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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).
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.
Check License Status or Search for a Licensee
- Search Online Licensing Services to verify a license and to renew a professional license.
- 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:
- Form 3223, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Counselor Intern and Council on Sex Offender Treatment Complaint
- Form 2076, Authorization to Release Medical Information
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. Open Records Policy and Procedures has information about how to submit an open records request.
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. Applicants with a prior criminal conviction can use the Guide to Applying for an Occupational License After Conviction or Deferred Adjudication when applying for an occupational license.
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
- Form 3233, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Program Request for Criminal History Evaluation
- Form 3234, Council for Sex Offender Treatment (CSOT) Request for Criminal History Evaluation
Contact Us
Licensing Complaints
HHSC, Professional Licensing Complaints
PO Box 149347, Mail Code 1979
Austin, TX 78714-9347
Fax: (512) 438-5671
Email:
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor or Counselor Intern: email HHSC LCDC Complaints
- Council on Sex Offender Treatment: email HHSC CSOT Complaints
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, TX 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, TX 78714-9347
Phone: (512) 438-5446
Fax: (512) 438-5289
Email: csot@hhs.texas.gov