Professional Licensing, Certification and Compliance

Notice: On September 1, 2020, the licensing and regulatory authority for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers moved to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council as directed by House Bill 1501, 86th Legislature, Regular Session (2019). For more information on these programs, please visit the BHEC website.

The HHSC Health Care Regulation Department licenses and regulates two professional licensure types, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDCs) and Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Providers (LSOTPs). The Council on Sex Offender Treatment (CSOT), which is administratively attached to HHSC, sets forth the standards of practice for sex offender treatment providers in Texas.

The HCR Professional Licensing and Certification unit receives and processes license applications, evaluates credentials and issues licenses to both LCDCs and LSOTPs.

HCR’s Substance Use Disorder Compliance Unit investigates complaints received against LCDCs and LSOTPs. When SUDCU determines a professional’s noncompliance with state laws and/or rules, SUDCU refers the investigative findings for LCDCs to the Regulatory Services Division Enforcement Department. For LSOTPs, the investigative findings are sent to CSOT.

How to Check License Status or Search for a Licensee

  • Visit the Online Licensing Services Page. You can verify a license from there as well as renew a professional license from this site.
  • Please Note: On the search verification screen, you do not need to register, enter an ID, or password. However, if you are going to renew a professional license you do need to register, enter an ID, or password. Please select the link, "Public License Search," on the left side which will direct you to the search page.

Filing A Complaint

Professional Licensing Compliance is responsible for evaluating and investigating complaints against individuals licensed by HHSC. HHSC reviews all complaints to determine if the agency has jurisdiction and if the allegation is a violation of statute or rule as listed in the complaint.

To file a complaint, complete the following two forms:

Submit the complaint form and any additional supporting documentation to the mailing or email address shown on the complaint form.

After HHSC receives the completed complaint, the complainant will receive a complainant letter acknowledging HHSC received the complaint. HHSC will evaluate the complaint to determine whether the allegation violates statute or rule. When the complaint indicates an alleged violation, HHSC may contact the complainant for additional information. When a complaint does not indicate a potential violation of law or rules, HHSC will also notify the complainant.

A complaint may be filed anonymously. However, please be advised that anonymous complaints may be difficult to investigate and may be closed due to insufficient information provided. By providing a name and address, HHSC investigative staff will be able to contact the complainant for additional information necessary to investigate the complaint.

A person wanting to file a complaint may submit Form 3223, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Counselor Intern and Council on Sex Offender Treatment Complaint via mail, email or fax as indicated in the form.

Open Records Requests

Texas Health and Human Services is committed to providing full access to public information. For information on how to submit an open records request, visit the Open Records Policy and Procedures webpage.

State Auditor’s Office Best Practices Guide

Texas Occupations Code Section 53.026(a), requires the State Auditor’s Office, in collaboration with licensing authorities, to develop a best practices guide for applicants with a prior criminal conviction to use when applying for an occupational license.

Access the “Guide to Applying for an Occupational License After Conviction or Deferred Adjudication".

Criminal History Evaluation

During the 81st Legislature, Regular Session (2009), the Legislature passed House Bill 963, which amended Occupations Code, Chapter 53 and authorized HHSC to collect a fee for providing potential applicants a criminal history evaluation letter.

The purpose of the criminal history evaluation is to establish procedures to evaluate, upon request, the criminal history of potential applicants to determine if they are ineligible to hold a license for health professions based on a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense. Potential applicants who think they may be ineligible for licensure are advised to request a criminal history evaluation before they enter or complete a preparatory educational program or plan to take an exam for an initial license to avoid unnecessary hardship or costs if their criminal history is a ground for license ineligibility.

Fee

  • The criminal history evaluation letter fee is $50 for each professional licensure type.

Criminal History Evaluation Letter

Contact Us

Licensing Complaints

HHSC, Professional Licensing Complaints
P.O. Box 149347, Mail Code 1979
Austin, Texas 78714-9347

Fax: (512) 438-5671
Email:

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Counselor on Sex Offender Treatment Licensing Programs Submissions

Address for submitting fees:

ARTS
PO BOX 149055
Mail Code – 1470
Austin, TX 78714-9055

Address for all other non-payment submissions:

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors
Texas Health and Human Services
Mail Code 1982
PO Box 149347
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
Phone: (512) 438-5446
Fax: (512) 438-5289
Email: lcdc@hhs.texas.gov

Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Providers
Council on Sex Offender Treatment
Texas Health and Human Services
Mail Code 1982
PO Box 149347
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
Phone: (512) 438-5446
Fax: (512) 438-5289
Email: csot@hhs.texas.gov

Texas State Agencies

Guidance Letters

Case-sensitive. Use commas to separate multiple entries.
Note: These files are in PDF format unless otherwise noted.
Number Title Date Published
GL 23-5000-A Amended Military Service Member, Military Spouse, and Veteran Licensing Procedures (SB 422-88R)
Applies to: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors

Note: Revised February 16, 2024

GL 24-5000 Military Service Members, Military Spouses, and Veterans Seeking a Chemical Dependency Counselor License
Applies to: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors
GL 23-0001 Preparing for Hurricane Season
Applies to: Abortion Facilities, ASC, Birthing Centers, CDTF, CMHC, CORF, Psych Hospital & CSU, ESRD, FEMC, Hospital, Special Hospital, CLIA, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors, NTP, Port-X, RHC, SCF
GL 21-0001 Organ Transplant Recipient Discrimination Based on an Individual’s Disability Prohibited (HB 119-87R)
Applies to: Abortion Facilities, ASC, Birthing Centers, CDTF, ESRD, Hospital, NTP, Psych Hospital & CSU, SCF, Special Hospital, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors
GL 20-5004 Criminal Convictions and Licensure Eligibility for Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors and Counselor Interns (HB 1342-86R)
Applies to: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors
GL 20-5003 Required Training on Human Trafficking for Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (HB 2059-86R)
Applies to: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors