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 Programs | 28 clinical mental health counseling programs (CACREP directory) |
| Median Annual Salary (National) | $59,350 per year (BLS, May 2025) |
| Licensing Board | Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) |
| Supervised Experience | 3,000 hours post-degree under an LPC-Supervisor |
| Job Growth (National) | 19% projected growth (2023-2033, BLS OOH) |
| Texas Employment | 21,400 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 Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- Online Program
- Tuition: $415 per unit

- Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- Online Program
- Tuition: $6,157 for 9 credit hours plus fees for Texas residents
- Tuition: $14,345 for 9 credit hours plus fees for non-Texas residents

- 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

- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: N/A
- 66 Credit Hours
- Online Program
- Tuition: $625 per credit hour plus fees
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
| Degree | Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Abilene, TX |
| Tuition | $995 per credit hour + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Arts in Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Huntsville, TX |
| In-state tuition | $413.25 per credit hour incl. fees |
| Out-of-state tuition | Contact program |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Austin, TX |
| Tuition | $738/credit hour (part-time); $17,692/year (full-time) + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Counseling |
| Credits | 63 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Dallas, TX |
| Tuition | $725 per credit hour + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Arts in Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Austin, TX |
| Tuition | $1,610 per credit hour + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | San Antonio, TX |
| Tuition | $1,068 per credit hour + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Arts in Professional Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Nacogdoches, TX |
| In-state tuition | Variable — contact graduate school |
| Out-of-state tuition | Variable — contact graduate school |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus (multi-site) |
| Location | Stephenville, Fort Worth, and Waco, TX |
| In-state tuition | ~$7,467/year + fees |
| Out-of-state tuition | ~$14,829/year + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Killeen, TX |
| In-state tuition | Variable — contact graduate school |
| Out-of-state tuition | Variable — contact graduate school |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Focus |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus/hybrid (multi-site) |
| Location | Commerce, 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 page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Professional Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Corpus 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 page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | San 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 page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Texarkana, TX |
| In-state tuition | $3,007.99 per 9 credit hours + fees |
| Out-of-state tuition | $3,007.99 + non-resident fee |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Fort Worth, TX |
| Tuition | $1,982 per credit hour + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Arts in Professional Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus/hybrid |
| Location | San Marcos, TX |
| In-state tuition | ~$9,000 for 9 months + fees |
| Out-of-state tuition | ~$16,560 for 9 months + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Lubbock, TX |
| Tuition | $3,466.50 per 9 credit hours incl. fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Lubbock, TX |
| In-state tuition | ~$8,504/year + fees |
| Out-of-state tuition | ~$16,180/year + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Counseling & Development |
| Credits | 61 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Denton, TX |
| In-state tuition | $5,196 per 9 credit hours + fees |
| Out-of-state tuition | $5,196 + $7,344 non-resident fee |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | Hybrid |
| Location | Houston, TX |
| In-state tuition | ~$9,902 tuition + fees |
| Out-of-state tuition | ~$19,082 tuition + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Professional Counseling (CMHC specialty) |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Victoria, 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 page | View program details → |
UH-Victoria is a smaller-campus option that serves the Coastal Bend and central Gulf Coast region.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
| Degree | Master of Arts in Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Belton, TX |
| Tuition | $1,040 per credit hour |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Dallas, 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 page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 semester hours |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Denton, TX |
| In-state tuition | ~$4,610 per 9-hour semester + fees |
| Out-of-state tuition | ~$8,386 per 9-hour semester + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Houston, TX |
| Tuition | $676 per unit + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 semester hours |
| Modality | On-campus/hybrid |
| Location | El Paso, TX |
| In-state tuition | ~$7,696/year + fees |
| Out-of-state tuition | ~$17,530/year + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | San Antonio, TX |
| In-state tuition | ~$9,362 per 9-credit term + fees |
| Out-of-state tuition | ~$27,310 per 9-credit term + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Tyler, TX |
| In-state tuition | ~$4,222 per 9-credit term + fees |
| Out-of-state tuition | ~$8,704 per 9-credit term + fees |
| Program page | View 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
| Degree | Master of Education in Counseling |
| Credits | 60 |
| Modality | On-campus |
| Location | Edinburg, 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 page | View 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.
| Institution | Location | Credits | Modality | Tuition Posture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardin-Simmons University | Abilene | 60 | On-campus | $995/credit |
| Sam Houston State University | Huntsville | 60 | On-campus | $413/credit in-state |
| Seminary of the Southwest | Austin | 60 | On-campus | $738/credit part-time; $17,692/yr full-time |
| Southern Methodist University | Dallas | 63 | On-campus | $725/credit |
| St. Edward’s University | Austin | 60 | On-campus | $1,610/credit |
| St. Mary’s University | San Antonio | 60 | On-campus | $1,068/credit |
| Stephen F. Austin State University | Nacogdoches | 60 | On-campus | Variable |
| Tarleton State University | Stephenville/Fort Worth/Waco | 60 | On-campus (multi-site) | $7,467/yr in-state; $14,829/yr OOS |
| Texas A&M-Central Texas | Killeen | 60 | On-campus | Variable |
| Texas A&M-Commerce | Commerce/Dallas/McKinney/Mesquite | 60 | Hybrid (multi-site) | $3,669/9-credit sem in-state |
| Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi | 60 | On-campus | $4,884/18-credit yr in-state |
| Texas A&M-San Antonio | San Antonio | 60 | On-campus | $6,438/9-credit hrs in-state |
| Texas A&M-Texarkana | Texarkana | 60 | On-campus | $3,008/9 credits |
| Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | 60 | On-campus | $1,982/credit |
| Texas State University | San Marcos | 60 | On-campus/hybrid | $9,000/9 mos in-state |
| Texas Tech University HSC | Lubbock | 60 | On-campus | $3,467/9 credits |
| Texas Tech University | Lubbock | 60 | On-campus | $8,504/yr in-state; $16,180/yr OOS |
| Texas Woman’s University | Denton | 61 | On-campus | $5,196/9 credits + $7,344 OOS fee |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | Houston | 60 | Hybrid | $9,902 in-state; $19,082 OOS |
| University of Houston-Victoria | Victoria | 60 | On-campus | $3,309/9-credit sem in-state |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Belton | 60 | On-campus | $1,040/credit |
| University of North Texas at Dallas | Dallas | 60 | On-campus | $26,134/yr in-state avg |
| University of North Texas | Denton | 60 | On-campus | $4,610/9-hr sem in-state |
| University of St. Thomas-Houston | Houston | 60 | On-campus | $676/unit |
| UT El Paso | El Paso | 60 | Hybrid | $7,696/yr in-state; $17,530/yr OOS |
| UT San Antonio | San Antonio | 60 | On-campus | $9,362/9-credit term in-state |
| UT Tyler | Tyler | 60 | On-campus | $4,222/9-credit term in-state |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg | 60 | On-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 Science in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 60 Credit Hours
- On-campus program located in Abilene, Texas
- Tuition: $1,432 per credit hour plus fees

- 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.
