History and Makeup

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (“Council”) was created by the 86th Legislature in 2019 following consecutive reviews of its member boards by the Sunset Advisory Commission. The Council consists of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, and the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.

The Council is designed to play a central role in the regulation of behavioral health services and social work practice in Texas and is guided by the seasoned wisdom of its member boards in abiding by its mission and philosophy.

Agency Mission and Philosophy

The mission of the Council is to protect and promote the welfare of the people of Texas by ensuring that behavioral health services and social work practice are provided by qualified and competent practitioners who adhere to established professional standards.  This mission is derived from the duly enacted statutes governing each regulated profession, as well as the law creating the Council, and supersedes the interest of any individual or special interest group.

Acting in accordance with the highest standards of ethics, accountability, efficiency, and openness, the Council approaches its mission with a deep sense of purpose and responsibility, and affirms that the regulation of behavioral health services and social work practice is a public trust.  The Council assumes a proactive leadership role in this regard and pledges to carry out its mission in an efficient, innovative, collaborative, and equitable manner.

Planning on Visiting the Council’s Office?

While visitors are allowed in the Council’s office to drop-off documents and materials, visitors are not permitted to meet with individual staff members without an appointment.  Thus, individuals are strongly encouraged to mail, email, or upload any application or complaint materials they wish to submit, in lieu of hand delivery.

Military Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses

The Council honors and supports our military personnel and veterans returning to civilian life and wishes to thank them for the sacrifices that they and their families have made on behalf of our nation. The skills that men and women acquire in the Armed Forces are valuable. These skills may benefit an individual that decides to pursue a career in behavioral health.

In accordance with Section 55.010 of the Occupations Code, the Council hereby provides notice that it has adopted rules that:

  • assist active duty, former, and retired military personnel with receiving the credit they earned for military training and education;
  • waive certain renewal requirements for military service members;
  • recognize prior licensure in this state;
  • recognize substantially equivalent licensure from other jurisdictions;
  • waive application and examination fees for military service members, veterans, and spouses; and
  • assist military spouses with licensure.