Check the Texas license
The Texas Medical Board is the state's public source for physician licensing. Its Look Up a License tool shows a physician's profile: license status, educational background and disciplinary actions, with linked board orders where they apply. It also shows information the physician reports but the board does not verify, such as primary practice address and hospital privileges. The board says licensure data is updated daily and that exact birth dates are withheld.
If a search returns nothing, try fewer terms. Last name and first initial, or last name and city, often works better than a full name. The board's phone line is (512) 305-7010. A separate Search Board Action tool finds board actions across license types.
Check board certification
The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology says a board certified psychiatrist has completed required training, holds an unrestricted medical license, fulfills the board's maintenance of certification activities and has passed an exam every 10 years. Its verifyCERT tool lets the public look up whether a psychiatrist is certified and the status of the certificate, by name or by specialty and location. The American Board of Medical Specialties also runs Certification Matters, a public resource about board certification across specialties.
What the checks do not tell you
The Texas Medical Board does not publish lawsuit history. For that, the county court clerk where the physician practices is the source. Neither check tells you about bedside manner, wait times, how an office handles messages, or whether the approach fits you. NIMH suggests asking about experience with your concern, the usual approach, how long treatment lasts and cost, and paying attention to whether you feel comfortable and able to trust the provider.
If a name does not appear
Physicians are sometimes licensed under a full legal name that differs from the name on an office website, so a search by last name and city is a good second try. Some practices list several clinicians, and each person is licensed and certified individually. If you still cannot find the provider, call the office and ask for the full name, then search again. The board's phone line, (512) 305-7010, can help with problems using the lookup.
A short checklist
- Search the name on the Texas Medical Board lookup and confirm the license is active.
- Read the education section and any board actions.
- Search the ABPN verifyCERT tool for psychiatry certification.
- Call the office to confirm the address, plans accepted and how new patients are scheduled.
- Write down your questions for the first visit.
Offices in the directory each have a profile with address, phone and map. For what to ask once you book, see your first psychiatry visit.
Common questions
What does the Texas Medical Board lookup show?
Physician profiles show license status, education and disciplinary history, along with practice details that the physician reports and the board does not verify, such as primary practice address and hospital privileges.
Is board certification required to practice?
The American Psychiatric Association describes board certification as something most psychiatrists voluntarily earn. It signals completed training and ongoing education beyond licensure.
Does the board list lawsuits?
No. The Texas Medical Board says it does not publish lawsuit history. The county court clerk where the physician practices is the source for that.
What if I cannot find the psychiatrist?
Try fewer search terms, such as last name and first initial, or last name and city. The board's phone line is (512) 305-7010.