Fastest Way To Become a Counselor in Texas 2025

Counseling is a fulfilling career that allows professionals to help individuals navigate mental health challenges. If you're looking for the fastest way to become a counselor, understanding the job requirements and educational pathways can streamline the process. This guide outlines the fastest way to become a counselor in Texas to start practicing in the field.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor in Texas?

Becoming a licensed professional counselor in Texas typically takes around six years, depending on the program. An LPC requires a four-year bachelor's degree followed by a master's degree in counseling from an accredited organization, which requires two to three years. Lastly, completing 3,000 supervised clinical hours and passing the licensure exam add to the timeline.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Counselor in Texas?

Becoming a counselor in Texas requires meeting specific educational and licensure requirements, including obtaining a relevant degree, completing clinical hours, and passing licensure exams. Understanding these steps will help you plan your academic path efficiently to achieve licensure as quickly as possible.

For the fastest way to become a therapist in Texas, follow these key steps:

1. Earn a bachelor's degree: While no particular type of undergraduate degree is required, most counselors hold a bachelor's in psychology, social work, or a related field to build a foundation for counseling studies.

2. Earn a master's degree: A graduate degree in a professional counseling program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) is required to become a counselor in Texas.

3. Complete supervised clinical experience: After meeting degree requirements, you'll need to complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience, with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact under the supervision of an approved LPC supervisor.

4. Complete Texas counselor LPC licensure requirements: Lastly, you must pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification and the Texas Jurisprudence Exam before submitting your state licensing application to the Texas Behavioral Executive Council. After being approved, continuing education courses will be required to maintain your LPC license.

What Is the Fastest Way To Get a Counseling Degree in Texas?

The fastest way to become a therapist or licensed counselor in Texas is by enrolling in an accelerated master's program, earning a combined bachelor's and master's degree, or, if possible, utilizing transfer credits to lessen coursework.

Choose an Accelerated Online Master's in Counseling Program

Many universities offer accelerated master's in counseling online programs students can complete in 18 to 24 months. These programs allow students to take multiple courses per term and often have rolling admissions, permitting students to enroll and start classes faster.

Earn a Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree

Some universities offer dual-degree programs that allow you to earn your bachelor's and master's degrees in counseling within five years instead of the traditional six.

These programs integrate undergraduate and graduate coursework, allowing students to take master's-level classes during their senior year of undergraduate studies, reducing redundancy and overlapping courses. This allows students to enter the workforce more quickly.

Utilize Transfer Credits

If you already have a degree or have worked towards a degree with coursework in psychology, social work, or counseling, you will want to look for a school that accepts transfer credit from your official transcripts. Transfer credits will shorten your degree completion time by reducing the number of classes you must complete.

Featured Online Counseling Programs in Texas

Online programs offer a viable solution for those seeking flexible and expedited channels to becoming a counselor in Texas. These programs provide academic rigor while accommodating students with diverse needs, such as balancing work and family commitments. Below are three notable online counseling programs in Texas that combine quality education with the convenience and speed of online learning.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

This graduate program is designed for working professionals. It offers a flexible online format that can be completed in approximately two to three years.

The curriculum includes human development, treatment planning, and crisis counseling courses, culminating in a practicum and internship experience. This means you can apply for Texas LCP licensure when you graduate.

• Time to completion: 2.5 to three years
• Tuition cost: Texas Residents $23,359.06
• Accreditation: CACREP
• Specializations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Texas A&M University-Kingsville: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

This full-time degree, delivered entirely online, meets the requirements of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Students can choose from emphases in school counseling, rural mental health, or sandtray therapy. The program is designed to be completed in about two to three years, depending on the course load.

• Time to completion: two to three years
• Tuition cost: Texas Residents $16,569
• Accreditation: CACREP
• Specializations: School Counseling, Rural Mental Health, Sandtray Therapy

Lamar University Online Master of Education in Counseling and Development,

The online school counseling program at Lamar University is offered in an accelerated five-week online course format. This program is designed to be completed in approximately 2.5 years and prepares graduates for licensure as licensed professional counselors (LPC) in Texas, with concentrations in marriage, couple and family counseling, and professional school counseling,

Additionally, the curriculum includes a five-day residency, practicum, and internship experiences for hands-on training.

• Time to completion: About 2.5 years
• Tuition cost: $20,520 total
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Specializations: marriage, couple and family counseling; professional school counseling

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Counselor?

The cost to become a counselor in Texas varies based on the program and licensure requirements. A bachelor's degree costs between $40,000 and $100,000, while a master's degree costs between $20,000 and $60,000. There are also additional fees for licensure, which can range from $500 to $1,000 and include the application and examination costs. Supervised clinical hours can add $2,000 to $5,000.

To manage expenses, you should explore financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs to reduce overall costs.

The estimated cost to become a counselor in Texas:

• Bachelor's degree: $40,000 to $100,000
• Master's degree: $20,000 to $60,000
• State licensing fees: $500 to $1,000 (including exams and application fees)
• Clinical supervision costs: $2,000 to $5,000
• Total cost: $62,500 to $166,000

Are There Affordable Counseling Degree Programs?

Yes, you can find affordable CACREP-accredited counseling programs by choosing public universities, community college pathways, or online programs with in-state tuition discounts. Scholarships, financial aid, and employer tuition assistance can further reduce costs.

Additionally, many universities offer tuition reimbursement plans or work-study options that help students manage tuition payments more effectively. Be sure to check for Texas-specific financial aid and federal grants to help with the financial burden of education.

How Much Can I Earn as a Counselor?

As a counselor in Texas, your salary will depend on many factors, such as specialization, location, and years of experience. The counseling field offers a wide range of income potential, with some areas offering higher earnings than others because of the demand for specific skill sets. Here is a breakdown of the average salary expectations for several counseling career paths in Texas:

• Licensed professional counselor (LPC): $50,000 to $75,000 per year
• School counselor: $55,000 to $80,000 per year
• Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT): $48,000 to $70,000 per year
• Substance abuse or addiction counselor: $40,000 to $60,000 per year

Types of Counseling Career Paths With a Master's Degree

A master's degree in counseling can lead to an exciting and rewarding career in many counseling specializations. Each specialty offers unique opportunities to help people in diverse settings, from schools and hospitals to private practices and rehabilitation centers. Here are a few of the possible career paths you can follow with a master's in counseling:

• Mental health counselor: provides therapy for individuals facing emotional and psychological challenges
• School counselor: supports students with academic and personal development
• Marriage or family therapist: works with couples and families to resolve conflicts
• Substance abuse or addiction counselor: specializes in supporting addiction recovery
• Rehabilitation counselor: assists individuals with disabilities in achieving personal and professional goals

Explore Master's Programs in Counseling

Accelerating your path to a new career in counseling requires carefully evaluating programs to find one that fits your needs. You can find the fastest way to become a therapist in Texas with various paths. Explore other featured programs on Learn.org to find the best fit for you and your professional goals to start your journey toward becoming a counselor in Texas.