Elizabeth A. Owens, LPC, NCC

03/05/2026

The Texas Counseling Association, in coalition with the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the Texas Society for Clinical Social Work, and the National Association of Social Workers - Texas Chapter, has issued a joint statement disagreeing with the recent opinion released by Ken Paxton on SB 14 (88R).

Our statement clarifies that SB 14 addresses specific medical procedures related to physical health and does not regulate or prohibit mental health services. Licensed behavioral health professionals remain bound by their ethical standards, scope of practice, and commitment to providing culturally responsive, identity-affirming, and trauma-informed care. TCA also submitted an amicus brief arguing that mental health professionals are not included in SB 14 (88R) when the request for an opinion was filed last fall by the Behavioral Health Executive Council.

While the opinion does not create new criminal prohibitions for mental health professionals practicing within their scope, it does create uncertainty and concern among providers across Texas. TCA reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the people of Texas — including transgender and gender-diverse individuals. We will continue to advocate for dignity, safety, and ethical care for all.

Read the full joint statement:https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/TXCA/9a94f13f-4453-47fd-a4ab-77e8307c79b3/UploadedImages/SB_14_Joint_Statement_3_3_2026.pdf

03/03/2026

In 2022, when Paxton tried to interpret the law to target trans kids, the Texas Supreme Court said, “it is well-settled that an Attorney General opinion interpreting the law cannot alter the pre-existing legal obligations of state agencies or private citizens.”

That’s fancy speak for “shut up.”

The Texas Legislature banned certain medical procedures for trans youth in the state when they passed SB 14 in 2023. The list of banned procedures does not include mental health services. That means that it remains legal for mental health practitioners to treat young Texans with gender dysphoria. Paxton’s recent opinion claiming that SB 14 bans mental health care cannot and does not change the scope of the law.

To trans kids in Texas: There is an entire community of q***r and trans folks behind you. Our community has always taken care of each other, and we’ll take care of you.

If you need someone to talk to, call the Trevor Project: 866-488-7386

If you are looking for ways to support the trans kids in your life, a little care and support goes a long way. To learn more about navigating mental health crises, please see our Mental Health Toolkit. bit.ly/EQTX-MHTK

10/09/2025

In light of recent oral arguments at the Supreme Court in the Chiles v. Salazar case, ACA reaffirms that conversion therapy is a harmful practice. We also reaffirm our commitment to supporting policies that protect clients, uphold professional standards and advance the integrity of the counseling profession. As part of a coalition of mental health organizations, we have signed on to a friend of the court brief reiterating:

• Conversion therapy is a dangerous and discredited practice
• Psychotherapy is more than simply ‘talking’ — it is a medical treatment and therefore can be regulated by states
• Conversion therapy can fuel stigma and discrimination toward the LGBTQ+ community

Learn more about our efforts: https://bit.ly/3JYgo3G

03/25/2025

Visiting my state representatives with Equality Texas, Txsaige Division of TCA and Texas Counseling Association to advocate for my clients, my community, and gender affirming care!

03/15/2025

Join me at the Texas Capitol with Equality Texas and Txsaige Division of TCA on Monday 3/24!

Join us as we meet with legislators and rally with Equality Texas, ACLU of Texas, Texas Freedom Network, Lambda Legal, and more! Make your voice heard!

Register here: https://secure.everyaction.com/-BQtCcqCQEGykR0ohWT3tQ2

As well as let TxSAIGE know you are coming by signing up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWBGtzFM0LkRmvJE0lrVEMQu4AdD0HTXzIcGgfcVHR22TzNQ/viewform

02/12/2025

Join us as we meet with legislators and rally with Equality Texas, ACLU of Texas, Texas Freedom Network, Lambda Legal, and more! Make your voice heard!

Register here: https://secure.everyaction.com/-BQtCcqCQEGykR0ohWT3tQ2
As well as let TxSAIGE know you are coming by signing up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWBGtzFM0LkRmvJE0lrVEMQu4AdD0HTXzIcGgfcVHR22TzNQ/viewform

11/19/2024

11/05/2024

HAPPY ELECTION DAY from your TxSAIGE Advocacy Committee!

Find out where you are registered to vote in Texas here: https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do

Things to remember when you go vote today:

DO: look up the location of your polling place and arrive before 7pm

DO NOT: leave the line once you’re in it! As long as you are in line before 7pm, you will be permitted to stay and vote no matter how long it takes!

DO NOT: wear anything that supports or endorses a particular candidate, such as a shirt or hat. You will be asked to remove them (or turn your shirt inside out)

DO NOT: bring a firearm to your polling location, it is strictly prohibited

DO: take a bottle of water, it’s important to stay hydrated

DO: look up and read any local propositions before you reach the ballot box - you can usually find these on your county’s website

DO NOT: use your phone or take any photos at the ballot box

DO: be kind and polite to everyone working the polls today. They have a long a stressful day ahead of them, too

DO NOT: be intimidated by anyone campaigning outside of your polling location. You DO NOT have to engage with them

DO: Take at least one form of photo ID that exactly matches the information on your voter registration. Your physical voter registration card is not required. If your photo ID has expired within the last 4 years, don’t worry, it’s still valid and can be used at the polls!

DO: report any possible voting rights abuse to the Secretary of State (1.800.252.8683) or to your local election official

FINALLY
DO: keep checking in with yourself and assess how you’re feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally

DO: double down on your own self care and seek support from others in your community when you need it

DO: take a break from following the returns and news stations whenever you need to. You’ve already done your part and voted

Today may be stressful and difficult, but we are all in this together!

10/30/2024

I’m doing an awesome session tomorrow representing Txsaige Division of TCA at the Texas Counseling Association’s Annual Professional Growth Conference with Doc Tana Haven and Abi Smith! ASK US ANYTHING!!

🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

10/24/2024

I was so honored to get to present on providing gender affirming mental health care in Texas at the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Inters*x, and Gender Expansive Identities national conference in Denver earlier this month! It was a great opportunity to network with other counselors and represent Txsaige Division of TCA and Texas Counseling Association on a national level.

(Amazing “You Will Have To Go Through Me shirt by Stevie Bees)

10/07/2024

Thanks to everyone who came to our roundtable discussion Society for Sexual, Affectional, Inters*x, and Gender Expansive Identities conference! We had great representation from Txsaige Division of TCA and Texas Counseling Association!

Elizabeth A. Owens, LPC, NCC
Michael Lesher M.Ed. LPC