How to Become a QMHP-CS in Texas (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

After earning my psychology degree, I started applying for behavioral health positions in Texas. I kept seeing job postings asking for a QMHP-CS, but I couldn’t find a straightforward explanation of what that actually meant or how someone became one. The information was scattered across state regulations, employer websites, and job listings. I created this guide to bring everything together in one place and hopefully save someone else the same frustration.

Different employers can have different expectations, but if you’re looking for a QMHP (or QMHP-CS) job, the items that will help you stand above other candidates is to have your CPR/First Aid certification and the ANSA/CANS certifications.

CPR/First Aid is pretty self-explanatory – it’s training to help you possibly save a life, or to at least keep someone breathing until emergency services arrive. There are several different vendors for this, but the American Red Cross is probably the most known.

ANSA / CANS: These are the Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment and Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths respectively. These are systems of evaluating an individual’s strengths and needs. As far as I know, these are only offered by the Praed Foundation. (If anyone knows of another vendor, please feel free to reach out!)

Even if you get all of these certifications, you are not a QMHP until a licensed provider of mental health services has named you as one. So, you cannot be considered a QMHP unless you are hired to be one. Even if you do get a QMHP, you cannot be a “sole practitioner”. QMHPs must report to a licensed mental health provider.

*Texas does not define the exact number of semester hours that constitute “equivalent to a major.” Many bachelor’s degree programs require approximately 30 semester hours in the major field, but employers ultimately determine whether coursework satisfies the requirement.

No. This is an employer-bestowed qualification that allows certain business entities (Local Mental Health Authorities, private practices, etc) to allow qualified, non-licensed staff to provide certain billable services under appropriate supervision, when permitted by employer policy and payer requirements.

No.

No.

1. Earn an eligible bachelor’s degree.
2. Verify your coursework.
3. Obtain CPR/First Aid certification.
4. Consider earning ANSA/CANS certification.
5. Apply for QMHP-CS positions.
6. Be designated by your employer.

Can I be a QMHP-CS while working on my LPC?

Yes! In fact, many insurance policies will not allow LPC associates to bill, but WILL allow QMHP-CSs to bill. Many companies designate their LPC-As as QMHP-CSs to work around this limitation.

What’s the difference between a QMHP-CS and an LPC-A?

	QMHP-CS	LPC Associate
State license	❌	✅
Bachelor’s eligible	✅	❌
Master’s required	Usually No	Yes
Independent practice	❌	❌
Diagnosis	❌	Depends on setting/scope
Supervision required	✅	✅

Common Misconceptions

❌ “QMHP is a state license.”

✔ It isn’t.

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❌ “Anyone with a psychology degree automatically qualifies.”

✔ Employers still review your transcript and determine whether you meet the educational requirements.

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❌ “Once I’m a QMHP, I can open my own practice.”

✔ QMHP-CS staff work under the supervision and delegation of appropriately licensed professionals and cannot practice independently in that role.

Do I qualify?

The following table is intended as a general guide based on the Texas HHSC requirements and common employer practices. Individual employers review transcripts and make the final determination as to whether an applicant meets the educational requirements for QMHP-CS designation. If your degree is not listed, or if you’re unsure whether your coursework qualifies, contact the employer before applying.

Degree	Typically Qualifies?	Notes
Psychology	✅ Yes	Specifically listed in the HHSC requirements.
Social Work	✅ Yes	Specifically listed in the HHSC requirements.
Sociology	✅ Yes	Specifically listed in the HHSC requirements.
Counseling	✅ Yes	Specifically listed in the HHSC requirements.
Human Growth & Development	✅ Yes	Specifically listed in the HHSC requirements.
Rehabilitation	✅ Yes	Specifically listed in the HHSC requirements.
Educational Psychology	✅ Yes	Specifically listed in the HHSC requirements.
Early Childhood Education	✅ Yes	Specifically listed in the HHSC requirements.
Early Childhood Intervention	✅ Yes	Specifically listed in the HHSC requirements.
Gerontology	✅ Yes	Specifically listed in the HHSC requirements.
Nursing (RN)	✅ Yes	Registered Nurses qualify regardless of degree major.
Physician Assistant	✅ Yes	Specifically listed in the HHSC requirements.
Criminal Justice	⚠️ Maybe	Not specifically listed. Some employers may determine that sufficient human services coursework meets the “equivalent to a major” requirement, while others may not.
Education	⚠️ Maybe	Depends on concentration and coursework. Special Education is specifically listed.
Biology	❌ Usually No	Not generally considered a qualifying major unless accompanied by qualifying coursework.
Business	❌ Usually No	Typically does not meet the educational requirement.
Computer Science	❌ Usually No	Typically does not meet the educational requirement.
English	❌ Usually No	Typically does not meet the educational requirement.
History	❌ Usually No	Typically does not meet the educational requirement.
Other Degrees	⚠️ It Depends	Employers review transcripts to determine whether coursework is equivalent to a qualifying major.

Not sure if you qualify? Don’t automatically rule yourself out. Many employers are willing to review your transcript, especially if you have substantial coursework in psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, or related fields.