Behavioral Health Professions
Mental health and substance use treatment professionals work to help people living with mental health and substance use disorders achieve recovery. These professions range from Mental Health/Recovery Support Peer Specialists to Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors to Licensed Professional Counselors to Psychiatrists.
While being a behavioral health professional can be challenging work, the rewards of making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations are innumerable. Check out the video below to hear from licensed professionals in greater Houston on why they chose this field.
While being a behavioral health professional can be challenging work, the rewards of making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations are innumerable. Check out the video below to hear from licensed professionals in greater Houston on why they chose this field.
Interested in Entering the Behavioral Health Profession?
Click below for more detailed education and licensing requirements!
Click below for more detailed education and licensing requirements!
Certified Mental health/Recovery peer support specialist
A peer is a person with lived experience of recovery from mental illness or addiction. By combining this experience with skills learned in formal training, peer specialists, including Certified Mental Health Peer Specialists and Recovery Support Peer Specialists deliver services in behavioral health settings to support long-term recovery. Peer specialists are open about their lived experience and can be most effective when a program is recovery-oriented. [source]
EDUCATION/TRAINING
(See TX Admin Code § 354.3051, 354.3155, 354.3159)
EXAMINATION(S)
Pass an online Knowledge Assessment (required by some entities)
POST-CERTIFICATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
250 hours of supervised work experience, to be completed within six months after initial certification. (See TX Admin Code § 354.3051)
OTHER
For more information regarding peer/recovery support specialist requirements, visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
EDUCATION/TRAINING
- High school diploma/GED
- Complete an orientation and self-assessment
- Complete initial core training (generally one day)
- Complete supplemental training for either mental health or recovery support (generally five days)
(See TX Admin Code § 354.3051, 354.3155, 354.3159)
EXAMINATION(S)
Pass an online Knowledge Assessment (required by some entities)
POST-CERTIFICATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
250 hours of supervised work experience, to be completed within six months after initial certification. (See TX Admin Code § 354.3051)
OTHER
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Have lived experience of a mental health and substance use disorder
- Be willing to share recovery story with clients
- Demonstrate self-directed recovery
- Pass criminal history and registry check requirements (See TX Admin Code § 354.3051 and 354.3201)
For more information regarding peer/recovery support specialist requirements, visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
LICENSED CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY COUNSELOR
A Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) provides treatment for individuals who suffer from addictions to various chemicals, such as alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. LCDCs assesses client needs, and then they develop a treatment plan, which can involve both individual and group therapy. LCDCs may also work together with medical professionals such as physicians and nurses and provide counseling for friends and family members of those with substance abuse issues. [source]
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS
300 hours of approved supervised field work practicum[2]
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Pass the written licensed chemical dependency counselor examination administered by the Texas Certification Board arm of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP). (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 140.408(a)(5))
POST-GRADUATION SUPERVISED WORK REQUIREMENTS
4,000 hours minimum of approved supervised experience working with chemically dependent people.
(See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 140.408(a)(4) & 140.409)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
For more information regarding chemical dependency counselor requirements, visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Regulatory Services Division. To learn more about the chemical dependency profession in Texas, visit the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals.
[1] Persons with a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in chemical dependency counseling, sociology, psychology, or a major approved by the Department of State Health Services are exempt from the 270 hours of education and the 300 hour practicum.
[2] At least 135 hours (9 semester hours) must be specific to substance use disorders and their treatment. The remaining hours may be specific or related to chemical dependency counseling (e.g., psychology, sociology, counseling, mental health, behavioral science, psychiatric nursing, ethics, and rehabilitation counseling). (See TX Admin Code § 140.406)
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma/GED (See TX Admin Code § 140.408(a)(1) & 140.405);
- 18 semester hours (a total of 270 classroom hours) of chemical dependency curricula[1] (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 140.408(a)(1) & 140.405); and
- Associate’s degree or more advanced degree (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 140.408(a)(3))
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS
300 hours of approved supervised field work practicum[2]
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Pass the written licensed chemical dependency counselor examination administered by the Texas Certification Board arm of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP). (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 140.408(a)(5))
POST-GRADUATION SUPERVISED WORK REQUIREMENTS
4,000 hours minimum of approved supervised experience working with chemically dependent people.
(See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 140.408(a)(4) & 140.409)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Pass criminal history standards (See TX Admin Code § 140.405 and § 140.431)
- 2 letters of recommendation from LCDCs (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code §140.408(a)(7) )
- Submit written assurance you have access to an approved peer assistance program (See TX Admin Code § 140.408(a)(8))
For more information regarding chemical dependency counselor requirements, visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Regulatory Services Division. To learn more about the chemical dependency profession in Texas, visit the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals.
[1] Persons with a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in chemical dependency counseling, sociology, psychology, or a major approved by the Department of State Health Services are exempt from the 270 hours of education and the 300 hour practicum.
[2] At least 135 hours (9 semester hours) must be specific to substance use disorders and their treatment. The remaining hours may be specific or related to chemical dependency counseling (e.g., psychology, sociology, counseling, mental health, behavioral science, psychiatric nursing, ethics, and rehabilitation counseling). (See TX Admin Code § 140.406)
licensed social worker (Bachelor and masters level)
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker
A Licensed Bachelor Social Worker is a generalist practice and may include interviewing, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, direct practice, information and referral, problem solving, supervision, consultation, education, advocacy, community organization, and policy and program development, implementation, and administration. [source]
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 781.401(a)(3)(A)
*Note: educational prerequisite for a bachelor’s degree is a high school diploma/GED.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
400 field education hours.
EXAMINATION(S)
See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 781.401(a)(3)(B)
POST-GRADUATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
None
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker applies specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions and addictions, including severe mental illness and serious emotional disturbances in adults, adolescents, and children. Clinical treatment methods may include but are not limited to providing individual, marital, couple, family, and group therapy, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, direct practice, and psychotherapy. [source]
EDUCATION
Master's degree with at least 60 semester hours [1] in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, OR doctoral degree in social work from an accredited institution of higher learning acceptable to TX BHEC. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 781.401(a)(1)(A))
*Note: educational prerequisites for a master’s or doctorate degree are (1) high school diploma/GED & (2) a Bachelor’s degree.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
900 field education hours.[1]
EXAMINATION(S)
POST-GRADUATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised professional clinical experience over a period of 24 to 48 months, including at least 100 hours of direct, one-one-one supervision. Supervision must occur within five years immediately preceding the LCSW application date.
OTHER
An individual who has completed all of the above requirements with the exception of the supervision is considered a Licensed Masters Social Worker.
For more information regarding social worker requirements, visit the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. To learn more about the social work profession in Texas, visit the National Association of Social Workers – Texas.
[1] NOTE: Students who have completed their BSW only need to complete 30 semester hours (one year) of coursework and 500 field education hours for their Masters degree.
A Licensed Bachelor Social Worker is a generalist practice and may include interviewing, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, direct practice, information and referral, problem solving, supervision, consultation, education, advocacy, community organization, and policy and program development, implementation, and administration. [source]
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 781.401(a)(3)(A)
*Note: educational prerequisite for a bachelor’s degree is a high school diploma/GED.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
400 field education hours.
EXAMINATION(S)
- A passing score on the TX State Board of Social Work Examiner’s jurisprudence examination. See TX Admin Code § 882.5. AND
- Passing score on Bachelor's examination administered nationally by ASWB.
See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 781.401(a)(3)(B)
POST-GRADUATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
None
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker applies specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions and addictions, including severe mental illness and serious emotional disturbances in adults, adolescents, and children. Clinical treatment methods may include but are not limited to providing individual, marital, couple, family, and group therapy, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, direct practice, and psychotherapy. [source]
EDUCATION
Master's degree with at least 60 semester hours [1] in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, OR doctoral degree in social work from an accredited institution of higher learning acceptable to TX BHEC. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 781.401(a)(1)(A))
*Note: educational prerequisites for a master’s or doctorate degree are (1) high school diploma/GED & (2) a Bachelor’s degree.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
900 field education hours.[1]
EXAMINATION(S)
- A passing score on the TX State Board of Social Work Examiner’s jurisprudence examination (a prerequisite for the ASWB exam). See TX Admin Code § 882.5.
- Passing score on the Clinical examination administered nationally by ASWB.
POST-GRADUATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised professional clinical experience over a period of 24 to 48 months, including at least 100 hours of direct, one-one-one supervision. Supervision must occur within five years immediately preceding the LCSW application date.
OTHER
An individual who has completed all of the above requirements with the exception of the supervision is considered a Licensed Masters Social Worker.
For more information regarding social worker requirements, visit the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. To learn more about the social work profession in Texas, visit the National Association of Social Workers – Texas.
[1] NOTE: Students who have completed their BSW only need to complete 30 semester hours (one year) of coursework and 500 field education hours for their Masters degree.
licensed professional counselor
Licensed Professional Counselors work with groups, families and individuals in a clinical setting or private practice. They may address mental, emotional, social, or behavioral issues, all with a goal of helping people find better alternatives to unhealthy ways of dealing with the challenges of daily living. [source]
EDUCATION
Graduate degree (i.e., Master’s degree or higher)* with at least 60 semester hours[1] of coursework in counseling or a counseling-related field (See TX Admin Code § 681.82)
*Graduate degree prerequisites are high school diploma/GED and a Bachelor’s degree.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
Supervised practicum experience of at least 300 clock-hours, including 100 hours of direct client counseling. (See TX Admin Code § 681.83(b)(10))
EXAMINATION(S)
POST-GRAUDATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
Over at least an 18-month period, complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience under a Council-approved supervisor, including a minimum of 1,500 hours of direct client counseling contact. The supervision must include a minimum of 4 hours per month of direct, one-one-one supervision. (See TX Admin Code § 681.92)
OTHER
Must be temporarily licensed as an LPC Associate prior to completion of the required 3000 supervision hours and full licensure.
For more information regarding professional counselor requirements, visit the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. To learn more about the professional counseling profession in Texas, visit the Texas Counseling Association.
[1] The 60 semester hours must be designed to train a person to provide direct services to assist clients in a professional counseling relationship using a combination of mental health and human development principles, methods, and techniques to achieve the mental, emotional, social, moral, educational, spiritual, or career-related development and adjustment of the client throughout the client's life. See TX Admin Code § 681.83 for specific academic course requirements.
EDUCATION
Graduate degree (i.e., Master’s degree or higher)* with at least 60 semester hours[1] of coursework in counseling or a counseling-related field (See TX Admin Code § 681.82)
*Graduate degree prerequisites are high school diploma/GED and a Bachelor’s degree.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
Supervised practicum experience of at least 300 clock-hours, including 100 hours of direct client counseling. (See TX Admin Code § 681.83(b)(10))
EXAMINATION(S)
- Pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE)
- Pass the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
POST-GRAUDATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
Over at least an 18-month period, complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience under a Council-approved supervisor, including a minimum of 1,500 hours of direct client counseling contact. The supervision must include a minimum of 4 hours per month of direct, one-one-one supervision. (See TX Admin Code § 681.92)
OTHER
Must be temporarily licensed as an LPC Associate prior to completion of the required 3000 supervision hours and full licensure.
For more information regarding professional counselor requirements, visit the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. To learn more about the professional counseling profession in Texas, visit the Texas Counseling Association.
[1] The 60 semester hours must be designed to train a person to provide direct services to assist clients in a professional counseling relationship using a combination of mental health and human development principles, methods, and techniques to achieve the mental, emotional, social, moral, educational, spiritual, or career-related development and adjustment of the client throughout the client's life. See TX Admin Code § 681.83 for specific academic course requirements.
licensed marriage and family therapist
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist works with individuals, couples, and families from a family systems perspective across a variety of mental and emotional disorders, relationship issues, or communication issues. They also work in a variety of settings including inpatient facilities, community mental health centers, private practice offices, and social service agencies. [source]
EDUCATION
*Note 1: Master’s or doctorate degree programs must have a minimum of 60 credit hours (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 801.113)
*Note 2: educational prerequisites for a master’s or doctorate degree are (1) high school diploma/GED & (2) a Bachelor’s degree.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
Supervised clinical internship of 12 months or 9 semester hours, consisting of at least 300 hours of experience. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 801.114)
EXAMINATION(S)
Pass the licensure examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) or the State of California marriage and family therapy licensure examination (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 801.76(b)(3) & 801.174)
POST-GRADUATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
Complete 2 years of work experience in marriage and family therapy including 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice which must include:
Remaining hours may come from related experiences (e.g., workshops, public relations, writing case notes, consulting with referral sources). (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 801.142)
For more information regarding marriage and family therapy requirements, visit the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists. To learn more about the marriage and family therapy profession in Texas, visit the Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.
EDUCATION
- Master’s or doctorate degree in marriage & family therapy from a program accredited by COAMFTE;
- Master’s degree in a Marriage, Couples & Family Counseling (MCFC) specialized program accredited by the CACREP starting on or after 1/1/17; OR
- Master's or doctorate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in marriage & family therapy or in a related mental health field w/ course of study in marriage & family therapy. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 801.112(a))
*Note 1: Master’s or doctorate degree programs must have a minimum of 60 credit hours (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 801.113)
*Note 2: educational prerequisites for a master’s or doctorate degree are (1) high school diploma/GED & (2) a Bachelor’s degree.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
Supervised clinical internship of 12 months or 9 semester hours, consisting of at least 300 hours of experience. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 801.114)
EXAMINATION(S)
Pass the licensure examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) or the State of California marriage and family therapy licensure examination (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 801.76(b)(3) & 801.174)
POST-GRADUATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
Complete 2 years of work experience in marriage and family therapy including 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice which must include:
- 1,500 hours of direct clinical services; and
- 200 hours of council-approved supervision
Remaining hours may come from related experiences (e.g., workshops, public relations, writing case notes, consulting with referral sources). (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 801.142)
For more information regarding marriage and family therapy requirements, visit the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists. To learn more about the marriage and family therapy profession in Texas, visit the Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.
psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse
Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurses are nurses with specialized training that help assess, address, and monitor mental health and behavioral conditions. They may work with individuals, families, groups, or communities and most work with a team of other licensed mental healthcare workers. [source]
EDUCATION
*Note: educational prerequisites for a master’s degree are (1) high school diploma/GED & (2) a Bachelor’s degree.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
A minimum of 500 hours of separate, non-duplicated clinical hours in psychiatry. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 219.9)
EXAMINATION(S)
Pass the appropriate APRN national certification examination in the APRN role and population focus congruent with the applicant's educational preparation. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 221.4(a)(3))
POST-GRADUATION WORK EXPERIENCE
A minimum of 400 hours of practice as a psychiatric nurse within the 24 calendar months before licensure application.[1] (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 221.4(a)(8))
OTHER
For more information about Advanced Practice Nurse Licensure, visit the Texas Board of Nursing.
[1] This is only required if an individual completed the advance practice registered nursing program more than 24 calendar months before licensure application.
EDUCATION
- Be a licensed RN (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 221.4(a)(2))
- Complete a Master’s degree or higher from an advanced practice nursing psychiatric/mental health educational program accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas BON. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 219.9(a)(6) & 221.3); AND
- Complete an additional nine semester hours in a psychiatry clinical major.
*Note: educational prerequisites for a master’s degree are (1) high school diploma/GED & (2) a Bachelor’s degree.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
A minimum of 500 hours of separate, non-duplicated clinical hours in psychiatry. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 219.9)
EXAMINATION(S)
Pass the appropriate APRN national certification examination in the APRN role and population focus congruent with the applicant's educational preparation. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 221.4(a)(3))
POST-GRADUATION WORK EXPERIENCE
A minimum of 400 hours of practice as a psychiatric nurse within the 24 calendar months before licensure application.[1] (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 221.4(a)(8))
OTHER
- Disclose any state, territory, or country in which the applicant holds or previously held a professional license or credential. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 221.4(a)(4))
- Disclose the date & jurisdiction if applicant previously applied for a license in another jurisdiction & either was denied a license, withdrew the application, or allowed the application to expire. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 221.4(a)(5))
For more information about Advanced Practice Nurse Licensure, visit the Texas Board of Nursing.
[1] This is only required if an individual completed the advance practice registered nursing program more than 24 calendar months before licensure application.
licensed psychologist
A Licensed Psychologist provides continuing and comprehensive mental health care for people and families, consults with agencies and communities, and trains, educates and supervises other mental health professionals. Licensed psychologists are trained in a variety of techniques enabling them to work in many settings such as schools, hospitals, counseling centers, community organizations and health care practice. [source]
EDUCATION
Doctoral degree in psychology from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, or the United States Department of Education. (See TX Admin Code § 463.10(a)(1))
*Note: educational prerequisite for a doctorate degree in psychology is either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
At least 1,750 hours of supervised experience received in a formal internship within a doctoral program (See 22 TX Admin Code § 463.11).
EXAMINATION(S)
POST-GRADUATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
1,750 hours of supervised experience received as a provisionally licensed psychologist.
Note 1: Individuals who have not yet passed the required examinations or are working toward completion of the supervision requirements may apply to be a provisionally licensed psychologist, which allows them to practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist for up to two years. (See 22 TX Admin Code § 463.10(f))
Note 2: There are some conditions under which individuals can complete the 1,750 hours of supervised experience without being a provisionally licensed psychologist. (See 22 TX Admin Code § 463.11(a)(3)
For more information regarding psychologist requirements, visit the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. To learn more about the psychology profession in Texas, visit the Texas Psychological Association.
[1] Degree program must have been accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, or the United States Department of Education.
EDUCATION
Doctoral degree in psychology from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, or the United States Department of Education. (See TX Admin Code § 463.10(a)(1))
*Note: educational prerequisite for a doctorate degree in psychology is either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology.
PRE-GRADUATION INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM
At least 1,750 hours of supervised experience received in a formal internship within a doctoral program (See 22 TX Admin Code § 463.11).
EXAMINATION(S)
- Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology; and
- Pass the TX State Board of Examiners of Psychologists Jurisprudence Examination;
POST-GRADUATION SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE
1,750 hours of supervised experience received as a provisionally licensed psychologist.
Note 1: Individuals who have not yet passed the required examinations or are working toward completion of the supervision requirements may apply to be a provisionally licensed psychologist, which allows them to practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist for up to two years. (See 22 TX Admin Code § 463.10(f))
Note 2: There are some conditions under which individuals can complete the 1,750 hours of supervised experience without being a provisionally licensed psychologist. (See 22 TX Admin Code § 463.11(a)(3)
For more information regarding psychologist requirements, visit the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. To learn more about the psychology profession in Texas, visit the Texas Psychological Association.
[1] Degree program must have been accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, or the United States Department of Education.
psychiatrist
EDUCATION
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from a U.S. or Canadian medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Professional Education. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 163.2(a)(4))
*Note: educational & exam prerequisites for an M.D./D.O. are (1) high school diploma/GED, (2) a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree & (3) taking the MCAT exam.
PRE-GRADUATION CLERKSHIPS/ROTATIONS
Medical students are expected to complete core clerkships in areas such as psychiatry, family medicine, and pediatrics, as well as elective and/or selective rotations in other areas. The required weeks for each clerkship/rotation varies by school.
EXAMINATION(S)
POST-GRADUATION RESIDENCY/FELLOWSHIP
Complete post-graduate psychiatry residency (4 years), approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the Committee on Accreditation of Preregistration Physician Training Programs. An additional fellowship (one to two years) is required for individuals seeking licensure in a subspecialty (e.g. child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, etc.). (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 171.3(a)(7))
Note: A physician-in-training permit is required during residency. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 171.3(a)(6))
OTHER
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from a U.S. or Canadian medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Professional Education. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 163.2(a)(4))
*Note: educational & exam prerequisites for an M.D./D.O. are (1) high school diploma/GED, (2) a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree & (3) taking the MCAT exam.
PRE-GRADUATION CLERKSHIPS/ROTATIONS
Medical students are expected to complete core clerkships in areas such as psychiatry, family medicine, and pediatrics, as well as elective and/or selective rotations in other areas. The required weeks for each clerkship/rotation varies by school.
EXAMINATION(S)
- Pass an examination accepted by the Texas Medical Board for licensure. See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 163.6(a) for a list of acceptable examinations AND
- Pass the Texas Medical Jurisprudence Examination (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 163.2(a)(7))
POST-GRADUATION RESIDENCY/FELLOWSHIP
Complete post-graduate psychiatry residency (4 years), approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the Committee on Accreditation of Preregistration Physician Training Programs. An additional fellowship (one to two years) is required for individuals seeking licensure in a subspecialty (e.g. child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, etc.). (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 171.3(a)(7))
Note: A physician-in-training permit is required during residency. (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 171.3(a)(6))
OTHER
- Be 21 years of age (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 163.2(a)(1))
- Be of good professional character as defined under 22 Tex. Admin. Code §163.1(8) (See 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 163.2(a)(2))
Network of Behavioral Health Providers
9401 Southwest Freeway Suite #1242
Houston, TX 77074
Phone: 713-970-3410
9401 Southwest Freeway Suite #1242
Houston, TX 77074
Phone: 713-970-3410