Study Mental Health Counseling in Texas
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) programs in Texas provide you with the essential educational foundation to support mental health and emotional well-being. These programs are designed to meet the rigorous standards established by the state for licensure, ensuring you acquire the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required for success in the counseling profession.
With an emphasis on ethical practices, cultural awareness, and evidence-based techniques, LPC programs in Texas prepare you to work in various environments, including private practices, schools, and mental health facilities. Whether you are beginning or advancing your career, Texas offers accredited LPC programs tailored to suit your professional goals.
LPC Programs in Texas
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering LPC programs in Texas:
- Texas Tech University
- Midwestern State University Texas
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Texas A&M University – Kingsville
- Walden University
- Grand Canyon University
- Our Lady of the Lake University
Texas Tech University
Online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
If you are considering a career in mental health counseling, you would enter a profession dedicated to helping individuals manage emotional and mental challenges. As a mental health counselor, you would work closely with clients, providing strategies for coping and recovery.
You would develop skills to assist individuals facing diverse behavioral health issues, guiding them toward improved emotional functioning and independence. Your responsibilities would include working in both individual and group settings while coordinating with other healthcare providers.
Texas Tech University offers a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program established in 2017, designed to equip you with traditional clinical counseling skills along with telehealth expertise. This innovative approach integrates technology to allow remote connections with clients.
The program comprises 60 credit hours, including core and specialty courses and 12 credit hours of practical experience. As a student, you will study subjects such as:
- Human Growth and Development
- Treatment Planning and Case Management
- Foundations of Counseling and Ethical Development
- Crisis Counseling
- Psycho-pharmacology for Mental Health
A significant aspect of the program is its emphasis on telehealth, which is gaining prominence nationwide as a modern approach to counseling services.
Upon completing the program, you will be prepared with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to assist clients effectively. The program focuses on:
- Developing essential skills for qualified mental health counseling.
- Encouraging culturally responsive and ethically sound counseling practices.
- Offering clinical training to apply evidence-based practices.
This program is entirely online, making it accessible for students in Texas, across the U.S., and internationally. It provides flexibility to accommodate working professionals or those unable to attend on-site classes.
Texas Tech’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), ensuring the program meets high standards.
To qualify for admission, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a related field. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or 3.0 in the last 60 semester hours is required.
The program accepts applications for both Fall and Spring start dates, operating on a rolling admissions basis. You are encouraged to submit your application and required documentation early to secure your spot in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Midwestern State University Texas
Online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Midwestern State University’s 60-credit online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to equip you with advanced research knowledge, modern technology, professional training, and supervision, ensuring you are well-prepared for a career as an LPC.
The program’s faculty are dedicated to helping you develop professional maturity, ethical integrity, competence, self-awareness, and a counselor identity. A significant emphasis is placed on appreciating cultural diversity and understanding multicultural perspectives.
This program aims to certify you as a counselor equipped with essential skills to operate effectively across diverse professional settings. The teaching-centric approach prioritizes faculty engagement, ensuring you receive personalized guidance throughout your studies.
The coursework, training, and supervision provided will prepare you for the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Upon obtaining your license, you will be qualified to work in various professional environments, including private practice.
Throughout the program, you will study a range of core courses, such as:
- Mediation and Conflict Resolution: This course explores strategies for resolving disputes, emphasizing skills in teaching conflict management and mediating disagreements.
- Introduction to Counseling: A foundational course that introduces the characteristics of proficient counselors, focusing on communication skills to create supportive environments.
- Human Development and Learning: This course examines human development across all life stages, addressing intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth.
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: You will learn to distinguish normal from abnormal behavior, focusing on diagnosing issues and developing treatment plans.
- Theories and Techniques of Counseling: This course focuses on major counseling theories and hones your skills through the application of various techniques.
- Career Development Counseling: You will study theories of career development, life-career planning, and gain insights into educational and career trends.
- Group Counseling: You will understand group dynamics and learn effective practices for conducting group counseling sessions.
- Marriage and Family Counseling: You will explore theories of marriage and family counseling while enhancing your skills through practical exercises.
- Practicum in Counseling: You will Engage in 100 hours of supervised counseling practice, including direct client interactions, to build real-world experience.
After completing the program, you will be prepared to serve in public and private sectors, meeting the requirements for provisional licensure as a professional counselor.
To apply, you must fulfill the following prerequisites:
- Enrollment in the McAda Graduate School
- Payment of a $50 application fee
- Submission of official transcripts
- Application to the Clinical Mental Health Program
- Three letters of recommendation
Houston Christian University
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Houston Christian University is a hybrid program that combines online coursework with one intensive 16-week course requiring a one-week on-campus session. Although this is not a fully online program, Houston Christian aims to ensure the on-campus experience is flexible enough to accommodate your work and family responsibilities.
This 60-credit program includes 51 credits of coursework and nine credits of field experiences. The courses cover a wide range of topics, including assessment, psychopathology, and counseling skills and techniques. Among the courses you will take are:
- Counselor Professional Identity and Function
- Multicultural Counseling
- Research Design and Program Evaluation
- Crisis Response and Trauma Care
- Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
The nine credits of fieldwork include three credits for a short-term practicum during which you will observe an experienced school counselor in action. The remaining six credits consist of two internship experiences, providing you with hands-on practice as a counselor in a school setting.
Additional program requirements include passing a student readiness evaluation and a comprehensive examination. You must complete all degree requirements within five years from your initial enrollment. After graduating, you will be eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas.
To begin the application process, complete the online graduate application form. You must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and submit the following documentation along with your application:
- Official transcripts from every college or university you have attended.
- A resume or curriculum vitae.
- A personal statement.
- A 500-800-word response to a writing prompt addressing the purpose of being a mental health provider and related issues.
Lamar University
Online M.Ed. in Clinical Health Counseling
If you are interested in advancing your career in the mental health field, consider enrolling in the online M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Lamar University. This program is specifically designed for individuals who hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have a strong interest in clinical mental health counseling. You will complete 60 credit hours of coursework tailored to mental health counseling.
Becoming a mental healthcare professional specializing in clinical counseling allows you to serve a diverse range of clients across various settings. When you are ready to advance your career, Lamar’s graduate program in clinical mental health counseling is designed to meet your career goals and licensing requirements.
Courses in this program are delivered in a five-week format, enabling you to focus on one course at a time. As you progress, you will transition to advanced rotation courses offered in 12-week and 15-week formats. During the 15-week internship courses, you may have the opportunity to take two courses concurrently.
The program is structured to meet the high standards required in clinical counseling services. Lamar’s M.Ed. curriculum covers foundational concepts, various counseling theories and techniques, as well as research methods. You will study specialized topics including marriage, abuse, and crisis management. Before completing the program, you will engage in discussions on ethics and the legal aspects of the profession.
The program includes a Practicum and two Internship courses that provide hands-on experience. These field experiences allow you to apply the knowledge and skills you have gained. Throughout these courses, you will adhere to professional ethical standards under the supervision of university faculty and qualified site supervisors.
Practicum requirements include:
- Complete 40 hours of direct service and 60 hours of indirect activities.
- Participate in a formal observation supervised by a university official.
- Attend weekly individual site supervision sessions.
- Engage in weekly university group supervision sessions lasting at least one hour.
Internship requirements include:
- Complete 120 hours of direct service and 180 hours of indirect service.
- Successfully complete two formal observations supervised by a university official and pass the pre-test.
- Attend weekly individual and/or triadic supervision sessions.
- Participate in weekly university group supervision sessions lasting a minimum of one hour.
Earning an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling opens opportunities to work in public health institutions, educational establishments, and medical facilities. You will have the expertise to support individuals and families.
Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Texas A&M University – Kingsville offers the CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, which is fully online and spans 60 semester hours. This program meets the counseling licensure requirements for Texas.
Within the program, you have the opportunity to specialize in School Counseling by choosing two specific elective courses. This focus also prepares you for the school counselor exam in Texas. Additionally, the program features an emphasis in Rural Mental Health Counseling, a unique option offered exclusively at this institution.
The program aims to develop competent counselors equipped to work in diverse settings such as mental health facilities and schools. The curriculum emphasizes cultural diversity, ensuring that you are prepared to serve a broad spectrum of individuals.
Throughout the program, you will complete courses such as:
- Theories of Counseling
- Counseling Techniques
- Abnormal Human Behavior
- Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling
- Research in Counseling
- Diagnosis in Counseling
- Marriage Family Counseling
- Multicultural Counseling
- School Counseling Techniques
- Rural Mental Health Counseling
The curriculum is designed to develop key skills and knowledge, including:
- Professional Integrity: A commitment to ethical standards in counseling.
- Cultural Awareness: Understanding and respecting diverse cultures.
- Understanding Lifespan Development: Recognizing developmental milestones and their impact on mental health.
- Career Guidance: Applying theories to support individuals in their career choices.
- Building Therapeutic Relationships: Developing trust and effective communication with clients.
- Group Counseling Dynamics: Learning the techniques and challenges of group counseling.
- Assessment Strategies: Employing tailored methods for individual needs.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Utilizing research to inform counseling decisions.
- Mental Health Foundations: Understanding the history, theory, and assessment of mental health.
- Context in Mental Health: Recognizing external factors affecting counseling.
- Practical Techniques: Applying advanced interventions in therapeutic settings.
The program integrates clinical courses, including a practicum and internships, offering real-world application of theoretical knowledge. During these experiences, you will work with diverse clients and gain hands-on skills.
Upon completing the program, you will be prepared to pursue professional licensure. Passing the NCE and the Texas Jurisprudence Examination will qualify you for a temporary license. With this, you will gain supervised experience. After completing 3000 hours of supervised practice, you can apply for a permanent license.
To apply for the program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Provide academic transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 2.8 for undergraduate studies and 3.0 for graduate studies (for transfer students).
- Submit a Purpose Statement.
- Provide an updated resume.
- Successfully complete a virtual interview.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 once admitted.
What is the Difference Between an LPC and an LPA in Texas?
In Texas, an LPC and an LPA (Licensed Psychological Associate) differ in education, scope of practice, and supervision requirements.
An LPC holds a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling and focuses on providing therapy for individuals, couples, and groups. They are regulated by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and can practice independently after completing supervised hours. LPCs typically address emotional and mental health issues but cannot conduct psychological testing without additional credentials.
An LPA holds a master’s degree in psychology and specializes in psychological assessments, evaluations, and interventions. They are regulated by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and must work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist unless approved for independent practice. LPAs focus more on the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Both roles contribute to mental health care but cater to different aspects of the field.