Remote LCSW & LMFT Jobs in Texas

How To Become a LCSW or LMFT in Texas

How to Become an LCSW in Texas

You need a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from an accredited four-year college or university to work toward an LCSW license in Texas. Once you complete your degree, you need to take the following steps toward licensure:

• Education and additional coursework: Earn a minimum of a master’s degree in social work (MSW) or related field from a program recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) recognized by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.

• Experience: Complete at least 3,000 hours of experience in a clinical setting under a Board-approved LCSW within 40 months.

• Exams: After meeting the above requirements, you must pass two exams to be considered for licensure. The first is the Texas Jurisprudence Exam, which covers the Social Work Practice Act, Council rules, and other applicable laws. You must then pass the national clinical exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The exam includes 170-questions on topics including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ethics.

• Certification: Once licensed in Texas, you can apply for certification to become a specialized social worker in a number of specialties. These credentials can expand your teletherapy work opportunities.

• Fees: Texas requires a $260 fee for LCSW licensure application and a $40 fee for the Texas Jurisprudence Exam. There is a $230 fee for the ASWB exam. Additional fees are required for specialized certification.

How to Become an LMFT in Texas

The first step to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in Texas is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a topic related to the behavioral sciences from an accredited four-year college or university. Once prospective remote LMFTs in Texas meet the preliminary requirements, you need to pursue the following:

• Education and additional coursework: The LMFT candidate must have a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related mental health field with equivalent coursework. Many organizations offer these courses, including the National Association of Social Workers.

• Experience: Texas requires LMFT candidates to complete 3,000 hours of board-approved, supervised marriage and family practice experience. That experience must include 1,500 hours of direct clinical services and 750 hours of work with couples or families. In addition, 200 hours must be directly supervised, with 100 of those hours being under individual supervision.

• Exams: Texas requires LMFT candidates take both a Texas Jurisprudence Exam and the National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

• Fees: Candidates pay a $40 application fee and a $90 licensure fee. There is a $40 fee for the Texas Jurisprudence Exam, as well as a $295 fee for the National Examination.

Requirements for Remote Mental Health Workers (LCSWs & LMFTs) in Texas

Once you earn your license as an LCSW or LMFT in Texas, you can decide which type of position suits you best. If you want to become a remote LCSW or remote LMFT, there are plenty of full-time and part-time virtual work opportunities available in Texas, including San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, and Houston.

Here’s what you should know before applying for a role as a remote mental health therapist:

• Work-from-home therapist: Remote therapists provide the same level of patient care as those who work in a healthcare facility or office setting. As a remote therapist, you’ll conduct sessions with clients using a website, telephone, mobile application, or other virtual mental health therapy platform. All therapists can only treat clients in the state in which they are licensed, so a remote LCSW or LMFT licensed in Texas must only accept clients from that state.

• Skills of successful remote therapists: Therapists must have excellent communication skills, and that’s particularly true for remote therapists. Many therapists hone their skills by working with clients in person before they move to teletherapy. Therapists who work remotely must also become adept at the use of digital therapy tools and testing materials.

• Necessary documentation: When applying for remote jobs, make sure to update your resume and provide appropriate documentation showing your education and credentials.

• Additional training: Telemedicine companies often provide training to educate clinicians on how to use relevant technology and platforms, as well as best practices for good webside manner.

Companies hiring remote LCSWs and LMFTs in Texas often post open positions on job posting sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn, so this is a great place to start looking for virtual therapy work opportunities.