Requesting Records and Filing Complaints
This post was last updated on 01/29/2026 and is in accordance with House Bill 4224, effective Sept. 01, 2025.
Belonging Counseling believes in transparency for our clients to access information on requesting records and filing complaints. As a current or former client, you have the right to request records from your counselor or file a formal complaint. Below, I have outlined the process and steps for each.
Requesting Records from Counselor
In the state of Texas, a Licensed Professional Counselor must keep client records for a minimum of seven years after the date of last contact or termination of services. For records involving minors, they must be kept for at least five years after the client turns 18 years old, whichever retention period is longer. You have a right to request a copy of these records. Here are the steps:
Contact your Licensed Professional Counselor directly via email, phone, or our contact form here to receive a Records Request form
Next, see below on how to submit the form:
If you are a current individual or couples therapy client(s), fill out the form and upload through the portal on Simple Practice. If you are a couple/relationship, the request must include written consent from all parties who participated in couples/relationship therapy for the release of information
If you are a former individual therapy client, fill out the form and mail to Belonging Counseling at 2222 Western Trails Blvd. Suite 101, Austin, TX 78745
If you are a former couples/relationship therapy clients, fill out the form and mail to Belonging Counseling at 2222 Western Trails Blvd. Suite 101, Austin, TX 78745. The request must include written consent from all parties who participated in couples/relationship therapy for the release of information
After your Records Request is received, your counselor will send you and invoice of $25 for the requested records.
Once the invoice is paid, your counselor will release your records via your preferred method. By law, Belonging Counseling is not required to provide copies of requested records until the fee is paid
Additionally, be advised the counselor may deny access to any portion of a record if the professional determines that release of that portion would be harmful to the patient's physical, mental, or emotional health. If your counselor chooses to withhold any portion of your records, they will write you a letter to explain the reasons for withholding the records and your options.
Complain Process to TBHEC
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) is the state agency that licenses and regulates professional counselors and other behavioral health professionals in Texas. If you have a concern or complaint about a licensed professional counselor, you may contact BHEC for information about the complaint process. BHEC investigates complaints related to professional conduct. Not all complaints result in disciplinary action, but the Council can provide guidance on how to file a complaint.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 7.300
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: 1-800-821-3205
Website: www.bhec.texas.gov
Contact Us: https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/
File a Consumer Complaint with the Office of Attorney General
You have the right to file a consumer complaint via the Office of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection webpage. Here is the link: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection
At Belonging Counseling, we offer individual and couples therapy in Austin, TX. Interested in services? Contact us here.
