So You Think You Can Dance...Er, I Mean Renew Your LPC License in Texas?
Hold onto your Stetsons, LPCs of the Lone Star State, because it's time to wrangle that license renewal! Don't worry, this ain't no bull riding competition. But, just like navigating a client's emotional rodeo, there are some hoops to jump through.
Step 1: Saddle Up and Check Your Expiration Date
First things first, you gotta know when your fancy LPC duds expire. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) ain't exactly sending out engraved invitations (although a good ol' fashioned reminder email wouldn't hurt, would it BHEC?). So, dig through those dusty emails or check the online portal to see when it's time to mosey on over and renew.
Step 2: Brush Up on Your Continuing Education (CE) Two-Step
Now, here's the fancy footwork. To keep your license shiny and new, you gotta complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. Think of it as keeping your mental health mambo fresh! The good news is, there are plenty of ways to get your CE groove on. Workshops, online courses, even attending that therapy conference your bestie's been raving about (because, let's be honest, you might learn a thing or two yourself!). Just make sure the courses are from approved providers by the NBCC, APA, or ASWB. They won't accept some two-bit online course on "How to Lasso Your Inner Critic" (although, that might actually be useful...).
Here's the nitty-gritty on those CE hours:
- 20 hours max online: Don't become a hermit counselor glued to your computer screen. Get out there and mingle with your fellow mental health mavens!
- Ethics and Cultural Competency: Gotta keep it squeaky clean and culturally aware, y'all. Six hours in ethics and three hours in cultural diversity or competency are mandatory.
- Texas Two-Step: Top it all off with the Texas jurisprudence exam. It's a little jig to make sure you're familiar with the latest Lone Star State counseling laws. Don't worry, it's not brain surgery (although, some clients might make you think otherwise).
Step 3: The Grand Online Stampede
Buckle up, because it's time for the online renewal stampede! Head over to the BHEC's online licensing system and get ready to wrangle that renewal application. It's mostly straightforward, but hey, if you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help. BHEC might not have wranglers on staff, but they do have customer service folks who can point you in the right direction.
Step 4: Pay the Pony Up (License Fee, That Is)
Every good hoedown comes with a cover charge, and renewing your license is no different. There's a renewal fee, but hey, consider it an investment in your continued ability to help folks navigate the emotional rodeo of life.
Bonus Tip: Don't Be a Maverick (Renew on Time)
Missing the deadline can land you with a late fee, and nobody likes a late fee, especially in Texas. So, avoid a financial tumbleweed and get that renewal in on time.
There you have it, folks! With a little planning and some fancy mental health footwork, you'll have your LPC license renewed in no time. Now, mosey on out there and keep doing that good work you do!
