Texas LPC-Associates Can Now Own and Run Their Own Private Practice + My Checklist for Launching 

Okay, this is going to sound dramatic...but this one video literally changed my life. Let me explain...I finished my master's 7 years ago with the intention of going into private practice. HOWEVER at the time that was only possible after you had finished your internship/associateship. Life unexpectedly happened during my last year of grad school and I graduated 8 months pregnant with twins. My twins ended up with multiple health problems...then I was diagnosed with cancer and walked through that battle. Here we are seven years later with two very healthy boys and me in remission...but seven years removed from the whole mental health world and not knowing how to reenter. Working at a community health location did not seem feasible because we live in the middle of NOWHERE, and that was the main reason why I had not pursued my associate hours....there was simply no place to do it, and we could not move because of my husband's job. So...all of that to say...I felt like I was ready to get to work, but did not think it was possible. I got a job as a writer, and have been doing that for a few years. I like to write, but it is not where I thought I would end up. In April of this year, a friend of a friend said I should take another look at a career in counseling because so many statutes had changed in Texas regarding telehealth (I had no idea). So, I fell down the Google rabbit hole and found your videos. I quite literally cried when I watched this video because I realized that my dreams really could come true. I stayed up all night that night researching everything you said, and it is all accurate. I can be in telehealth private practice! I can do it, in the middle of nowhere....I CAN DO THIS! I had also been so concerned about working full time because I am permanently disabled by ADA standards (due to cancer complications) and need to be in control of my schedule. I can do that and flourish in private practice! I was encouraged, and a fire was relit in my heart. I applied for and retook the NCE (my original scores had timed out)...and PASSED. I found a supervisor, got all my documents together, and applied for my LPC-A. I should hear back any day now! I cannot begin to thank you enough for putting these videos online. I have watched every one of them. My years as a writer have not been wasted either, it has allowed me to network in really unique areas and gain massive experience in running my own business/practice. I apologize for the long message, I have been meaning to write this and wanted to just take the opportunity to say THANK YOU.

Just passed my NCE and I am excited to begin!!

This is great news, and a big responsibility to have our own practice. We LPC-Associates work hard to get our license and two years after our degree and internship we had to wait to go private, before the rules changed. Hopefully this helps more people who need quality therapy and counseling services .

Thank you so much! I'm in grade school right now, I don't want to work for another company!

This is great! I just passed my test and thought I had a job lined up but it didn’t pan out. Now I’m excited to get this process started! I’m already entrepreneur so I’m so pumped to continue my self employed journey!

Congratulations, Deyanira! That's amazing that LPC-Associates in Texas can have their own private practice. What a dream!! I'm graduating from my CMHC program in Florida and we're not able to do this UNLESS we have a licensed clinician on-site during sessions.

Congratulations, so happy for you!! I’m a LMFT from Hawaii and I’m currently in the process of building up my online practice as well! Any tips or updates about your practice along the way really helps!! I appreciate you for inspiring me and keeping me motivated :)

Just tuned in to this. Very helpful, great tips. Will get me on track real soon. Many thanks!!!

Awesome this makes my decision much easier. How does the supervision work with an online practice for an LPC-A? I’m still obtaining my bachelors was originally going for LCSW but changed because of just wanting to do talk therapy. Dream is own practice also I’m 48 so I don’t have much time to waste and I am so excited to hear this!! TY!!

Wow that is wonderful! I hope Georgia does the same because I am constantly thinking about having my own practice but I do not want to wait forever.

Hi Deyanira, I just discovered your channel today. Thank you for sharing such important information! I just passed my NCE and have set the intention for private practice as soon as it is possible. I am also a Board Certified Coach and excited to "keep on growing!" Congratulations to you and looking forward to more of your videos. ~Marleen Garza

Just found your channel, and I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your experiences. I'm a couple semesters away from completing my master's in counseling, and I just feel at a loss about how to start a private practice. Your experience has been teaching me a lot!

I am so excited you are doing this. I am in Texas and in my M.S. Clinical Psych program which has the LPA license. I just started looking at everything I need to sit for the exam and it is so expensive! I'm planning on saving and taking it right after I graduate next summer though. My goal is to go private practice and open a research clinic. Love your content! Some video ideas: what's in my bag (tools for in person session and things you may carry to the office), study tips and organiation for EPPP, and top things you use in session (I am making a amazon wish list for family and friends to help with books and materials that I want for use for future clients as I start seeing clients next semester).

Muchos saludos. Gracias por compartir tu conocimiento. Encontré tu vídeo y me dio mucho placer y emoción. Acabo de terminar mi maestría en salud mental y tengo mi licencia LPC_A. Por otro lado tengo mucha experiencia en los negocios y me gustó mucho este video. Me gustaría poder contactarte y hablar contigo. Vivo en ele area de Houston.Hablo inglés y español.

I am an LPC-Associate and I am ready

Thank you! I’ve been trying to navigate the licensure process and what I can and can’t do as an LPC in Kansas, and it’s been overwhelming! Your video is such an important one for helping people new to starting a private practice! ❤❤❤

In WA we can open private practice with a bachelors in psychology with supervision. So, while I’m about halfway done with my Masters I can open up my practice now! Applied for business license yesterday, trademarked the name and take the certified counselor exam soon!

I really appreciate this! I’m moving to El Paso from Colorado and I’m a little intimidated about how to do this as a new LPC-A. I knew what to do in CO but not there. Thanks!

❤❤❤ thank you, thank you, thank you ! ❤❤❤ I feel so empowered now hahaha. Great info 🎉 will definitely check the links 😊

This was sooo helpful!! Thank you for all this info. I'm really excited to further research this and possibly begin my own journey soon.

Thank you so much for this information. I've watched other videos on starting a private practice but they were geared mainly for fully licensed therapist. This helps so much for our unique situation. I am also an LPC-Associate in Texas with the desire to start my own practice and I've gotten some good advice on topics I hadn't thought about before. Congratulations and may you have much success!

Thank you for sharing !! ❤

What are the benefits versus costs of having your own private practice? I am assuming that LPC-As are still only covered by certain insurances and probably still have to give a reduced rate whether they are self employed or work for someone else. Also, aren’t there costs with opening up your up own business? For instance, you have to pay for SimplePractice and probably a Psychology Today subscription at least. Also, how hard is it for you to deal with insurance companies? I’m asking because I found a practice that will let me work there. Although, I’m still looking for an LPC-S. I’d love to hear stories about which is the better option!

Thank you for sharing your journey and resources! Exciting times for counselors!

Congratulations!! This is so exciting for all counselors and I’m so proud that you’re making this happen. It really reflects how much we can do as LPC-Associates. I’m definitely interested in learning more about this and maybe opening my own practice one day.

Awesome video with so much information. I am in the process of applying for the LPC Associate at this time Thanks for the info

Amazing video and information! Is there any way you can provide resources for how to obtain an LPC Supervisor when owning a private practice as an LPC-A? I am having difficulty finding any resources for how the process of works of obtaining supervision while still owning a private practice as an LPC-A.

Congrats! I love your videos! My guess is you may have come across this youtube channel already, but I love Private Practice Skills with Marie Fang if you are ever looking for more tips and tricks. This is her specific niche and I have learned so much for helping my own current business that is not even therapy specific and can't wait to incorporate the info from both your spaces even more as I start counseling grad school in the fall!

Congratulations on the new business!

Hello! Thank you SO much for compiling this... For some reason the link you provided to the Texas State Board Rule Changes on BHEC hasn't worked from my phone or my computer... You have already done so much, but is there any way you could provide a little more information on how to find that information? All I can find on their website is the old November 2020 laws. Again, you have already done a ton, but if you do have the time, that would be so helpful. Thanks!

I appreciate all of your videos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have me super excited!!

Thank you! This was very helpful!

I am so pumped for you 🤩!!! You going to thrive 😎

So happy for you! This is a huge milestone. I was curious… I graduate in August with my masters and have already passed the NCE (got to take it early as part of the NCC application) would it be too early to start looking for a supervisor, applying for jobs, etc?

I am so happy to find your channel as a guide on becoming a LPC. Do you think taking online program makes any differences, or add obstacles when finding internship after graduated? I am at the decision to choose online program or a traditional school. Thank you!

I love this ! Thank you 😁

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

Very informative videos. Question: I noticed you stated you registered with the County and NOT the Secretary of States office , can you elaborate a little on the difference. Thank you in advance.

Hello, THis is awesome information. Who can open a mental health clinic in Texas? What credtitials are needed? DO you need a medical director? Im a medical biller and I'm intrested in opening a clinic but I want to know who do I need on staff that can open a clinic. I know I can not since I do not have a degree in mental health. ANy information is appreciated thanks VG

Great Information! THANK YOU!

Incredibly helpful information, Deyanira! Thanks so much for taking the time to share. Quick question for you. I know there are benefits of registering a separate business entity as you have done. I'm curious though, is it required or could you run your private practice as an independent contractor in the state of Texas (i.e. reporting your private practice income as your personal income on tax returns).

Super helpful!

You are an angelita from diosito! Thank you so much for this video! I learned so much!

Well done!!!

Thank you so much for this video!!! Do you know if it is legal for an LPC to practice in-person from a private space at home? I'd like to balance doing telehealth at home with seeing and local individuals in person, but don't want to bother with creating a clinic or business front.

the link in your description box i think is expired. for the "Texas" State Board Rule Changes on BHEC" , it doesnt seem to work

❤thank you!!!

I have a Masters in Education and undergrad in counselling psych Can I apply for the Associate license and open a private ?

Has anything changed since this video? Or does it still apply?

Is the NPI and the CAQH numbers only needed if you are going to accept insurance? Do you need it if you will only be accepting private pay?

What do you do about taxes when you run a private practice?

Hi Deyanira…CONGRATULATIONS!! As a LPC-A, it was my understanding that we cannot accept insurance (NPI #). Is this not correct?

Do you have tips on how to find a supervising counselor while still being able to have work/life balance?

What about insurance billing?

Hi there! Are you able to become a provider through the insurance companies as an LPCA? Im currently an LPCA and getting all documentation ready. I appreciate your help!

Hi there- for the EHR platform that you are using. Did you have any hiccups with it since you are not able to bill insurance for your services?

I don’t see no rule changes adopted? Can you please share share exactly where?

I’ve been trying to research - does anyone know if this is true for LMSW’s as well?!