Counselor in Texas will make an average of $62,250 per year. This is higher than the national average which is $60,140.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Texas

There are many different career paths one can take with an interest in Substance Abuse Counseling in Texas. According to the Texas Certifications Board, people can work as a provider, prevention specialists, or criminal justice specialists. There are also options for people to work in gambling addiction. The requirements for each level of licensure vary and more information can be found at the link above. 

The two levels of Substance Abuse Counselors specifically are Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors and Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors. For the first level, all you need is special training to work in the field. Anyone with a High School Diploma/GED to Master’s Level clinicians can work in this role. The next level is based on years of experience and education.

How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in Texas

According to O*Net Online, a Substance Abuse Counselor in Texas can expect to make an average of $47,140 per year. This is less than the national average which is $49,710 per year.

What Other Careers Are There for a Master’s in Counseling Degree

While the focus for people with a Master’s in Counseling is often working in the field of mental health or addiction, some people find that this is not for them. Thankfully, this degree can be used to work in other fields. Other fields that a Master’s in Counseling would be good for are a role in government, human resources, local outreach, and non-profit leadership.