What is the role of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors?

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors plays a critical role in regulating the practice of professional counseling within the state. This includes establishing and enforcing standards for licensure, ensuring that licensed counselors adhere to ethical practices, and protecting the public from unqualified practitioners. By maintaining these standards, the board helps to ensure that clients receive competent, ethical care from licensed professionals, thereby enhancing the overall quality of mental health services available in Texas.

The focus of the board's responsibilities is centered on regulatory functions rather than advocacy or legal counseling. While advocacy for clients and funding for training programs are important components of the broader counseling landscape, they are not the primary responsibilities of the board. Its main objective is the oversight and regulation of the profession to safeguard the wellbeing of the public, which underscores the importance of maintaining professional standards and accountability among licensed counselors.