Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) are regulated by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, (the board) a state board whose members are appointed by the Texas Governor to carry out the general oversight of professional counselors in Texas. LPCs provide counseling services in accordance with state law and the board’s rules. This includes following the code of ethics that the board has established for the counseling profession.

This page is intended to inform you of the ethical conduct that you may expect from your professional counselor. Your counseling is for you. Everything about the process should focus on enhancing your personal growth and your ability to cope with life’s problems. You should expect to be treated with dignity in a professional manner. When you invest yourself in the counseling process, you can experience the satisfaction of working successfully at some of the most important issues in your life. The guidelines established by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (the board) are aimed at promoting a positive counseling experience.

Practicing within the Scope of the Counseling Profession:
Your LPC has been trained to provide counseling services. This means assisting you through a therapeutic relationship, using a combination of mental health and human development principles and techniques, including the use of psychotherapy, to achieve your mental, emotional, physical, social, educational, spiritual, or career-related development and adjustment. An LPC may prevent, assess, evaluate, and treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and distresses that interfere with mental health.

An LPC may also implement and evaluate treatment plans using interventions that include counseling, assessment, consulting, and referral. You may have occasion to ask questions that require legal, medical, or other specialized knowledge. If so, you should seek advice from your attorney or primary care physician or ask your counselor for a referral to a specialist in your area of concern.

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS

A licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) is a mental health professional who provides professional therapeutic services to individuals and groups that involve the application of family systems theories and techniques. Services may include marriage therapy, sex therapy, family therapy, child therapy, play therapy, individual psychotherapy, divorce therapy, mediation, group therapy, chemical dependency therapy, rehabilitation therapy, diagnostic assessment, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, and related services.

A licensed marriage and family therapist holds at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or its equivalent, and also must complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience in the field of marriage and family therapy services.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

A licensed professional counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who provides professional therapeutic services to individuals and groups that involve the application of mental health, psychotherapeutic and human development principles to facilitate adjustment and development throughout life. Services may include individual counseling, group counseling, marriage counseling, family counseling, chemical dependency counseling, rehabilitation counseling, education counseling, career development counseling, sexual issues counseling, psychotherapy, play therapy, diagnostic assessment, hypnotherapy, expressive therapies, biofeedback, and related services. You may have occasion to ask questions that require legal, medical, or other specialized knowledge. If so, you should seek advice from your attorney or primary care physician or ask your counselor for a referral to a specialist in your area of concern.

A licensed professional counselor holds at least a master’s degree in counseling or a counseling-related field, and also must has complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience in the field of professional counseling.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) are regulated by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, (the board) a state board whose members are appointed by the Texas Governor to carry out the general oversight of professional counselors in Texas. LPCs provide counseling services in accordance with state law and the board’s rules. This includes following the code of ethics that the board has established for the counseling profession.

This information is intended to inform you of the ethical conduct that you may expect from a professional counselor. Your counseling is for you. Everything about the process should focus on enhancing your personal growth and your ability to cope with life’s problems. You should expect to be treated with dignity in a professional manner. When you invest yourself in the counseling process, you can experience the satisfaction of working successfully at some of the most important issues in your life.

PSYCHIATRISTS

Generally psychiatrists work with clients to manage medication. Some may provide psychotherapy, but usually work together with your psychotherapist/counselor.

PSYCHOLOGISTS

Psychologists are licensed by the state of Texas. They generally have a Ph.D. in psychology or a related field. They, too, provide psychotherapy. Psychologists may also provide testing and evaluations which include projective techniques.