TEXAS COUNSELING ASSOCIATION
1204 San Antonio, Ste. 201! Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 472-3403 OR (800) 580-8144 ! Fax: (512) 472-3756
Public Policy Agenda
School Counselor Issues
Professionalschool counselors are certified by the State Board for Educator Certification, following completion of a rigorous graduate education program, at least two years teaching experience and passage of a certification exam. Certified school counselors work with students to help them improve their academic performance and interpersonal effectiveness;complete high school; and participate in postsecondary education.
■ Promote implementation of the Comprehensive Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program (TEC, Chapter
33) on all school campuses in Texas
▪ Support legislation and rules that recognize and support the role of professional certified school counselors
in the direct instruction of Texas students PK-12
▪ Support legislation and rules to require colleges and universities to staff counseling and services for students
with licensed professional licensed counselors
▪ Ensure that all students have access to a professional certified counselor PK-12 and professional licensed
counselors in college and university counseling centers
▪ Increase the percentage of time counselors spend on guidance and counseling and reduce their time spent on
non-counseling duties
▪ Collect data to identify how counselor time is currently being allocated in the school setting
▪ Promote the education of school principals, superintendents, and school boards in the Comprehensive
Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program
▪ Work with regulatory and other state agencies to ensure that training prepares certified school counselors to
meet statutory requirements
■ Adequately fund public education and appropriately compensate Texas educators
▪ Support efforts to provide compensation packages for Texas educators in line with national standards
▪ Support fiscal policies that recognize the contributions of counselors to academic student success and student
achievement
▪ Oppose any efforts to divert funding from the public school system to private education programs or privatized
management.
Licensed Professional Counselor Issues
Licensed Professional Counselors are licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, following completion of a rigorous graduate education program, at least 3,000 hours of supervised practice and passage of a national licensing examination. Licensed professional counselors work in private practice, educational institutions, hospitals, mental health and community centers and rehabilitation facilities to help individuals resolve mental, emotional, social and behavioral difficulties and achieve their full potential.
■ Protect the public by ensuring that counseling services are provided by Licensed Professional Counselors
▪ Maintain the regulatory structure and licensure requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors
▪ Modify statutory exemptions to licensure to require all counseling programs are supervised by a Licensed
Professional Counselor
▪ Ensure that regulations which provide for the treatment of specialized populations are consistent with the
statutes and rules governing Licensed Professional Counselors
■ Preserve and expand the availability of mental health services in Texas
▪ Maintain or increase funding for mental health services through Medicaid, CHIP and private insurance programs
▪ Ensure access to mental health services within state and local criminal justice systems
▪ Include Licensed Professional Counselors as independent providers under all public and private insurance
panels