The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council is a regulatory body established by the Texas Legislature to oversee the licensure and practice of behavioral health professionals in the state. The council is responsible for ensuring that these professionals, including licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed social workers, and licensed chemical dependency counselors, meet the necessary educational, training, and ethical standards to provide safe and effective care to their clients.
One of the primary goals of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council is to protect the public by setting and enforcing standards for the practice of behavioral health professions. This includes developing and implementing rules and regulations governing the licensure and practice of these professionals, as well as investigating and resolving complaints against licensed practitioners. The council also works to promote the integrity of the professions it regulates, and to support the ongoing education and training of licensed professionals.
Key Points
- The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council is responsible for regulating the practice of behavioral health professionals in Texas.
- The council sets and enforces standards for licensure and practice, and investigates complaints against licensed practitioners.
- The council promotes the integrity of the professions it regulates, and supports the ongoing education and training of licensed professionals.
- The council is composed of members appointed by the governor, including licensed professionals and public members.
- The council's mission is to protect the public and promote the well-being of Texans by ensuring that behavioral health professionals are qualified and competent to practice.
Regulatory Authority and Scope of Practice
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council has the authority to regulate the practice of behavioral health professions in Texas, including the scope of practice, licensure requirements, and continuing education standards. The council’s regulatory authority is established by state law, and its rules and regulations are developed in accordance with the Texas Administrative Procedure Act. The council’s scope of practice includes the regulation of licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed social workers, and licensed chemical dependency counselors.
Licensure Requirements and Continuing Education
To become licensed as a behavioral health professional in Texas, an individual must meet the educational and training requirements established by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. These requirements typically include a master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant field, completion of a supervised internship or practicum, and passage of a national certification exam. Licensed professionals are also required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure and stay current with best practices in their field. The council sets the standards for continuing education, including the number of hours required and the topics that must be covered.
| Profession | Licensure Requirements | Continuing Education Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Professional Counselor | Master's degree, 3000 hours of supervised experience, passage of national certification exam | 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 4 hours of ethics and 2 hours of cultural diversity |
| Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | Master's degree, 3000 hours of supervised experience, passage of national certification exam | 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 4 hours of ethics and 2 hours of cultural diversity |
| Licensed Social Worker | Bachelor's or master's degree, passage of national certification exam | 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 4 hours of ethics and 2 hours of cultural diversity |
| Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor | High school diploma or equivalent, 270 hours of education and training, passage of national certification exam | 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 4 hours of ethics and 2 hours of cultural diversity |
Investigations and Disciplinary Actions
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council has the authority to investigate complaints against licensed behavioral health professionals, and to take disciplinary action when necessary. The council’s investigative process typically involves reviewing complaints, gathering evidence, and conducting interviews with the complainant and the licensed professional. If the council finds that a licensed professional has violated the rules or regulations governing their practice, it may take disciplinary action, including revocation or suspension of licensure, imposition of fines or penalties, or requirement of additional education or training.
Complaint Process and Disciplinary Actions
The complaint process typically begins with a written complaint filed with the council by a member of the public or a licensed professional. The complaint is then reviewed by the council’s staff, who determine whether the complaint alleges a violation of the rules or regulations governing the practice of behavioral health professions. If the complaint is found to be valid, the council’s staff will conduct an investigation, which may involve gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing records. If the investigation finds that a licensed professional has violated the rules or regulations, the council may take disciplinary action, including revocation or suspension of licensure, imposition of fines or penalties, or requirement of additional education or training.
What is the purpose of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council?
+The purpose of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council is to protect the public and promote the well-being of Texans by ensuring that behavioral health professionals are qualified and competent to practice.
What types of professionals are regulated by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council?
+The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council regulates the practice of licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed social workers, and licensed chemical dependency counselors.
How do I file a complaint with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council?
+To file a complaint with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, you can submit a written complaint to the council’s office. The complaint should include your name and contact information, the name and contact information of the licensed professional, and a detailed description of the complaint.
