04/16/2026
In Texas, What can a Licensed Professional Counselor Do?
Can LPC’s in Texas Diagnose? Yes!
Diagnosis is named in state code:
Title 22 (Examining Boards) Texas Administrative Code Part 30, Chapter 681 Rules Relating to the Licensing and Regulation of Professional Counselors – SUBCHAPTER B – AUTHORIZED COUNSELING METHODS AND PRACTICES
Statute defines assessing and appraising for mental health counselors:
(16) assessing and appraising, in compliance with §681.43 of this title (relating to Testing), which utilizes formal and informal instruments and procedures, for which the counselor has received appropriate training and supervision, in individual and group settings for the purposes of determining the client’s strengths and weaknesses, mental status, emotional stability, intellectual ability, interests, aptitudes, achievement level and other characteristics for diagnosing mental health disorders; but does not permit the diagnosis of a physical condition or physical disorder
Fact SHEET via Texas State Health Services – Mentions Diagnostic Assessment:
Professional counselors. A licensed professional counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who provides professional therapeutic services to individuals and groups that involve the application of mental health, psychotherapeutic, and human development principles to facilitate adjustment and development throughout life. Services may include individual counseling, group counseling, marriage counseling, family counseling, chemical dependency counseling, rehabilitation counseling, education counseling, career development counseling, sexual issues counseling, psychotherapy, play therapy, diagnostic assessment, hypnotherapy, expressive therapies, biofeedback, and related services.
Professional LEGAL Opinion – Texas District & County Attorney’s Association:
“Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). LCSWs, LPCs, and LMFTs are required to have a master’s degree, supervised clinical hours, and have passed a licensing exam. They are allowed to diagnose mental illness and provide treatment, which generally means counseling. They can operate independently and are generally reimbursed by insurance.”
Regarding Assessment / Testing
“Assessment” means the selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of an instrument designed to assess an individual’s aptitudes, attitudes, abilities, achievements, interests, personal characteristics, disabilities, and mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, and the use of methods and techniques for understanding human behavior that may include the evaluation, assessment, and treatment by counseling methods, techniques, and procedures for mental and emotional disorders, alcoholism and substance abuse, and conduct disorders. The term does not include the use of standardized projective techniques or permit the diagnosis of a physical condition or disorder.
