RECENT PUBLIC POLICY NEWS
TCA Virtual Advocacy Week - April 13-17, 2026
TCA members came together for Virtual Advocacy Week and we have a lot to celebrate! A highlight of the week was recognizing proclamations from the Governor's office, the City of Austin, and Travis County officially declaring April as Counseling Awareness Month in Texas. This recognition reflects the power of collective advocacy and the vital role professional counselors play in supporting individuals, families, and communities across the state.
A special thank you to everyone who participated and used their voice to elevate the profession. Our advocacy efforts are making a real impact and this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more ways to get involved and keep the momentum going!
TCA Issues Joint Statement on Attorney General Opinion on SB 14 (88R) - March 3, 2026
The Texas Counseling Association, in coalition with the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the Texas Society for Clinical Social Work, and the National Association of Social Workers - Texas Chapter, has issued a joint statement opposing the recent opinion from Ken Paxton regarding SB 14 (88R). The statement clarifies that the opinion does not create new criminal prohibitions for licensed behavioral health professionals practicing within their scope but may create uncertainty for providers across Texas. Our organizations reaffirm our commitment to ethical care and stand with transgender and gender-diverse Texans, recognizing and respecting the identities and lived experiences of all clients.
Read the full joint statement here.
Celebrating School Counseling Week in Texas - February 2-6, 2026
TCA celebrates the hard work of all school counselors as they go above and beyond in their roles. School Counseling Week exists to highlight the crucial role school counselors play in fostering student readiness, resilience, and success.
TCA President Lesley Casarez shows the Texas Governor's Proclamation celebrating School Counseling Week
TCA Statement on SB 12 (89R) - August 19, 2025
The school year following a legislative session always brings new laws and procedures. This year, SB 12, effective September 1, 2025, is generating multiple requests for guidance due to its breadth and the changes it will require in many school counseling programs. Until rules are adopted, there is likely to be a variety of interpretations and implementations across school districts. SBEC announced it will begin the SB 12 rulemaking process this fall. TEA staff is presenting legislative updates at service centers across the state, including SB12 and other bills that may impact school counseling programs. In the absence of rules, TCA encourages you to observe the statutory language of SB 12 as you plan your school counseling program for the year ahead.
Read the full statement here.