In Texas, the practice of psychology is regulated through a structured licensure process with distinct requirements for independent practice, school-based services, and supervised roles at the master’s level. Separate credentials are available for psychologists, school psychologists, and psychological associates, each with its own standards and limitations.
Primary Licensing Authority
The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP), operating under the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), is responsible for psychologist licensure in Texas.
Licensed Psychologist Requirements
Education Requirements
- A doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited or substantially equivalent program is required.
- Continuing education of at least 40 hours every two years is mandatory, including 3 hours in ethics and 1 hour in cultural diversity.
Supervised Experience Requirements
- Applicants must complete 3,500 hours of supervised professional experience:
- 1,750-hour pre-doctoral internship
- 1,750-hour post-doctoral supervised experience
- 1,750-hour pre-doctoral internship
Examination Requirements
- Applicants must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
- Applicants must pass the Texas Jurisprudence Examination.
- The oral examination requirement was repealed in 2019.
Other Psychology Licenses in Texas
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)
School psychologist licensure in Texas is issued under the title Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). This credential is managed by TSBEP (under BHEC) and recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for school-based employment.
Credentialing Requirements
- Graduate degree in school psychology with at least 60 semester hours from a NASP-, APA-, or board-approved program.
- Completion of a 1,200-hour supervised internship, with at least 600 hours in a school setting.
- Passage of the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) exam, the EPPP (scaled for LSSP standards), and the Texas Jurisprudence Examination.
- Fingerprint-based background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety and FBI.
Scope of Practice
- LSSPs may provide psychological and educational services within public and accredited private school settings, including:
- Assessment, counseling, consultation, intervention
- Participation in special education eligibility and IEP processes
- Assessment, counseling, consultation, intervention
- LSSPs may not independently engage in private or clinical practice outside school settings unless they also hold a Licensed Psychologist credential.
Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)
- The LPA credential is available to individuals with a master’s degree in psychology.
- Must complete at least 450 hours of supervised practicum and work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
- LPAs are authorized for limited practice, including psychological testing and counseling, under supervision.
Other Roles
- The Board also oversees Provisional Licensees and Trainees, as well as the temporary licensure of out-of-state psychologists under PSYPACT for telepsychology and temporary in-person practice.
Scope of Practice Considerations
- Licensed Psychologists may independently provide psychological assessment, diagnosis, therapy, and consultation.
- LSSPs are limited to practice in school settings unless additionally licensed as psychologists.
- LPAs and trainees are restricted to supervised practice.
PSYPACT Status in Texas
Texas is a participating PSYPACT state. PSYPACT is an interstate compact that allows licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person psychological services across state lines among participating states.
Key Takeaways
- Texas psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, 3,500 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and Texas Jurisprudence Exam.
- Forty hours of continuing education are required every two years, including specified content in ethics and cultural diversity.
- The LSSP is required for school-based practice, and LPAs may practice under supervision with a master’s degree.
- Texas participates in PSYPACT, allowing eligible psychologists to provide services across state lines under the Compact.
- The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (BHEC) is the authority for all psychology credentials in Texas. Consult the Board for current requirements.
Important Note: Licensure requirements can change over time and may vary based on individual circumstances. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and current information, prospective psychologists should always consult the appropriate state licensing board and education agency for the most up-to-date licensure and certification requirements.
