Online Counseling Degrees in Texas

If you’re exploring how to become a counselor in the state of Texas, you’ll want to know that there are many accredited degree programs to choose from, including a number of counseling degrees online in Texas.

Online master’s in counseling programs could be a great choice for students looking for convenient options for their degree programs. Find out more about flexible virtual learning opportunities that will prepare you for becoming a licensed counselor in the Lone Star State.

How to Become an LPC in Texas

One prospective career path in the field of counseling is licensed professional counselor (LPC). As the name suggests, these professionals need to obtain the necessary license to practice.

Those wondering how to become an LPC in Texas should understand the full requirements for licensure. Students should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university in a subject related to counseling, such as social work, psychology, or psychiatry.

Obtaining licensure in Texas also requires a graduate degree — such as a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling — and the completion of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work, spanning at least 18 months.

Completing a master’s program can be a worthwhile experience for other reasons as well. Students who devote additional time to obtain an advanced degree can potentially reap the rewards of better paying jobs and promotion opportunities through their current employer.

Options for Earning an Online Counseling Degree in Texas

Online counseling degrees in Texas can be great options for a variety of students. Online education can enable students to continue working in their current positions — and at their own pace — through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous learning. Most online master of counseling programs also require an internship or practicum, so students can apply classroom learning in a real-world setting.

Students should only consider counseling programs that are accredited. Accreditation ensures that the program passes the regulations to prepare its students for licensure. The top agency for counseling accreditation is the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Below are some featured CACREP-accredited counseling programs.

University of Houston-Victoria: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

The University of Houston-Victoria currently offers a clinical mental health counseling program for interested students. The degree is one of Texas's CACREP accredited counseling programs and satisfies course requirements for LPC certification in the state of Texas.

This degree program consists of a 60 credit hour requirement and contains elements relevant to the accurate and helpful implementation of counseling techniques. The coursework is broken down into core courses, field placement courses, required specialty courses, and elective choices and includes a comprehensive examination.

Other Counseling Master’s Programs in Texas

Here are a few schools in Texas with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:
  • Sam Houston State University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.Ed. in School Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
  • Seminary of the Southwest: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Southern Methodist University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.S. in School Counseling
  • St. Edward's University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Click to jump to the full list of Texas counseling programs, or consider learning more about one of the below online counseling program currently accepting applicants.

Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program


Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs

☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs in Texas

Counselors can help patients cope with a wide range of issues, some of which may be related to underlying mental health disorders. Those who want to work exclusively with mental health patients, referring them to clinical services as needed, may wish to become clinical mental health counselors.

Many online clinical mental health counseling programs in Texas can prepare you for success in this field and for a more focused vocation assisting those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and related conditions.

What to Expect From a Counseling Program in Texas

Counseling is a highly popular program throughout the state of Texas. Those seeking a career opportunity that provides both a good living and a great sense of satisfaction may find counseling to be an excellent fit.

Curriculum Expectations

Counseling is a relatively new science, so new techniques are constantly being introduced. However, students can expect to take coursework in counseling, psychology, and other related topics. They may also have coursework in different formats.

Classroom and Clinicals

Being open to trying new methods of treatment is a trait that counselors should readily exhibit. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in laboratory settings while in a counseling degree program. The experience gained in college will carry over to a professional setting, so the quality of the degree program is important.

Online Classes

There are many different online counseling degrees in Texas for those looking to study remotely. Some Texas colleges offer both online and on-campus options. The online master’s in counseling is becoming more common because of the requirement of a graduate degree to gain licensure. This goes for nearly any specialty of counseling.

LPC Requirements in Texas

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors credentials counselors as both LPC Associates and LPCs. LPCs must first earn their LPC Associate license. They can then fulfill the requirements — including 3,000 supervised hours of work — and apply for their LPC license.

You should seek information from the board or its website if you have any questions about counseling licensure or LPC requirements in Texas.

Texas Counseling Careers

After graduation, undergraduate degree holders are qualified to work in a large variety of jobs in human services or human relations. Graduate students will likely apply for licensure through the state and take part in supervised training. No matter the route, there are numerous opportunities just waiting for qualified candidates.

 Counselor Salary in Texas       

According to PayScale, the average counselor salary in Texas can vary from city to city. In Houston, the average annual salary for an LPC is $55,649 as of December 2021. In Dallas, the median annual salary for an LPC is $57,138 as of November 2021. 

Becoming a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology

Texas counselors may also become licensed specialists in school psychology. According to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, this license requires a training program or graduate degree — either in school psychology or with specific coursework.

Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Online Programs       

Earning this credential requires you to have a doctorate in psychology. However, earning a master’s-level education in counseling can be a valuable first step. Many licensed specialists in school psychology online programs are available to provide this important educational foundation.

Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Salary          

According to PayScale, the median licensed specialist in school psychology salary is $63,312.

Explore Psychology Programs in Texas

Explore Online Counseling Degrees in Texas

If you want to become a licensed counselor, you should explore some of the available online counseling degree options and specializations in Texas. Many resources include detailed program write-ups, course information, and admissions requirements. Start moving toward your career as a counselor in Texas today.

 

Sources:

Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Find a Program
PayScale, Average Licensed Professional Counselor Salary in Dallas, Texas
PayScale, Average Licensed Professional Counselor Salary in Houston, Texas
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, Applying for a License
Texas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code

Counseling Career Guide

Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?

Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.

Texas Counseling Licensure: Texas Counseling Licensing Boards

Texas Counseling Licensure

State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
P.O. Box 149347, MC 1982
Austin, TX 78714
(512) 834-6658
https://www.bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-professional-counselors/index.html
Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC Associate)
  • School Counseling Licensure

    Texas Education Agency Educator Certification, Standards, & Investigations
    1701 North Congress Ave., WBT 5-100
    Austin, TX 78701
    (512) 463-9734
    https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification
    Licensure:
    School Counselor (EC-12)

    If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Texas.

    Popular Online Counseling Programs

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    Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

    Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

    Texas A&M International University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

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    Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Texas Counseling Degrees

    CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) is the top accrediting board for counseling programs. Below, you will find a list of all of the CACREP accredited counseling programs in Texas. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.

    All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Texas

    View all programs in Texas below, or jump to all Texas CACREP accredited counseling programs.
    Angelina College Lufkin
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Austin Community College District Austin
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Central Texas College Killeen
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Del Mar College Corpus Christi
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Eastfield College Mesquite
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    El Paso Community College El Paso
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Grayson College Denison
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Hill College Hillsboro
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Lee College Baytown
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    McLennan Community College Waco
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Midland College Midland
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Odessa College Odessa
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Sam Houston State University Huntsville
    • Doctorate - School Counseling
    • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
    • M.Ed. in School Counseling
    • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
    San Antonio College San Antonio
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Seminary of the Southwest Austin
    • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    Southern Methodist University Plano
    • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
    • M.S. in School Counseling
    Southwestern Assemblies of God University Waxahachie
    • Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
    St Marys University San Antonio
    • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
    • Doctorate - School Counseling
    St. Edward's University Austin
    • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    St. Mary's University San Antonio
    • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
    Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches
    • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.A. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
    • M.A. in School Counseling
    Tarleton State University Stephenville
    • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    Tarrant County College District Fort Worth
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Texarkana College Texarkana
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Texas A & M University - Commerce Commerce
    • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.S. in School Counseling
    • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
    Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi Corpus Christi
    • M.S. in Addiction Counseling
    • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
    • M.S. in School Counseling
    • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
    Texas A & M University-College Station College Station
    • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
    Texas A & M University-Commerce Commerce
    • Doctorate - School Counseling
    Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi
    • Doctorate - School Counseling
    Texas Southern University Houston
    • Doctorate - School Counseling
    Texas State Technical College-West Texas Sweetwater
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Texas State University San Marcos
    • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
    • M.Ed. in School Counseling
    Texas Tech University Lubbock
    • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
    • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
    • Doctorate - School Counseling
    • M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.Ed. in School Counseling
    • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
    Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lubbock
    • MRC in Rehabilitation Counseling
    Texas Technical University Health Sciences Center Lubbock
    • MRC in Rehabilitation Counseling
    Texas Woman's University Denton
    • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.S. in School Counseling
    Texas Womans University Denton
    • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
    • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
    The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio
    • Doctorate - School Counseling
    The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg
    • M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.Ed. in School Counseling
    The University of Texas-Pan American Edinburg
    • Bachelors - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    Tyler Junior College Tyler
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
    University of Houston Houston
    • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
    University of Houston Victoria Victoria
    • M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.Ed. in School Counseling
    University of North Texas Denton
    • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
    • Doctorate - School Counseling
    • M.Ed./M.S. in School Counseling
    • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
    University of North Texas at Dallas Dallas
    • M.Ed. in School Counseling
    • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    University of North Texas Dallas Dallas
    • M.Ed. in School Counseling
    • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    University of Texas at El Paso El Paso
    • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • MRC in Rehabilitation Counseling
    University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio
    • M.A. in School Counseling
    • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
    University of Texas at Tyler Tyler
    • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Brownsville
    • M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.Ed. in School Counseling
    • M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
    • M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
    University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas
    • MCRC in Rehabilitation Counseling
    Wayland Baptist University Plainview
    • Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
    Weatherford College Weatherford
    • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling

    Counselor Salaries & Employment by Metro Area in Texas

    City / Metro Area Average Salary Total Employed Salary Range
    Lowest 25% to Highest 90%


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