Professional School Counseling – Online LPC Bridge

About the Bridge

Classes are delivered totally online in 8-week terms. Asynchronous courses allow for schedule flexibility.
Relevant learning and field experience opportunities are embedded in course activities and the required program practicums.
Develop expertise in biological, social and cultural factors that impact mental health and wellness in various populations.
Gain a strong foundation to deliver ethical and culturally competent counseling services to support individuals, communities and organizations.

Quick Links

department of curriculum and instruction

Admission Requirements

Submit a graduate application through ApplyTexas.
Pay the $40 non-refundable application fee.
Submit official transcripts from the institutions where you earned your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Prerequisites

Master’s degree in counseling or counseling-related field
No minimum undergraduate GPA

Additional Information

Professional School Counseling – Online LPC Bridge coursework prepares students to apply for licensure only in the state of Texas. Students must assume responsibilities for securing a practicum site(s) and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), and maintaining constant communication with the supervisor to meet the LPC-A state licensure pre-requisite requirements.

After completing the LPC supplement courses outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, students seeking licensure as a professional counselor in Texas must:

Pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHC) (NBCC Exams).
Pass the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counseling Texas Jurisprudence Exam (BHEC LPC Jurisprudence Exam).
Secure a master’s-level/doctoral-level, board-approved Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. This information will be submitted on the Supervisory Agreement Form for LPC Associate license application.
Apply for an LPC Associate license through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. This involves an application process through an Online Licensing System to submit requirements, including the Practicum Documentation Form and the Supervisory Agreement Form. Additional documentation from third parties is also required for application and outlined on BHEC Applying for a License.
Once granted licensure as an LPC Associate, you will accrue the required 3,000 clock hours (1,500 direct counseling) under your board-approved supervisor for application for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Requirements for licensure vary from state to state. Our online bridge prepares students for licensure ONLY in the state of Texas. We do not imply that our online bridge prepares students for licensure in other states.

You may also find out more information about the counseling profession through the following professional counseling websites:

Credit Requirements

This graduate-level online bridge consists of 18 credit hours*. That means you only have to complete six courses to be ready to apply for licensure.

*Hours are dependent on transcript evaluation.

Application Deadlines

8-Week Bridge Deadlines:

Spring A – Jan 1
Spring B – Mar 1
Summer – May 23
Fall A – Aug 1
Fall B - Applications will open on Aug 30
Fall B – Oct 9

Woman school psychologist talking and helping a female student

Bridge Courses (3 credit hours each)

EDG 6333: Assessment Techniques
EDG 6334: Addictions Counseling
EDG 6335: Counseling Ethics
EDG 6336: Marriage and Family Counseling
EDG 6337: Psychopathology
EDG 6328: Professional Orientation

Total Credit Hours: 18*

The combination of our M.S. in Professional School Counseling program and the Online LPC Bridge meet the academic requirements to apply for LPC licensure.

*Hours are dependent on transcript evaluation