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Bill Summary · HB 2633

Legislative bill overview

HB 2633 would authorize Texas school districts to employ and utilize nonphysician mental health professionals (such as licensed counselors, therapists, and social workers) to provide mental health services directly to students. The bill establishes scope of practice and regulatory frameworks allowing these professionals to deliver evidence-based mental health interventions within educational settings.

Why is this important

Texas schools face significant mental health service gaps, with many districts lacking adequate counselors and psychiatric providers. Expanding access to nonphysician mental health professionals could help address student anxiety, depression, and behavioral health crises while reducing reliance on emergency services. This addresses workforce shortages in school-based mental health and may improve student academic outcomes and overall wellbeing.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice concerns: Questions about what diagnoses and treatments nonphysician providers can manage versus when physician oversight or referral is necessary
  • Liability and credentialing standards: Disagreement over licensing requirements, liability insurance, and quality assurance protocols for school-employed mental health professionals
  • Funding implications: Uncertainty about whether districts receive state funding for these positions or must absorb costs, potentially straining school budgets already under fiscal pressure
  • Parental consent and privacy: Debates over notification requirements to parents and confidentiality protections for student mental health records

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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