Facing a complaint before the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (BHEC): a psychologist’s starting guide
A BHEC complaint letter is unsettling — but a complaint is not a finding, and a well-prepared first response can end matters early. This starting guide explains how a complaint before the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (now enforced through the Behavioral Health Executive Council) works: who regulates you, how complaints are prioritised and screened, the deadlines that matter, and the first steps that protect your licence.
Key takeaways
- Texas psychologists are regulated by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) under the Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), which handles all complaints and enforcement.
- Complaints are prioritised: sexual misconduct or imminent harm are “high priority”; everything else is regular.
- Once a jurisdictional complaint opens, you’re notified in writing and typically have 30 days to respond — the most important step in the process.
- A complaint must generally be filed within five years of the incident (seven years for sexual misconduct, or five years after a minor client turns 18).
- The governing law is the Psychologists’ Licensing Act (Tex. Occ. Code Ch. 501) and BHEC’s rules (22 TAC).
Who regulates Texas psychologists now?
Since 2020, Texas psychologists are regulated through the Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) — an umbrella agency the Legislature created in 2019 over four boards, including the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP). The board still sets professional standards and licensing rules, but BHEC’s Enforcement Division handles all complaints, investigations and discipline. The governing law is the Psychologists’ Licensing Act (Texas Occupations Code Chapter 501) and BHEC’s rules (22 Texas Administrative Code). BHEC regulates Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Psychological Associates and Licensed Specialists in School Psychology.
How complaints are prioritised
Anyone can complain — a client, a family member, a subsequent provider, law enforcement or another agency. BHEC first assigns a priority: high priority for allegations of sexual misconduct or a probability of imminent harm to the public; regular priority for everything else. Complaints alleging boundary or dual-relationship problems, confidentiality breaches, competence, or dishonesty are common.
The jurisdictional screen
The Enforcement Division reviews whether the complaint (1) states a violation of the law on its face, (2) names a BHEC licensee, and (3) concerns conduct within BHEC’s jurisdiction. If any fails, it is dismissed as non-jurisdictional (and referred to the right agency if it belongs elsewhere). If it is jurisdictional, an investigation opens and both you and the complainant are notified in writing, with a case number.
The 30-day response — your most important step
When BHEC opens an investigation, it sends you written notice with a copy of the complaint, the potential rule and statutory violations, and a request for a response within 30 days — often together with your notes, the identities of others involved, and your policies at the time. This first response sets the tone for everything that follows, and a thorough, well-argued reply is your best chance to limit or end the investigation. Take it seriously and, for anything beyond the trivial, get advice before you send it.
How far back can a complaint reach?
Timeliness matters. A complaint is generally timely only if filed within five years of the incident (or of the end of services). The exception is sexual misconduct, where the window is seven years — or, for a client who was a minor, up to five years after they turn 18, whichever is later.
What BHEC can’t act on
BHEC acts only on violations of the laws and rules it enforces, by its own licensees. Complaints about non-licensees, or matters outside its jurisdiction, are dismissed or referred elsewhere — a complaint about a physician, for example, goes to the Texas Medical Board.
Is the complaint public?
Complaint information is confidential during the process; a complaint that is dismissed, or that ends without discipline, is not public. Only formal disciplinary action becomes public record.
The first steps that protect you
- Diary the 30-day deadline the moment the notice arrives.
- Preserve your records exactly; never alter or add to a file after the fact.
- Mind your confidentiality obligations — disclose only as the process lawfully requires.
- Notify your professional liability insurer, and get advice before responding.
If the matter proceeds, see our guide to what to expect during a BHEC investigation and, for the response-and-discipline stage, how to build your defence.
Related courses
Strengthen your response and your professional record with structured ethics and professional-development courses for U.S. psychologists:
CourseDealing with a Complaint or Investigation Professionally CourseDocumentation for Healthcare Professionals CourseFitness to Practise for Healthcare Professionals CourseEnsuring Clinical Competence and Patient SafetyThese are structured ethics and professional-development courses with a certificate of completion. They are not accredited continuing education (CE) and are not a substitute for the Board’s mandatory continuing education requirements; confirm with the Board how any completion is recognized.
More Texas psychologist guides
What to expect during a Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (BHEC) investigation Responding to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists: how to build your defenseFrequently asked questions
Who regulates psychologists in Texas now?
The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP), through the Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), which since 2020 handles all complaints, investigations and discipline for Texas psychologists.
How long do I have to respond to a BHEC complaint?
Typically 30 days from the written notice of investigation. This first response is the most important step in the whole process.
How are complaints prioritised?
As high priority (sexual misconduct or a probability of imminent harm to the public) or regular priority (everything else).
Is there a deadline for filing a complaint?
Generally five years from the incident or the end of services. For sexual misconduct it is seven years — or, for a minor client, up to five years after they turn 18, whichever is later.
Is the complaint public?
No. Complaint information is confidential; only formal disciplinary action becomes public record.
Should I get a lawyer?
For anything beyond the most minor matter, yes — ideally a Texas psychology licence-defence attorney — and notify your liability insurer, which often funds that defence.
This article is general information for education purposes and is not legal advice. If you have received a complaint, a records request or a notice of investigation, seek advice from a Texas attorney experienced in psychology licence defence and notify your professional liability insurer. Healthcare Ethics Courses is an independent education provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, or any state agency; names are used for reference only.