Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
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Statement On Professional Counselors And COVID-19Professional counselors are uniquely trained and qualified to help people address the anxiety, stress and other emotional challenges that may occur during this pandemic and other natural disasters. Professional counselors work with individuals across their lifespan to promote wellness.If you or someone you love needs help, find a professional counselor by using our online search at www.txca.org/findacounselor. | ||
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| If you are not yet a member of the Texas Counseling Association, please consider joining. TCA is working to support all professional counselors in Texas during this extraordinary time, but TCA membership drives our work! Help us support you by joining today. | ||
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Telehealth Information
Telehealth Resources from HPSO
TCAs affiliated partner, Heathcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO), has compiled some Telehealth Resources that include:
- 15 risk control strategies to deliver distance counseling successfully while managing the inherent risks.
- A self-assessment checklist, selected to focus on telebehavioral health/distance counseling.
- A case study of a licensing board action in which the counselor failed to obtain informed consent.
- Links to resources for more information on providing telebehaviorial services in your practice.
Other Resources
- Informed Consent Terms for Telehealth Services [SAMPLE]
- Telehealth Informed Consent Options for LPCs
- List of telehealth websites complied by American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- COVID-19 Telehealth Coverage Policies from the Center for Connected Health Policy
- Higher Education Mental Health Alliance COVID-19 Resources
- Finding the Right Help During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) Outbreak
- Getting Paid During the Coronavirus Crisis: How a New Law Affects School Employees
- 6 Tips for School Counselors from the Texas School Counselor Association (TSCA is a division of TCA)
- TEA Resources for Professional School Counselors: Remote Counseling Supports
- [Video] 5 Tips for Managing Anxiety during COVID-19
- TEA Resource for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs During School Closures
- Information on access to out of state LPCs
Code of Ethics
Licensed Professional Counselors in Texas adhere to the Code of Ethics which allows that Technological means of communication may be used to facilitate the therapeutic counseling process. (Title 22. Texas Administrative Code. Section 681.41 (g)). All other rules governing the practice of professional counseling remain in effect whether services are delivered face-to-face or via technology. TCA encourages all LPCs to review the rules on a regular basis to ensure your practice is in compliance. Insurance companies may have additional requirements for reimbursement of telehealth services. You or your client should be sure to contact their insurance provider to confirm coverage.
View LPC Rules and Regulations
TCA Member Benefit: Free legal consultations from LegalCare
As a member of the Texas Counseling Association, you can access LegalCare at any time. This for telephone consultations with an attorney on personal and professional legal questions. Access this benefit through your TCA Member's Area.
Online Learning with TCA
We have been working to improve our online learning library. Check out our new and improved system and earn continuing education hours from the comfort of your home or office. Accessible from your TCA Member's Area (under Resources). TCA members receive preferred access and discounts on courses!
TCA members receive a preferred rate of $25 per course. Courses are $50 for non-members.
General Health Information
Texans Urged to Use 2-1-1 Texas Social Services Hotline For COVID-19 Information and Referrals
Visit the Texas Department of State Health Services COVID-19 Information Page
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 Information Page
News and Updates
March 26, 2020
To clarify the expectations of the LPC board during this time of emergency declaration by the Governor, University counseling programs are encouraged to help LPC practicum students, due to graduate this semester, attain the direct contact hours needed by using electronic forms of therapy if needed.
March 18, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott waived certain regulations and directed the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to issue an emergency rule to help doctors across Texas continue to treat their patients while mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
March 18, 2020
Governor Abbott announced on March 17th adoption of an emergency rule governing telemedicine and telehealth services provided by health professionals specifically including mental health professionals to reduce barriers to accessing services as a result of the Corona Virus pandemic.
March 17, 2020
Office of Civil Rights, US HHS announces it will waive penalties for HIPAA violations against health care providers including mental health who in good faith use any telehealth treatment or diagnostic purpose whether or not the telehealth service is directly related to COVID-19.
March 16, 2020
TCA President Mike Moyer sent a letter to Governor Abbott requesting that a directive be issued to insurance companies in Texas to waive requirements for additional training and specified platforms for the delivery of telehealth, and to reimburse mental health professionals working with clients via telehealth at the same rate as face-to-face visits.
TCA Executive Director, Jan Friese also signed onto a message to Governor Abbott in partnership with NASW-TX, TAMFT and TPA, making a similar request.