What can an LPC Associate say on a practice website?
In Texas, an LPC Associate has to use the words “LPC Associate” and name their supervisor everywhere they advertise counseling, and a practice website counts as advertising.
What the rule says
The rule is 22 TAC §681.49. It says an LPC Associate “must indicate Associate status on all advertisements, billing, and announcements of counseling treatment by the use of the term ‘LPC Associate,’” and that the associate’s name “must be followed by the name of the supervisor.”
So on your website, a bio heading might read: “Jane Doe, LPC Associate, supervised by John Smith, LPC-S.” Writing “LPC” on its own isn’t enough.
Where it shows up
It’s easy to fix the bio page and miss the rest. Check:
- Your About or team page, and any bio card
- Photo captions and page titles, including the title that shows in Google results
- Your Google Business Profile and Psychology Today listing
- Your email signature and intake paperwork
Testimonials and claims
The same rule bans advertising that’s false, misleading, incomplete or “not readily verifiable.” Describe how you work, not results you can’t promise. Testimonials have their own limits in the rule, and professional ethics codes (including the ACA and NASW codes) say not to ask current clients for them. Most new practices leave them off.
When your license changes
When you’re fully licensed, update every place on the list above on the same day. An out-of-date title is an easy thing for a client or a board to notice.
Other license types, such as LMFT Associate or LMSW, have rules of their own, so check with your board if that’s you.
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