Oh No! Lost Your Inner Therapist? Replacing Your Texas LPC License, a Hilarious Mishap (Hopefully)
We've all been there. You reach for your wallet, ready to conquer that therapy session with a client who insists their goldfish is judging them, and...your LPC license is MIA. Did it vanish into the Bermuda Triangle of receipts? Did your laundry monster snatch it in a sock revolution? Don't panic! This doesn't mean you have to resort to interpretive dance therapy (although, that could be an interesting session for the client...). Let's get you back to wielding the power of your official document.
Facing the Fax: Where to Find Your Lost License (Probably)
First things first, dig like a champion archaeologist. Check your usual haunts: therapist bag, desk drawer labelled "important stuff" (which somehow houses everything except important stuff), and that oh-so-reliable "catch-all" pile on your chair. If it's still playing hide-and-seek, don't resort to hypnotizing your houseplants for answers (been there, tried that, the venus flytrap just gave me a sassy side-eye).
Here are some more likely locations for your prodigal license:
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The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS): They might have a digital copy on file. Head over to their Online Licensing Services (https://vo.ras.dshs.state.tx.us/) and see if you can play detective with their search tool.
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Your Email: Did they send you a PDF copy when you first obtained your license? Search your inbox for keywords like "LPC" or "license." Pro tip: Try searching for "therapist ID" too, just in case your past self was feeling particularly creative.
From MIA to Viola! Requesting a Replacement License
If your inner Sherlock Holmes comes up empty-handed, it's time to request a replacement. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS, our licensing guardian angels) can help you out. Here's the drill:
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Download the LPC- Name Change and/or Duplicate License Form: You can find this little gem on the Texas.gov website (https://www.bhec.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/6-5How-To-Request-Wall-Certificate.docx).
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Fill it Out with Flair (Optional): We recommend using glitter gel pens for a touch of therapeutic whimsy. Just kidding (kind of). But seriously, fill out the form accurately and completely.
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Send it Back, Baby!: There are a few ways to return the form:
- Electronically: DocHub allows you to fill out the form online and submit it electronically. Fancy!
- By Mail: Snail mail it to the address provided on the form. Just be sure to add a tracking number so you can stalk, er, I mean, monitor its journey.
- In Person: Feeling adventurous? You can hand-deliver the form to the DSHS office. Just make sure you pack some snacks for the inevitable waiting room dance party.
There is a processing fee, so be prepared to cough up a few bucks to get your official therapist badge back.
The Takeaway: Keep Calm and Therapy On
Hopefully, these tips help you reunite with your lost license. Remember, therapists are human too, and we all misplace things sometimes. Just think of this as a chance to practice some mindfulness and acceptance. And hey, if all else fails, you can always tell your clients it's part of an "uncovering the hidden self" therapeutic exercise.
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